What You Need to Know About Poison Prevention for Pets

You may think that your pets are pretty adventurous, and they probably are! But they can still get into things they shouldn't. Whether they've ingested something that caused a pet emergency or not, it's always good to be prepared. With that in mind, here are some tips and ideas for preventing pet poisoning in and around your home.

What You Need to Know About Poison Prevention for Pets

Signs of Pet Toxicity

It's crucial that you're able to spot the symptoms of a pet emergency as soon as possible. For most household poisons, the symptoms can be the same for both people and pets. But there are other indicators that can be a tip-off. It's important to know the signs of a poisoned pet in order to prevent more serious problems later.

If your dog or cat has ingested a poisonous substance, he may experience any or all of the following symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, retching, urination, dilated pupils, anxiety, fever, depression, weakness, hiding, lethargy, incoordination, difficulty breathing, difficulty standing or walking, and dilated pupils.

Prevent Pet Poisoning Tips for Your Home

1 - Avoid giving human food

This is advice that many pet owners hear from the time they bring their first puppy or kitten home. And it's sound advice! Giving your cat or dog table scraps or human food is never a good idea. Not only are pets able to get into the kitchen cabinets where you keep this food, but some human foods aren't pet-friendly. They can cause your pet to become ill, or even worse; they can lead to death.

2 - Certain flowers and plants are toxic to animals

Be sure to keep toxic flowers and plants out of your pet's reach. Again, these plants can be harmful in other ways too. Contact with toxic flowers and plants can cause skin irritation, poisoning, and even death. Common flowers that are toxic to pets are lilies, daffodils, amaryllis, dahlias, and azaleas.

3 - Keep cleaners out of reach

Poisonous household cleaners are very dangerous for pets. Vinegar, ammonia, and bleach can be fatal if ingested.

4 - Store medications, insecticides, and other poisonous substances

Keep these items in a high place, such as a locked cabinet or the top shelf of a closet. Also, keep them in an area where your pet can't get to them. If you keep poisonous substances in an area that your pet can reach, you're playing roulette with your pet's life.

5 - Keep trash cans and compost bins covered

Many people are unaware that some common household poisons are found in their trash. Pet poisoning may occur when your cat or dog is eating through the trash or by chewing on plastic trash bags. Keep your compost bin closed when not in use, and make sure trash cans are sealed tightly.

Conclusion

While it's good to be prepared for the worst, you probably won't have to go to these lengths to prevent pet poisoning. But it's always nice to be safe and also to know what to do in case your cat or dog ends up with a poisonous substance in their paws.

Watch out for household items that are poisonous to pets and keep them out of your pet's reach. And don't ever leave toxic substances out where your pets can get to them. It's worth noting that cats are a little more adventurous when it comes to exploration, so it's a good idea to keep poisonous substances out of their reach.

Should you ever be in need of local pet supplies or need the advice of a professional pet dietician, come to EarthWise Pet Fremont. Let us help you ensure your furbabies are at peak healthy at all times!