What are the most common household substances and are poison hazards for Pets?

• The following substances can cause illness or death for your pets:
  • Human Medications
  • Insecticides
  • Rodenticides
  • People food
  • Veterinary Medications
  • Chocolate
  • Household Toxins
  • Outdoor Toxins
  • Plants
  • Herbicides

Human Medications

• Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants and ADHD medications are toxic to animals.
• Keep these inaccessible to pets.
• Do not leave them on nightstands or where they might fall to the floor.
• If you drop a pill or capsule on the floor, find it as soon as possible.

Insecticides

• Insecticides are commonly used on pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs.
  • Ant and roach baits
• Use these products as directed.
• Store these items in a safe place that is not accessible to your pets.
• Do not use dog products on cats or other animals; this can be lethal.

Rodenticides

• Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based.
• Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats.
• There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure.
• Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

People Food

• The following people foods can injure or kill your pets if eaten in specific quantities.
  • Xylitol (a common chemical additive to sugar free candy/gum)
  • Grapes, raisins
  • Onions and garlic 
  • Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested (as little as one full onion.)
  • Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
  • Macademia nuts
  • Chocolate

Veterinary Medications

• Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving.
• Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty.
• Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications.
• Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.
• Be careful not to store human and pet medications in the same place.

Chocolate

• Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets.
• The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains.
  • Baking chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate
• Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.

Household Toxins

• Cleaning supplies such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach.
• Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems.
• Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

Plants

• Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets.
• Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats
• Sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats.
• Mistletoe and holly berries
• Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.

Herbicides

• Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them.
• Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

Outdoor Toxins

• Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors.
• Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.