Poisoning and Pets: Don't Let Curiosity Kill Your Pet

Having cats and dogs in the home can be like having toddlers in the home. "Pet-proof" your home, inside and outside. Be especially careful if you have puppies, cats that leap to high places, or just a very curious -- or naughty -- animal. And you know what they say about curiosity killing the cat. Don't let that happen to your pet.

House and Yard Dangers
Look from your pet's level as you search for poisoning hazards. You probably know common poisons, but educate yourself on things that are dangerous to pets that aren't a problem for people.

Chemicals
As with children, don't leave out toxic substances. Pick up any spills immediately and keep your pet elsewhere if you'll be working with chemicals. Throw away any empty containers. Watch for these toxins:

• Household cleaners
• Gasoline and kerosene
• Rat poisoning -- make sure you set it where your pets can't go
• Insecticides
• Lawn and garden care products -- keep your pets away from lawns and other plants that have been recently treated
• Antifreeze -- not only is this especially attractive to pets, but also small amounts can kill
• Flea and tick products -- check with your vet before using

Medications
Many medications safe for you are deadly for animals. Check with your vet before giving any type of medicine or herb. Don't leave bottles where your pet might reach them and if you drop any pills, find and pick them up right away. Potentially toxic medications, according to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), include:

• Pain killers (including acetaminophen and ibuprofen)
• Cold medicines
• Anti-cancer drugs
• Anti-depressants
• Vitamins
• Diet pills

Foods
The safest bet is to stick with food made for cats and dogs. Many common human food products can sicken or kill your pet. Foods to avoid giving your pets:

• Chocolate
• Grapes
• Onions and onion powder
• Alcohol
• Yeast dough
• Chicken bones
• Tea leaves or coffee grounds and beans
• Salt
• All spoiled foods

Plants
Both houseplants and outdoor plants can be toxic. Be especially watchful if your pet likes to play with or nibble on plants. Find out what plants you have and remove or move any that you cannot keep from your pet. Common plant hazards include lilies, mistletoe, azaleas, geraniums, dumb canes, and fruit trees such as apple and apricot.

Poisoning Symptoms
Know when your pet looks or acts abnormally. Your pet's life may depend upon quick action. Call your veterinarian or a poison center with any signs, as well as the name and the amount of poisoning, if known. The ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) has a national 24-hour hotline at 1-888-426-4435 (consultation fee applies). Unusual signs of poisoning include:

• Seizures
• Diarrhea and/or vomiting
• Shaking
• Drooling or foaming at the mouth
• Unexplained bleeding
• Excitable or lethargic
• Sores, especially around the mouth, or swelling
• High or low body temperature

Play it Safe
Do your best never to have to make that call. Protect your animal companion from the kind of curiosity that kills.