March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, a time we devote to emphasizing the many household toxins that can harm our pets. As pet parents, we have a responsibility to familiarize ourselves with possible household poisons and try to prevent anything dangerous from occuring.
Common Household Poisons
Many everyday items in our homes that appear perfectly safe to us can be harmful to your dog or cat. Here are some of the most common toxins to watch out for:
1. Foods Toxic to Pets
Some things we eat are fine to share with your pet. However, there are many things that aren’t safe for cats and dogs.
- Chocolate
- Grapes and Raisins
- Onions and Garlic
- Xylitol (Artificial Sweetener)
- Alcohol and Caffeine
The list of forbidden foods is much longer than that. Anytime you’re thinking of feeding your pet some of your own food, look it up first and make sure it’s safe for your pet.
2. Household Cleaners and Chemicals
It may come as no surprise to hear that many cleaning products have toxic chemicals in them that will harm your pet if ingested or inhaled. Bleach, ammonia, and disinfectants should always be stored securely. When using cleaning sprays or solutions, keep pets away until surfaces completely dry. If your pets, especially cats, walk on wet surfaces, they may then lick their paws.
3. Medications
It is common these days to have both prescription and over-the-counter medications in our homes. They can pose serious health risks to pets. Ordinary items such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol) are very toxic and can cause kidney or liver damage. Never give human medications to your pet unless your vet has told you that you can.
4. Poisonous Plants
Many popular indoor and outdoor plants are toxic to pets, including:
- Lilies
- Aloe Vera
- Sago Palm –
- Pothos and Dieffenbachia
- Oleander
- Azaleas and Rhododendrons
These are only a few of the poisonous plants. The list is too long to cover in one article. If you are considering planting or bringing into your home a new plant or flowers, do your research and make sure it’s safe.
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
It’s critical to recognize the signs of poisoning early. Symptoms may include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Seizures or tremors
- Loss of coordination
- Difficulty breathing
- Changes in heart rate or body temperature
If you think your pet could have eaten something toxic, immediately contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control hotline.
Preventing Pet Poisoning
Taking a few simple precautions can go a long way in keeping your pet safe:
- Store toxic substances, including food, cleaning products, and medications, out of reach.
- Be mindful of plants in and around your home.
- Keep trash cans securely covered.
- Educate family members about pet-safe practices.
- Regularly inspect your home for potential hazards.
- Use pet-safe alternatives to common household chemicals when possible.
- Be cautious with essential oils—some, like tea tree oil, can be toxic to pets. Cats, in particular, do not do well with essential oils.
Emergency Resources
It is best if you leave a note on your refrigerator that lists important resources in case of a poisoning emergency. Contact:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 764-7661
- Your local veterinarian or nearest emergency animal hospital
Additional Safety Tips
- Secure outdoor spaces: If your pet has access to a yard, ensure there are no toxic plants or lawn chemicals they could ingest.
- Be cautious with rodenticides and insecticides: These can be deadly if ingested by pets.
- Monitor playtime: Ensure pet toys are free of small, toxic components that can be chewed off and swallowed.
- Be mindful of holiday dangers: They often introduce additional hazards, such as festive plants like mistletoe and poinsettias or seasonal treats that contain chocolate and xylitol.
- Check your car: Antifreeze is highly toxic to pets, and even a small amount can be fatal. Ensure any spills are cleaned up immediately, and consider using pet-safe antifreeze alternatives.
- On cold days and nights, cats like to crawl up under the hood of cars to stay warm. Before you start your car, bang on the hood or blow your horn.
Final Thoughts
Of course, we should be careful about poisons and our pets year round. National Pet Poison Prevention Month is a special time to remind ourselves about the hidden dangers lurking in our homes. Take this month as an opportunity to pet-proof your home and educate others about the importance of poison prevention. Sharing awareness with fellow pet owners, pet sitters, and community groups can help prevent accidental poisonings and save lives. Every small action contributes to making the world a safer place for our beloved pets.
Dr. Shelby Neely is a Penn graduate who works for Banfield Pet Hospital. When she’s not treating pets, she also works as a freelance writer. Before joining Banfield, Dr. Neely owned a very successful feline-only practice. She was also the creator and author of the award-winning Ask The Cat Doctor website. Dr. Neely considers her three successful children and her veterinary career her most significant achievements. She lives in King of Prussia with her two adorable cats and loves to visit her four granddogs.
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