Mar 06 2001
In keeping with my series of Responsible Pet Ownership, I thought I would bring to the attention some of the more serious poisons around your homes. Just as you would do if you brought a child into your household you must poison proof your home for any pets. There are many different poisons around the house that most of us wouldnąt even think twice about. Some of the very things we use to make our home a cleaner place for ourselves, can be fatal to our beloved pets. Did you know that Pine oils and automatic dishwashing detergents can be extremely poisonous to your pet? How about that Tylenol (Acetaminophen) you laid on the counter just before the phone rang? You were just about to get a glass of water, but now you settle in for a 15 minute call as your curious cat just canąt resist seeing what you left behind. Most people do not even realize the danger they left behind and although aspirin can also be toxic, it is said that acetaminophen is especially toxic to our animals.
One of the worse poisons I can think of around the house is in your garage. Antifreeze is responsible for the deaths of many animals every year. It does not take very much antifreeze to create kidney failure in animals. And it is particularly dangerous because of its sweet taste. Most animals will lap it up in a moment thinking they have found some little treat. It could be as simple as you refilling your antifreeze for your car in the garage and some of it dripping out onto the concrete below. Then you turn your back for a moment as your dog investigates, or your cat does it great escape for itąs few moments of freedom in the garage and suddenly you donąt know what has hit them.
Other dangers right under our noses are the common houseplant. Not all houseplants are poisonous but some certainly are. Your vet may be able to provide you with a list of toxic plants for all animals. Click here for a list of toxic plants for cats and dogs.
The dangers at home are many but can easily be managed or avoided. Lets all make a safe living environment for our pets so they can continue to bring us much joy for many years to come.
For more information on hazards of the household, please contact your local veterinarian or Humane Society. You can also find many great sources through the Internet by searching many of the animal health sites. If your pet has ingested any toxic materials, call your vet or local poison control center immediately.
