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Every home contains a variety
of everyday items and substances that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet's
health by becoming aware of the most common health hazards found in many pet-owning households.
HAZARDS IN THE KITCHEN Foods Many foods that are perfectly safe for humans could be harmful or potentially deadly
to dogs and cats. To be safe, keep the following food items out of your pet's menu:
Coffee
grounds Grapes/raisins Chocolate Onions Yeast dough Tea Macadamia nuts Alcohol Fatty foods Salt Avocado Chewing gum Candy Breath fresheners Fruit seeds Mushrooms Rhubarb leaves Spinach Sugar Tobacco Bones
Always keep garbage out of a pet's reach, as rotting food
contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning.
Cleaning Products Many household cleaners can be used
safely around cats and dogs. However, the key to safe use lies in reading and following product directions for proper use
and storage. For instance, if the label states "keep pets and children away from area until dry," follow those directions
to prevent possible health risks. Products containing bleach can safely disinfect many household surfaces when used properly,
but can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea, severe burns if swallowed and respiratory tract irritation can
occur if inhaled in a high enough concentration. In addition, skin contact with concentrated solutions may produce serious
chemical burns. Some detergents can produce a similar reaction, and cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients
such as phenols. As a general rule, store all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of pets and keep them
in their original packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container. All aerosols containers All cleaning agents Lighter fluids Bread
"twisties" Plastic
wrap Hot containers Knives Glass Insecticides/Rodenticides: As with
household cleaners, read and follow label instructions before using any type of pesticide in your pet's environment. For
example, flea and tick products labeled "for use on dogs only" should not be applied to cats or other species, as
serious or even life-threatening problems could result. Always consult with your veterinarian about the safe use of these
products for your pet. If a pet ingests rat or mouse poison, potentially serious or even life-threatening illness can result.
Therefore, when using any rodenticide, it is important to place the poison in areas completely inaccessible to pets.
HAZARDS IN THE BATHROOM
Medications that treat human medical conditions can make pets very
sick. Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. As a rule, the following medicines should be
tightly closed and stored in a secure cabinet above the counter and away from pets, plus several other items: All perscription drugs All over the counter drugs Vitamins Bath soaps Hand soaps Toothpaste Sun blocks Aftershave Iodine Cosmetics Deodorants Hand/body lotions Nail polish &
remover Perfume Shampoo Cotton swabs Hair pens Dental floss Razors Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pets from consuming treated toilet
bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract.
HAZARDS IN THE BEDROOM AND LIVING ROOM
While they may smell good, many liquid
potpourri products contain ingredients that can cause oral ulcerations and other problems, so keep them out of the reach of
your pets. Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat and mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious
illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures,
coma, respiratory tract damage (if inhaled) and even death (if ingested). Pennies (those minted after 1982 contain zinc) and
alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls) can also be hazardous when ingested. There objects that are
harmful and should be kept out of reach:
Glue Scented candles Pencil lead Buttons Jewelry Nylons Paper clips Remote controls Rubber bands String & yarn Scissors Needles Exposed wires Computer disk Movie/music
CD's Small children's
toys
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HAZARDS IN THE
GARAGE AND YARD
Antifreeze,
Herbicides and Insecticides Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants, even in small quantities, can be fatal to
both dogs and cats. While antifreeze products containing propylene glycol are less toxic than those containing ethylene glycol,
they can still be dangerous. In addition to antifreeze, other substances routinely stored in the garage including: Insecticides Plant/lawn fertilizers Weed killers Ice-melting products Nails Gasoline Car oil Soft wood shavings Paint/Paint thinner Mineral spirits Screws When chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure
and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer's recommended time. If pets are exposed to wet chemicals or granules
that adhere to their paws, they may lick it off later; stomach upset or more serious problems could result.
HAZARDOUS PLANTS
Compare the list below with the decorative plants that you have
in or around your home. If your home contains any of the following, consider placing them in areas that your pet does
not have access to or get rid of them altogether.
Arum Aloe Amaryllis Andromeda Japonica Azalea Baneberry Belladonna Bird of Paradise Blue
Bonnet Caladium Castor Bean Clematis Daffodil Daphne Devil's Ivy Dieffenbachia Dumb
Cane Eggplant Elderberry English Ivy Eucalyptus Ferns Foxglove Geraniums Glacier
Ivy Gladiolas Golden Pothos Honeysuckle Hyacinth Hydrangea Kalanchoe Lilies Morning
Glory Mother-in-law Oak Philodendron Poison
Hemlock/Ivy/Oak/Sumac Rhododendron Schefflera Sweet
Pea Tulip Wisteria Yucca For
a complete listing of common toxic and non-toxic plants, visit www.apcc.aspca.org.
HOLIDAY HAZARDS
Don't forget that holidays and visitors can pose a special challenge
to your pets. Discourage well-meaning guests from spoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinner table. Fatty,
rich or spicy foods can cause vomiting and diarrhea and lead to inflammation of the pancreas. Poultry or other soft bones
can splinter and damage your pet's mouth or esophagus. While trick or treating is fun for children, it can be hazardous
to pets. Halloween treats such as chocolate or candy sweetened with xylitol can make a harmful snack. Certain Halloween and
Christmas decorations (especially tinsel, ribbons and ornaments) also pose a hazard to pets, so make sure nothing is left
on the floor or on tables within reach. String-like items can damage your pet's intestine and could prove fatal if not
surgically removed. While poinsettia is not deadly as popular legend would have it, it could still cause an upset stomach
if consumed. Holly and mistletoe are especially dangerous plants. Christmas tree water treated with preservatives (including
fertilizers) can also cause an upset stomach. Water that is allowed to stagnate in tree stands contains bacteria that, if
ingested, could lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED
Don't wait! Time is critical
for successfully treating accidental poisoning. Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center (1-888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply). Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight and any symptoms.
Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations
can be made.
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