What are some common household poisons that I should be aware of?
Here is a list of common household poisons, in no particular order:
-
Antifreeze (Ethylene glycol)
Note: there is a non-toxic alternative available, Propylene Glycol - Slug/Snail bait
- Prescription medications
- Mouse and Rat poison
-
Some plants (indoor and outdoor), shrubs, and trees
Check with your veterinarian for help in finding information on native plants in your area that are toxic to pets. -
Flea and Tick treatments
Using more or not following product recommendations is NOT the way to kill more fleas and ticks! - Lawn fertilizers, weed killers
- Household cleaners and chemicals
Any specific pet poison-proofing tips?
Some of the potential toxins above may seem obvious, but think again. Poisons such as rat, slug, snail, mice, and ant baits are baits, they are made to be attractive and tasty, even to the curious pet. Don't count on how well you hide these baits, either. Make sure that they are safely out of pet's reach (and that the pet isn't able to chew through something to get at them).
Medications made for humans may have coatings on them that are tasty to pets, enticing ingestion. Ethylene glycol antifreeze is known to be sweet-tasting, a danger to pets and children.
Unknowingly playing fetch or encouraging your dog to chew on plants or trees that are poisonous could have disastrous effects.
Dogs love to chew... that spray bottle, can, or other container may be viewed as a toy by a curious dog... until the container is punctured and contents leak out!
Finally, please carefully read all directions for use of chemicals; those intended for pets and those intended for other purposes (yard, house) and follow directions carefully.
Pet Poison Hotlines (for pet owners and veterinarians):
ASPCA - Animal Control Poison Center
Additional Pet Poisoning and Toxicology Information:
Veterinary Q & A: Poisonings in Pets
Top 8 Common Household Poisons
Top 10 Pet Poison Prevention Tips
Toxicology Links
Text: Copyright © Janet Tobiassen Crosby. All rights reserved.
