The third week in March is “Poison Prevention Week.” The average American household contains dozens of dangerous products which, if used improperly, can make us sick. But did you know everyday items we think of as harmless can hurt, and even kill, your pet? Many plants, people foods, and common household chemicals can poison our furry friends and result in emergency veterinary bills and preventable pet deaths each year. The ASCPA maintains a comprehensive list of toxic plants, foods, and household products to increase awareness and pet parent education. There’s even a mobile app you can put on your smartphone with 24/7 access to their help hotline (888-426-4435). Remember, your pet does not understand certain substances are dangerous. Many dogs have a sweet tooth and will happily eat as much chocolate as they can. Cats love to chew on plants and cannot tell the difference between harmless catnip and poisonous tulips. It is your responsibility to protect them.

It may seem daunting to remove every possible source of poison from your household; it may even seem impossible. But, with a little bit of education, you can easily remove or lock up the most common sources of danger. According to TruPanion, a pet medical insurance company, these are the top sources of pet poisonings each year: chocolate; xylitol (found in some gum and peanut butter); grapes; raisins; alcohol; dishwashing detergent; bleach; household cleaners; rodent poison; hand sanitizer; acetaminophen (Tylenol); pseudoephedrine (Sudafed); lilies; tulips; azaleas; daffodils. Ensuring none of these common poisons are accessible to your pet is a great first step. Additionally, you should never feed your pet human food, no matter how much they may seem to like the flavor, unless you are absolutely certain it is not harmful. And, if your pet becomes sick, only give medication prescribed or approved by your veterinarian.

The symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the type of animal and substance ingested but may include vomiting; diarrhea; seizures; lethargy; loss of appetite; inability to urinate; and many others. If you suspect your pet may have ingested a poisonous substance, don’t wait for symptoms to appear! There are pet poison helplines you can call which, usually for an incident fee, will help you determine the best steps. Of course, an emergency vet clinic will ensure your pet gets help quickly but can cost a significant amount of money. The best, and cheapest, protection is to be aware of common household poisons and prohibit your pet’s access. Keeping cleaning chemicals locked away, keeping foods behind closed doors, and only growing non-hazardous plants will help keep your four-legged friends safe and healthy. If you are unsure if a product may harm your pet, talk to your veterinarian. Education is your greatest defense.