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Every home contains a variety of everyday items andsubstances that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested bydogs and cats.You can protect your pet’s health by becomingaware of the most common health hazards found in manypet-owning households.FoodsMany foods that are perfectly safe for humans could beharmful or potentially deadly to dogs and cats.
To be safe,keep the following food items out of your pet’s menu:HAZARDS IN THE KITCHENCleaning ProductsMany household cleaners can be used safely around catsand dogs. However, the key to safe use lies in reading andfollowing product directions for proper use and storage.For instance, if the label states “keep pets and children awayfrom area until dry,” follow those directions to preventpossible health risks. Products containing bleach can safelydisinfect many household surfaces when used properly, butcan cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea,severe burns if swallowed, and respiratory tract irritation ifinhaled in a high enough concentration. In addition, skincontact with concentrated solutions may produce seriouschemical burns. Some detergents can produce a similarreaction and cats can be particularly sensitive to certainingredients such as phenols.As a general rule, store all cleaning products in a securecabinet out of the reach of pets and keep them in theiroriginal packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealedcontainer.Insecticides/RodenticidesAs with household cleaners,read and follow label instructionsbefore using any type of pesticide in your pet’s environment.For example, flea and tick products labeled “for use on dogsonly”should not be applied to cats or other species,as seriousor even life-threatening problems could result. AlwaysHAZARDS IN THE BATHROOMHAZARDS IN THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOMAntifreeze, Herbicides and InsecticidesEthylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even insmall quantities, can be fatal to both dogs and cats. Whileantifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxicthan those containing ethylene glycol, they can still bedangerous. In addition to antifreeze,other substances routinelystored in the garage including insecticides, plant/lawnfertilizers, weed killers, ice-melting products and gasolinealso pose a threat to your pet’s health if ingested.When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, besure and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer’srecommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicalsor granules that adhere to their paws, they may lick it offlater; stomach upset or more serious problems could result.Paints and SolventsPaint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents aredangerous and can cause severe irritation or chemical burnsif swallowed or if they come in contact with your pet’s skin.While most latex house paints typically produce a minorstomach upset,some types of artist’s or other specialty paintsmay contain heavy metals or volatile substances that couldbecome harmful if inhaled or ingested.Plants - Inside or Around the HouseThere are many household and yard plants that can sickenyour pet. Some of the most commonly grown greenery thatshould be kept away from pets include:• Lily of the Valley, oleander, azalea, yew, foxglove,rhododendron and kalanchoe may cause heart problemsif ingested.• Rhubarb leaves and shamrock contain substances thatcan produce kidney failure. Certain types of lilies (Liliumand Hemerocallis species) are highly toxic to cats, resultingin kidney failure — even if only small amounts are ingested.• Sago palms (Cycad species) can cause liver damage,especially if the nut portion of the plant is consumed.• Additionally, fungi such as certain varieties of mushroomscan cause liver damage or other illnesses.A few other potentially harmful plants include philodendron,corn plant, castor bean, mother-in-law’s tongue, Hibiscusand hydrangea.For a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants,visit www.apcc.aspca.org.HAZARDS IN THE GARAGE AND YARDconsult with your veterinarian about the safe use of theseproducts for your pet.If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, potentially serious oreven life-threatening illness can result;therefore, when usingany rodenticide, it is important to place the poison in areascompletely inaccessible to pets.Soaps and other SundriesBath and hand soaps, toothpaste and sun blocks should alsobe kept away from your pets. They can cause stomach upset,vomiting or diarrhea. Keep toilet lids closed to prevent yourpets from consuming treated toilet bowl water that couldirritate their digestive tract.MedicationsMedications thattreat human medicalconditions can makepets very sick. Nevergive your pet anymedication unlessdirected by yourveterinarian. As arule, the followingmedicines should be tightly closed and stored in a securecabinet above the counter and away from pets:chewing gum, candy and breath freshenerscontaining xylitolcoffee groundsfatty foodsteachocolateavocadoalcoholyeast doughgrapes/raisinssaltmacadamia nutsonionsgarlicAlways keep garbage out of apet’s reach,as rotting food containsmolds or bacteria that couldproduce food poisoning.While they may smell good,many liquid potpourri productscontain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and otherproblems, so keep them out of the reach of your pets.Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or catand mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause seriousillness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney andblood cell damage, swelling of thebrain tissues,seizures,coma,respiratorytract damage (if inhaled) and evendeath (if ingested).Tobacco products,pennies (those minted after 1982contain zinc) and alkaline batteries(like those in your remote controls)can also be hazardous when ingested.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin,ibuprofen or naproxenacetaminophen diet pills/vitaminscold medicines antihistamines prescription drugsantidepressants
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American Veterinary Medical Association1931 North Meacham Road, Suite 100Schaumburg, Illinois 60173 - 4360www.avma.orgPrinted 12-05OTHER HOUSEHOLD HAZARDSHOLIDAY HAZARDSWhile trick or treating is funfor children,it can be hazardousto pets. Halloween treats suchas chocolate or candy sweetenedwith xylitol can make a harmfulsnack. Certain Halloween andChristmas decorations(especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) also pose a hazardto pets, so make sure nothing is left on the floor or on tableswithin reach.String-like items can damage your pet’s intestine and couldprove fatal if not surgically removed.While poinsettia is notdeadly as popular legend would have it, it could still causean upset stomach if consumed. Holly and mistletoe areespecially dangerous plants. Christmas tree water treatedwith preservatives (including fertilizers) can also cause anupset stomach. Water that is allowed to stagnate in treestands contains bacteria that,if ingested,could lead to nausea,vomiting and diarrhea.A SPECIAL NOTE OF CAUTION TO BIRD-OWNERSJust like dogs and cats, most hazards listedhere apply to your pet bird, particularly if itis allowed to roam freely outside of its cage.In addition,birds have unique respiratory tractsthat are especially vulnerable to inhaled particlesand fumes from aerosol products, tobaccoproducts,certain glues,paints,and air fresheners.Birds should never be allowed in areas where such productsare being used. As a rule, birds should never be kept inkitchens because cooking fumes,smoke and odors can presenta hazard.Don’t wait! Time is critical for successfully treating accidentalpoisoning. Be prepared to state yourpet’s breed,age,weight and any symptoms. Keep the productcontainer or plant sample with you to assist in identificationso the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made.WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONEDFor more information about pet poisons,visit the ASPCA Poison Control Centerwww.apcc.aspca.orgCover photo of lab and lights by Paulette BraunDon’t forget that holidays and visitors can pose a specialchallenge to your pets. Discourage well-meaning guests fromspoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinnertable. Fatty, rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting anddiarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Poultryor other soft bones can splinter and damage your pet’s mouthor esophagus.Small items that fall on the floor can be easily swallowedby a curious cat or dog. Such items include coins, buttons,small children’s toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails, andscrews. The result maybe damage to your pet’sdigestive tract and theneed for surgicalremoval of the object.While electrical cordsare especially temptingto puppies who like tochew on almostanything, even an adultdog or cat could findthem of interest; burnsor electrocution couldresult from chewing onlive cords. Prevent thisby using cord covers andblocking access to wires. |
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