FALL/WINTER SEASON HAZARDS FOR PETS
Here are some tips for keeping your pets out of danger during the winter
season.
AVOID Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet
Alcoholic beverages Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans) Moldy or spoiled
foods Onions, onion powder Fatty foods Salt Yeast dough
PLANTS
Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be
deadly to your cat. Many types of lily, such as Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show,
Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca, can cause kidney failure in cats.
Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity. If ingested, poinsettias
can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or
nausea. Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems.
However, mistletoe ingestion usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
MEDICATIONS
Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the
reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold
medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are
common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in
small dosages. One regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause
stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Remind holiday guests to store their
medications safely as well. During the holidays, many veterinary clinics
have limited office hours. In some cases, pet owners try to medicate their
animals without their veterinarian's advice. Never give your animal any
medications unless under the directions of veterinarian. Many medications
that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less
than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg) can be dangerous to a
cat weighing 7lbs.
OTHER FALL/WINTER HAZARDS
Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be
lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less
than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up
any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in
secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze
should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene
glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Toxª brand antifreeze contains
propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households. If you think
your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian right away!
Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances commonly used during the
holiday season. Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct
ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or
simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon
themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to
some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular
damage.
Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the
actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would
include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte
imbalances.
Rat and mouse killers are used more commonly during colder weather. When
using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible
to your companion animals.
ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!
Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it.
You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency
veterinary service, and the ASPCA
National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient
location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous,
seek medical attention immediately.
Household Poisons
Many toxic products are labeled with warnings. Nevertheless, the toxicity of
other products may not be immediately apparent, and your pet does not
necessarily have to eat or drink something to ingest it; when grooming, your
pet will swallow anything on his/her paws or body. Furthermore, some toxins
can be absorbed directly through the skin or gums and still cause serious
problems. If you don'Õ know if a product is safe, treat it as a potential
poison. Store it in a tightly sealed container in a securely closed cabinet,
preferably out of reach of your pet and children. Signs of poisoning in your
pet include: drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, difficult or rapid breathing,
changes in drinking or eating habits, lethargy, and neurological symptoms
such as convulsions, loss of coordination, disorientation or coma. If your
pet exhibits any of these symptoms, try to determine exactly what substance
he/she ingested. Call your veterinarian or
NAPCC (National Animal Poison
Control Center) @ 1-888-4-ANI-HELP immediately, with the product container
on hand, and take along with you to the vet.
The following list includes common household items that must be kept out of
the reach of your pets and children.
You can grow a grass garden inside for your cat or dog, plain grass,
sprouting wheat or oat makes a fine snack, provides fiber to aid digestion
and supply extra nutrients. Choose a shallow pot so your pet has easy
access. Fill the pot with sterilized packaged potting soil, leaving some
space around the edge for watering. Moisten the soil, and then sprinkle the
grass seeds on it. Potted grass will grow best in a sunny area, but remember
to water it often so the soil does not dry out. Since the unstable roots are
no match for a cat, keep the pot out of his/her reach. When strong enough
offer to your pet. This information was compiled by the Animal Planet Net
work.
The following is a list of potentially hazardous
plants that can be harmful to your pets.
With permission from the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC),
I have comprised this list, along with the help of the Animal Planet Web
Site. The NAPCC is a non-profit, cost recovery program at the College of
Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois in Urbana, IL 61801. The NAPCC
has a wide range of information specific to animal poisoning, not only from
plants, but also pesticides, drugs, medications, metals, cleaning products
and other poisonous substances. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned
call your veterinarian or you can call the NAPCC. Accurate identification of
the plant in question is most essential. Local floral shops and plant
nursery personnel are valuable sources of information regarding plant
information. THIS IS NOT A FREE CALL! Telephone Numbers for the NAPCC
1-800-548-2423 ($45.00 Per Case, credit card only.) Or 1-888-4-ANI-HELP
http://www.napcc.aspca.org A note
of caution: Plants are often sprayed with insecticides and treated with
fertilizers. These products may mask or alter the adverse clinical signs
observed in the animals exposed to a hazardous plant.
