Hello everyone, your friend Tuki is visiting you from my perch in the Potter League. As pet parents, you want to keep your pets safe and healthy. So feed your pet the best food, toys to play with, and regular veterinary visits (even if your pet doesn't like it very much)! ). Another important thing to consider is avoiding anything that could make you sick or worse. March 17-23 is National Poison Prevention Week. Now's the time to think about common things your pet might encounter that aren't harmful to humans but could be dangerous to your pet.
food
- alcohol: While you may want to enjoy a nice glass of wine or beer with dinner, you should avoid allowing your pet to do so. Alcohol can cause central nervous system depression, which can lead to difficulty breathing, coma, and even death.
- Chocolate and coffee: Chocolate and coffee are made from cocoa seeds and berries and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, and seizures. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but you should avoid giving your pet chocolate or coffee of any kind.
- fruit: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets. Other fruits such as oranges, lemons, and coconuts (including coconut milk and water) can cause an upset stomach when eaten in small amounts, but can cause more problems when eaten in large quantities.
- Milk and dairy products: You may see pictures of cute kittens drinking milk from saucers, but pets cannot digest milk from other animals, which can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.
- vegetables: All vegetables in the onion family, such as onions, chives, leeks, and garlic, can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Cats may be more susceptible, but dogs are also at risk.
- Xylitol: You may be thinking, “I've never heard of this before,” but xylitol is not actually a food, but is used as a sweetener in many things, including candy and gum, and can cause liver failure in pets. There is a possibility. . Although your pet may not chew gum, xylitol may also be used in diet products and low-fat products such as peanut butter. I've never met a dog who didn't like peanut butter, so always check the label before chewing gum. buy!
Household goods
- Carpet air fresheners and shampoos: Most of these products are safe for pets when used according to label directions. If your pet comes into contact with newly applied carpet freshener powder, wash their paws to prevent irritation and licking.
- bleaching: Most products containing bleach can be used to clean pet areas and toys if used and diluted correctly. Allow bleach products to dry completely before touching your pet. If the odor is still strong, open a window or use a fan to remove the odor. Always remove cleaning products immediately after use and put away sponges, mops, and buckets to prevent your pet from ingesting any leftover solution.
- Toilet cleaning tablet: If your pet likes to drink from the litter box from time to time, using litter flushing tablets may cause an upset stomach. Also, since there are bacteria in the toilet, it is better to keep the lid closed to prevent drinking.
- Essential oil: Inhaling essential oils (such as from diffusers or plug-in air fresheners) can cause pneumonia, and ingesting them can cause liver damage. Different types of oil have different levels of toxicity and should not be used in pet living areas.
- Scented cat litter: Most scented litters contain only small amounts of scented oils and are safe for most cats. If your cat has respiratory problems or is sensitive to smells, it's best to avoid them.
plant: Many houseplants and garden plants can be toxic to dogs and cats, so it's important to thoroughly research plants before purchasing them for your home or garden. Common plants such as lilies, azaleas, and poinsettias can be harmful or even fatal if ingested by pets. Become familiar with the specific plants that may pose a threat and choose pet-safe plant alternatives when decorating your living space or garden. Keep plants out of reach of pets and consider creating a designated pet-friendly area to minimize the risk of accidental ingestion. If you're unsure about a particular plant, consult your veterinarian to ensure your furry friend's safety.
Rodenticide: Rat and rat poisons are designed to attract animals, but if ingested they pose a serious danger to pets and can also harm wildlife. Keep these products out of reach of pets and use pet-safe alternatives for pest control. Consider non-lethal alternatives for rodent control to minimize the impact on both your pet and the environment. Employing methods such as traps and natural deterrents can help you manage your rodent problem without endangering your pets or local wildlife. Make sure the traps and deterrents you use are pet-safe and placed in areas that are inaccessible to your furry friend. By choosing non-lethal methods, you can contribute to a safer environment for your pets and local wildlife.
Insecticide: Some pesticides designed to control pests may contain chemicals that pose a potential risk to your pet. These chemicals can cause adverse effects if ingested, inhaled, or come into contact with your pet's skin. To protect your pet and minimize exposure to harmful substances, it is important to carefully follow label instructions when using pesticides.
Marijuana: Although marijuana is legal or commonly used in some areas, it can pose serious risks to pets. Dogs in particular are more sensitive to THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. Ingesting marijuana can cause symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting, loss of coordination, and even seizures. It's important to keep marijuana products, including edibles and joints, out of reach of pets. If you suspect your pet has ingested marijuana, contact your veterinarian immediately. Discarded joints and marijuana-infused products can pose a danger to curious pets, so be careful during outdoor activities.
Exposure to marijuana smoke can also be harmful to pets. Inhaling second-hand smoke, especially in enclosed spaces, can cause respiratory problems and irritation in cats and dogs. Pets with pre-existing respiratory conditions such as asthma may be particularly susceptible. It is important to create a smoke-free environment for your pet and avoid exposing it to marijuana smoke in any form. If you use marijuana, use it in a well-ventilated area away from pets to minimize exposure to them.
medicine: All medications, whether for humans or pets, even prescribed treatments, carry potential risks for your furry companion if not administered correctly. Store both human and pet medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, in a secure cabinet that your pet cannot access. Many pet medications are flavored to make them easier to administer, but be aware that this can make them more tempting to your pet. Dosage and potential interactions can vary widely between species, so never administer human medications to your pet without consulting your veterinarian. Prioritize your pet's safety by seeking professional guidance on proper medication administration.
If your pet encounters something it shouldn't get into, contact your veterinarian. It will help you decide the next steps in your pet's treatment. The ASPCA has a Poison Control Hotline that can provide helpful information 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (1-888-426-4435).
We hope you and your pet are safe and healthy.
“Until next time, my friend, Tuki.
If you have any questions, please write to Tuki at 87 Oliphant Lane, Middletown, RI, 02842 or email TukiTalk@PotterLeague.org. Potter League for Animals can be found at 87 Oliphant Lane in Middletown and online at Potterleague.org..
