Pet Poisoning Hotline's Pet Poisoning Prevention Month Pet Owner Foul List, Elite Eight
March isn’t just crazy, it’s also Pet Poison Prevention Month. To help sports enthusiasts remember to protect their pets while rooting for their favorite team, the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline analyzed incident data and created a foul list of eight elite pet owners. is created.
1. Administration of analgesics in humans. Pet owners often give their pets human painkillers when they feel unwell.
Dr. Renee Schmidt, Senior Veterinary Toxicologist at the Pet Poison Helpline, says, “No one wants to see their beloved pet in pain, so seeing a pet in pain can be depressing. It's common to reach for the nearest painkiller to get better.” . “The problem is that animals are very sensitive to human painkillers, especially NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, and even small amounts can be potentially fatal. Cats are particularly sensitive to these drugs. So there is no margin for error in giving these drugs.”
2. Mixing up medicines for humans and pets. Pet owners can store their own medications in the same location as their pet's medications and accidentally give their pet their medications.
“Is there a specific place in the house where you keep all your medications?'' Dr. Schmidt asked. “Then you're not alone! Many pet parents store their pet's medicines in the same place as their own medicines, and have been known to accidentally give their pets human medicines. Depending on the type and amount of the drug, fatal outcomes can occur. This is especially true for skeletal muscle relaxants such as baclofen and heart/blood pressure medications.”
3. Home treatment for vomiting. Owners may attempt to induce vomiting in their pets without veterinary guidance, which can lead to injury.
“The internet is full of instructions on how to make your pet vomit,” warns Dr. Schmidt. “But getting your pet to vomit is not as casual as Dr. Google would like you to believe. There is never a safe way to induce vomiting in your cat at home, so here are some formulas that are proven safe for cats. Medication should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian. Giving your dog too much hydrogen peroxide can have serious consequences, so do not use it under the guidance of a veterinarian or poison specialist. Only, you may be able to induce vomiting in your dog at home. Attempting to gag your pet manually can cause nerve damage to the protected area of the airway, and salt can cause poisoning in your pet. Also, the countless other options you may have read about are dangerous and often ineffective. There are also certain substances that can cause even more harm if vomited. Always work with your health care professional when considering whether prompting is necessary.”
Four. Improper storage of household detergents. Cleaning products such as toilet bowl cleaners can have harmful consequences if left unattended or left in a toilet bowl that your pet can access.
“Having to clean unwanted areas like the toilet bowl often makes us think about the true meaning of life,” Dr. Schmidt mused. “Detergents are often poured into the toilet bowl and left for a short time to work their magic. If the toilet lid is not closed or the bathroom door is left open, , a curious furry housemate could find a bottle of toilet cleaner or water and end up downing a potentially dangerous drink or two.”
Toilet bowl cleaners can have a corrosive effect on the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, causing severe ulceration and pain. Depending on the concentration and amount ingested, these effects can be life-threatening.
Five. Trash can temptation. Moldy food left in the garbage can become an attractive treat for pets.
“When you deep clean your refrigerator, it often contains moldy food that you immediately throw in the trash,” Dr. Schmidt says. “These moldy foods can contain tremor-inducing mycotoxins that cause ataxia, tremors, and seizures. Deaths can occur. Avoid eating moldy foods. If you do put it in a trash can, be sure to keep the trash can out of reach of your pet, or if possible, remove the trash from your home immediately and place it in a larger, more secure trash can.”
6. Access to dangerous compost. Allowing unsupervised pets access to your compost pile can become an all-you-can-eat buffet.
“Food and organic matter in compost piles can also support the growth of molds containing vibromycotoxins,” Dr. Schmidt explained. “If you use a compost bin, be sure to fence off the area so your furry friend can't access the wonderful smelling and tasting rotting material.”
7. Installation of rat poison. Placing rodenticide in areas that pets can access can kill more animals than just the rodents.
“Sometimes, no matter how hard we try, rodents like rats and mice find their way into our homes, garages, and sheds,” Dr. Schmidt said. “Rat and mouse baits are often installed to rid these areas of nuisance rodents. These baits contain a variety of active ingredients, and depending on the amount ingested, they can be deadly. If you use mouse or rat bait in the same area as your pet, be sure to keep the bait out of reach of your pet and only use it at the bait station provided by the bait manufacturer. These do not completely eliminate the risk of curious pets getting into the bait, but they can make access a bit more difficult. Also, the bait may not be stored in the recommended bait station and may fall apart. If left unattended, the rodents may take the food to another location that is more accessible to your pet.”
8. Convenient cocktail access. Leaving alcoholic or caffeinated drinks on a low table (coffee table, end table) is no reason for your four-legged friend to party.
“Leaving alcoholic or caffeinated beverages on a low table can easily cause distractions, giving your pet enough time to ingest a poisonous amount. ” warns Dr. Schmidt. “Animals, unlike humans, cannot tolerate alcohol or caffeine. Small amounts may require veterinary attention, but large amounts can be fatal.”
“As humans, life throws us in the way, and we sometimes make mistakes. If you do this, or if your pet comes into contact with other potentially poisonous items, immediately take your pet to your veterinarian or your pet. Call an addiction helpline,” Dr. Schmidt urged. “We're here to save your pet's life when a potential problem arises.”
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