Pet Poison Prevention Month- Pack Mom Tips

Pet Poison Prevention Month

March is in full swing and it is in fact Pet Poison Prevention Month.  Time to batten down the hatches Pack Moms!

Now, when I filmed a segment for Daytime about this topic, the teleprompter read something like….”Jenn Fadal  is here with tips to keep our pets safe from dangerous household items lurking around every corner.”  The “lurking around every corner” part made the host burst into giggles.  Then the co-host burst into giggles and then I did too.  The funniest part?  I wrote that line.

But, it is true!  So many everyday items can make our pets sick or worse.  We all know the usual suspects:  chocolate, onions, holiday decor, etc.  The litany of potentially poisonous items could go on for pages.

No worries, I won’t bore you with a laundry list here.  I will give you links to thorough information, tips to prevent pet poisoning and what to do if your pet becomes poisoned.  Deal?

Prevention Tips:

1. Treat your pet like a young inquisitive child.
2. Keep all cleaners and medications out of reach and in a secure cabinet.
3. Separate your meds from their meds, and Fido’s meds from Felix’s so there is no confusion.
4. Ensure you are administering their medication correctly.  An incorrect dose of a common medication can be extremely dangerous.
5. Clean up all spills and leaks on your garage floor.
6. If your pet is nosey, crating him or keeping him in a secure area while you are away is the safest alternative.
7. Keep telephone numbers handy:  Pet’s veterinarian, ER Vet and Poison Hotline.  Program into your phone and keep these numbers next to your land line as well.

Pet Poison Prevention

What do you do if your pet is poisoned?  

1. Call your veterinarian, emergency vet or the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC)- 1-(888) 426-4435.
2. If symptoms are serious or getting worse get in your car and call your Veterinarian on the way there.
3. If your dog has vomited or experienced diahrea, collect a sample and bring it with you.
4. Write down all of the symptoms your pet has presented and let the veterinarian know.
5. Induce vomiting or feed activated charcoal ONLY if your veterinarian or the NAPCC has recommended to do so.  Some poisons are made worse by vomiting.  If he/she does recommend this, use hydrogen peroxide that is not out of date, is bubbly and use your vet’s recommended dose.

Use all natural products as much as you can!  It is better for you and your family!

Toxic Items Lists:

Top Toxins of 2012

Common foods

Plants Toxic and Non Toxic

17 Poisonous Plants

Did you know?  Oleander, a very common plant in many parts of the country, is so toxic that even a small amount ingested could cause serious illness or even death?  Or,  that only three ounces of dark/baking chocolate could kill a twenty five pound dog?  I didn’t.

Knowledge is power and prevention is key!

Many wags,

Jenn

Tags: aspca.org, cats, chocolate, daytimeonline.tv, Dogs, featured, Jenn Fadal Pet Expert, Jenn Fadal Pet Wellness & Lifestyle Expert, Pet Poison Prevention Month, Toxic household items, Toxic plants

Category: Safety