Poison Prevention for Pets
March 3rd, 2008 categories: Pets & People
Two years ago, my brilliant dog, Obie, injested Liquid Drano.
How did he manage this?
My kitchen sink was draining slowly, which I discovered after running the disposal to get rid of some extra chicken soup. I put in some Liquid Drano and walked away.
Obie must have thought he hit paydirt because he hopped onto the counter and started lapping up the chicken soup and Liquid Drano. Yummy!
From another room, I heard a suspicious noise which always means “Obie has found trouble.” I ran in and found him with his paws in the sink.
Obie and I have had a checkered past but I don’t wish him any harm. I love him, even more so when he does dumb stuff.
So, I ran to the computer because I knew the ASPCA runs a poison control hotline for pets. I found the number, (888) 426-4435 and called. For a fee costing less than a visit to the vet, the ASPCA walked me through some steps to ensure Obie didn’t suffer from his percociousness.
Poisons are all over our houses and it’s our job as the humans to make sure our pet kids don’t injure themselves with our stuff. Liquid Drano is obviously dangerous but many things are not. The ASPCA puts together a list of pet poison prevention tips. Here are a few of the tips:
1. Certain foods can be toxic to pets if eaten in significant quantities.
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado
Chocolate
Coffee
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
2. Ibuprofen may help relieve your headache, but painkillers and other common medications can be deadly to your animal companions. Please keep all prescription and over-the counter drugs—that includes cold medicines, diet pills, antidepressants, anti-cancer drugs and vitamins—in closed cabinets out of your pets’ reach. Never give your pet medication unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.
5. Common houseplants can be poisonous to your pets… And note that many members of the lily family (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)—these popular springtime plants include the Easter lily, tiger lily, rubrum lily, Japanese show lily and some day lilies—can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested.
For more, visit the ASPCA website.
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