Protecting Dogs and Cats from Pet Poisons

Simple Tips for Avoiding Poisonings in Animals

May 25, 2009

Pet poisoning can occur suddenly and without warning and can be fatal. Follow these simple tips to keep pets safe and avoid ingestion of or exposure to pet poisons.

Pet poisoning can be a serious health threat for the animal involved and a stressful, heart-breaking situation for the pet owner. However, there are precautions which pet owners can take to help avoid pet poisonings.

Store Medications in a Secure Location to Avoid Pet Poisoning

Many human medications can be toxic to pets when ingested. Some human medications are more dangerous than others, but pet owners should be careful to avoid exposure of their pets to any human medications, regardless of whether the medications are prescription drugs or drugs which are available over the counter. Medications should be stored in a medicine chest, cupboard, drawer or other secure location to avoid accidental ingestion of medications by pets.

Pet owners should also use caution when handling medications. Pets, particularly dogs, have been known to quickly ingest any pills or other medications dropped on the floor.

Store all Chemicals and Cleaning Supplies in a Secure Location to Avoid Poisoning of Pets

Ingestion of chemicals and other supplies are frequent causes of toxicities in pets. Commonly encountered toxins include:

These chemicals need to be stored in a secure location to which pets have no access. Many of these chemicals can be fatal for pets even in small quantities.

Use Pet Safe Pest Control Products and Lawn Products to Protect Pets from Toxins

Many pet-safe rat and mouse control products are available. Other products for controlling insects and other pests are also available in pet-safe formulations. There are numerous pet-safe products which are offered for lawn care as well. Even anti-freeze and ice melts are available as pet-safe products. Consider replacing more traditional products with pet-safe products where possible.

Follow Directions for Using Pet Medications to Avoid Over-dosage or Pet Toxicity

Though most flea, tick and heartworm preventive medications are safe for pets, it is important to read and follow label directions carefully when administering or applying these medications. It is worth noting that medications used in an inappropriate fashion can become dangerous for pets. For instance, flea medications which are formulated to be applied topically can become toxic when administered to the same pet orally.

It is also important for pet owners to realize that medications need to be used only as directed and only on the pets specified. For instance, medications formulated for dogs are often not safe for cats.

Avoid Animal Exposure to Plants to Avoid Pet Poisonings

Many types of plants, both house plants and garden plants, are toxic to pets when ingested. Commonly encountered poisonous plants include:

House plants should be placed in an area where pets are unable to chew on or ingest plant leaves or flowers. Animals allowed outside should be kept away from toxic flowers and plants located in the garden or landscape.

By using these simple steps to avoid pet poisonings, pet owners can keep their dogs and cats safe from these dangerous and potentially deadly animal toxins.

The copyright of the article Protecting Dogs and Cats from Pet Poisons in Pet Care is owned by Lorie Huston. Permission to republish Protecting Dogs and Cats from Pet Poisons in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.