By
25August2012

In Italian, a belladonna is a beautiful lady;
in English, it's a deadly poison
Ambrose Bierce

[Animal Doc AM Multi-Media with Dr. Don DeForge is now being presented at Silver Sands Veterinary on FB and Twitter]

Avoiding Pet Poisoning
There are many poisons in and around our homes that can be lethal to our pets.  Non-secured medicine cabinets and human medicines that are left out on counters are very common pet poison exposure areas.  Be sure to secure all of the medicines that you take.  Remember, many of the over the counter medicines you take can be just as lethal as prescription medicines.

Here are some categories of Human Medicines that are very dangerous for your pet to ingest:
  • Painkillers of all types
  • Cold Medicines
  • Diet Supplements
  • Antidepressants
  • Allergy Medicines
  • Supplements
  • Muscle Relaxants
  • Sedatives
  • Medicines to Induce Sleep
Many times these medicines are dropped on the floor and the pet comes along and licks and swallows them thinking they are eating a treat.  You must make sure your house is pet safe at all times.

Chemical Hazards in the home can also be life threatening.  If you do not have the following products under lock and key in secure cabinets do it tonight.

Potential Chemical Poisons in your home can come from contact with:
  • Drain, sink, and tub cleaners
  • Paint products as well as spirits for cleaning paint spills or brushes
  • Ethylene glycol in antifreeze
  • Floor cleaners
  • Disinfecting agents including bleach 
  • Ammonia cleaning agents
  • Petroleum Products
The next category of poisons that could lead to an ER visit or death concerns Agents Used In And Around The Yard.  As we move into fall, we groom our yards and complete our fall garden cleaning and lawn treatments.  Be cautious.  Read product descriptions carefully.  Do not place products that are toxic to children or pets.

 Pest and Garden Toxins could come from contact with:
  • Rodenticides,
  • Herbicides 
  • Fertilizers
Your own Veterinary Medications can become a poison if ingested at toxic levels or ingested by a pet that the medicine was not prescribed for by accident.

Veterinary Medicines that can lead to a poisoning by improper usage are:
  • Heartworm Medicine
  • Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Medicines
  • Antibiotics
  • Nutritional Supplements
  • Antibiotics
  • Skin and Ear Preparations
  • Pain Killers of all types
  • Allergy Medicines
  • Anti-Anxiety Drugs
  • Cardiac Medicines
  • Anti-Hypertensive Medications
 There are many Plants, inside and outside the home, that can be very toxic to pets.

Some of the Common Plants that are toxic to dogs and cats are:

  • Lilies-very toxic to cats-they can cause life-threatening kidney failure
  • Rhododendrum
  • Sago Palm
  • Azalea
  • Kelanchoe
  • Schefflera

Take a moment and Google these plants to study their toxicity to your cat and dog.  This is only a sampling.  Visit the ASPCA Poison Control Center to study other plants that are poisonous to dog and cats.

Here are some important guidelines:
  If you suspect a poisoning in your pet do not attempt to treat it yourself.  The Internet is blanketed in home cures.  Get HELP immediately!  Call your health professional, your local doctor of veterinary medicine, and get the correct advice.  If there are already serious signs of poisoning such as weakness, lack of motor coordination, vomiting of blood, seizures, difficult breathing, or coma get to your local 24/7 ER Center for immediate intervention.

If you have questions and your pet is not experiencing signs of poisoning but it is suspected call the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.  For a nominal fee, a toxicologist will consult with you and your veterinarian about the suspect poisoning.

Many poisonings can be stopped by being pro-active.  Poison proof your home.  Think that you have an investigative two year old in your home and consider how you would act to prevent a poisoning in your child.  Our pets are our children!  Enjoy your pets and have a safe life with them for the good of your pet!

Dr. Don DeForge
26August2012
Animal Doc AM Multi-Media
Silver Sands Veterinary Center
17 Seemans Lane
Milford, Ct. 06460
1-800-838-3368
www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com
Visit us on FB at Silver Sands Veterinary
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