March is Pet Poison Awareness Month and if you own a pet, you want to help keep them safe! Our team here at NLVH has put together this list of common household items you probably have sitting around your home that could prove to be fatal for your pet.
Drugs. Have a headache? You may be ready to pop a Tylenol, but this isn’t safe for your pet. If your pet accidentally gets into some of your human medication, including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen, you could be facing a serious pet health emergency. Other human medicines to keep away from pets include cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins, diet pills, and drugs that fight cancer.
Strings. We don’t like when strings are attached, but your pet will dislike it even more, because stringy items, including yarn, rubber bands, dental floss, and the like can be easily swallowed by your pet, causing intestinal blockages or even strangulation, both of which can be fatal.
Repellents. Some insect control products, including many over-the-counter flea and tick preventives, could be toxic to your furry pal. Prescription products are always safest, but even a prescription medication meant for a dog could be deadly if used on a cat. Always ask us which flea and tick products are best for your pets.
Cooking spray. No one wins when dinner sticks to the pan, but make sure that the spray only sticks on cooking surfaces and avoids your pet’s paws. Consuming large amounts of these products can lead to gastrointestinal and respiratory tract problems.
There are many household and garden items that are also dangerous for your pets. Also watch for poisonous plants, toys with small parts, rawhide chews, and human foods that may be dangerous for your pet (chocolate, artificial sweeteners, chicken bones, alcohol, onions, and grapes, just to name a few).
If you suspect your pet has gotten into something they shouldn’t have, contact us for help. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline 24 hours per day, 7 days per week.