Making Your Home a Poison Safe Home

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet

Many foods are perfectly safe for humans, but could be harmful or potentially deadly to dogs and cats. To be safe, keep the following food items out of your pet’s menu:

• Alcoholic beverages

• Avocado (especially with birds)

• Chocolate (all forms)

• Coffee (all forms)

• Fatty foods

• Macadamia nuts

• Moldy or spoiled foods

• Onions, onion powder

• Raisins and grapes

• Salt

• Yeast dough

• Garlic

• Products sweetened with xylitol (such as sugar-free gum candy and breath fresheners)

• Tea

• Always keep garbage out of a pet’s reach, as rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning

Medication

Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian. Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:

• Pain killers, such as Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen/mortin/advil, naproxen/aleve, or acetaminophen

• Cold medicines

• Some antihistamines

• Anti-cancer drugs

• Antidepressants

• Vitamins

• Diet Pills

Common Household Hazards

Every home contains a variety of everyday items and substances that can be dangerous or even fatal if ingested by dogs and cats. You can protect your pet’s health by becoming aware of the most common health hazards found in many pet-owning households.

• Fabric softener sheets

• Mothballs

• Pennies minted after 1982 (due to high concentration of zinc)

• Cleaning Products – such as products containing bleach or phenols. Please read label carefully - if toxic to children/pets until dry, follow those directions to prevent health risks.

• Rodenticides (rat/mouse bait)

• Flea and tick products labeled “for use on dogs only” should not be applied to cats or other species.

• Bath and hand soaps

• Toothpaste

• Liquid potpourri products

• Tobacco products

• Alkaline batteries (like those in your remote controls)

• Sun blocks

• Small items that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious cat or dog. Such items include coins, buttons, small children’s toys, medicine bottles, jewelry, nails and screws.

Hazards in the Garage and Yard

• Ethylene glycol-containing antifreeze and coolants

• Insecticides/pesticides

• Plant/lawn fertilizers - when chemical treatments are applied to grassy areas, be sure and keep your pet off the lawn for the manufacturer’s recommended time.

• Weed killers

• Gasoline

• Antifreeze

• Ice melting products

• Paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents

• Some types of artist’s or other specialty paints

• Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions

• Blue-green algae in ponds

• Citronella candles

• Cocoa mulch

• Compost piles

• Swimming-pool treatment supplies

• Fly baits containing methomyl

• Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

• The heat!!

Toxic Plants in the House and Yard

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experts field tens of thousands of calls each year involving animal companions who’ve had potentially hazardous contact with pet-toxic plants. While gardens and yardsare lovely for relaxing, they can also prove dangerous for our animal companions. Please check their website for a complete list of toxic and non-toxic plants, including pictures -- http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.

• Certain types of lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis species)

• Lily of the Valley

• Oleander

• Yew

• Foxglove

• Sago palms (Cycas species)

• Azaleas

• Rhododendrons

• Spring bulbs (such as tulips and daffodils/narcissus)

• Castor bean

• Cyclamen

• Amaryllis

• Chrysanthemums

• Pothos

• English ivy

• Philodendron

• Corn plant

• Mother-in-law’s tongue

• Hibiscus

• Hydrangea

• Schefflera/scheffleria

• Rhubarb leaves

• Shamrock

• Fungi (such as certain varieties of mushrooms)

• Yesterday-todayand-tomorrow plant (Brunfelsia species)

• Autumn crocus (Colchicum species)

Holiday Hazards

• Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.

• Electrical cords

• Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!) or ornaments

• Batteries

• Glass ornaments

• Holly and mistletoe

• Discourage well-meaning guests from spoiling pets with extra treats and scraps from the dinner table (such as fatty, rich, or spicy foods).

Non-toxic Substances for Dogs and Cats

The following substances are considered to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:

• Water-based paints

• Toilet bowl water

• Silica gel

• Poinsettia

• Cat litter

• Glue traps

• Glow jewelry

Pet Food Recalls/Alerts

The FDA sends out periodic notices about isolated pet food recalls—both voluntary and involuntary. Please check the FDA’s website for the most current information about safety alerts and recalls.

I think my pet is sick from contaminated food. What should I do? If your pet shows any signs of illness, including loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption or changes in urination, please consult your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

A Special Note of Caution to Bird Owners

Just like dogs and cats, most hazards listed here apply to your pet bird, particularly if it is allowed to roam freely outside of its cage. In addition, birds have unique respiratory tracts that are especially vulnerable to inhaled particles and fumes from aerosol products, tobacco products, certain glues, paints and air fresheners. Birds should never be allowed in areas where such products are being used. As a rule, birds should never be kept in kitchens because cooking fumes, smoke and odors can present a potentially fatal hazard.

What to Do If Your Pet is Poisoned

Don’t wait! Time is critical for successfully treating accidental poisoning. Pick up the phone and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply). Be prepared to provide your pet’s breed, age, weight and any symptoms. Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made.

For more information about pet poisons, visit, ASPCA Poison Control Center www.aspca.org/apcc