- Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your
pet's yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago
palm, Easter lily or yew plant material by an animal could be
fatal.
- When cleaning your house, never allow your pet access to
the area where cleaning agents are used or stored. Cleaning
agents have a variety of properties. Some may only cause a
mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of
the tongue, mouth and stomach.
- When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or
snail and slug baits, place the products in areas that are
inaccessible to your animals. Most baits contain sweet
smelling, inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter and
sugars, which can be very attractive to your pet.
- Never give your animal any medications unless under the
direction of your veterinarian. Many medications that are used
safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. One
extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a
seven-pound cat.
- Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of
your pets' reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers,
cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins
and diet pills are common examples of human medications that
could be potentially lethal, even in small dosages. One
regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in
a ten-pound dog.
- Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half
ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound of body weight can
cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic
problems.
- Many common household items have been shown to be lethal
in certain species. Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic,
even in low quantities, include pennies (high concentration of
zinc), mothballs (contain naphthaleneor paradichlorobenzene -
one or two balls can be life threatening in most species),
potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish
detergents (contain cationic detergents which can cause
corrosive lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which
can also cause corrosive lesions), homemade play-dough
(contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents
like hand or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron),
cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic drinks.
- All automotive products such as oil, gasoline and
antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from pets. As
little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can be
deadly in a seven-pound cat, and less than one tablespoon can
be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
- Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in
your household, contact your veterinarian to discuss what
types of products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL
information before using a product on your animal or in your
home. Always follow label instructions. When a product is
labeled, "for use in dogs only," this means that the product
should NEVER be applied to cats or other pets. Also, when
using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to remove all pets
from the area for the time period specified on the container.
If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact
the manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the
directions BEFORE use of the product.
- When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers,
herbicides or insecticides, always keep your animals away from
the area until it dries completely. Discuss usage of products
with the manufacturer before using. Always store such products
in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.
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