Poison Prevention

You can find many items in your cupboards, garage, garden, even your purse or backpack that are be poisonous to your pet. This gives curious cats and dogs easy access to items that can cause serious harm. In fact, we searched our database and found thousands of cases of pets poisoned by common household items. Since 2013, we have paid $2.9 million toward toxicity claims for cats and dogs. Below are some of the most common poisons we found and what you can do to protect your pet.

Top poisons affecting pets

Make sure to familiarize yourself with these symptoms so you can spot an infestation as soon as possible. In some cases there may be no signs at all so attending regular check-ups with your vet is advised.

	Kitchen – Many foods commonly found in the kitchen are toxic for our pets. Avoid giving your pets a taste of the following: Chocolate Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum & some peanut butter) Grapes Raisins Alcohol Yeast dough Caffeine Onions Macadamias Mushrooms
	Garage – Your garage, shed, basement, or cabinets can house a number of substances that wouldn’t seem appealing to a pet–but they’ll get into it anyway. Be sure to keep the following out of reach: Dishwashing detergent Bleach Household cleaners Rodent poison or traps Slug bait Fertilizer Lawn or garden chemicals Antifreeze De-icing salts Toxic garbage
	Medicine cabinet – Many poison claims are involving human pain medication whether they were dropped on the floor or the pets got into a purse. Some of the most common are: Hand sanitizer Acetaminophens (Tylenol) Pseudoephedrines (Sudafed) Albuterol found in inhalers Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Advil, ibuprofen, Aspirin) THC in medicinal marijuana
	Yard or house – Plants are everywhere, and as a pet owner, you should know which plants to keep from your pets. Lilies are especially dangerous for cats, and sago palms for dogs. Know which plants are dangerous for your pet: Lily Tulip Azalea Daffodil Foxglove Sago palm Dumbcane Yew

How to prepare

• Keep emergency contact information readily accessible including your veterinarian’s phone number and directions to your local 24-hour emergency veterinary hospital.
• Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best plan for you and your pet.
• Prepare a pet first aid kit with any supplies you may need.
• Familiarize yourself with pet poisons and keep them out of reach of your pets. If you believe your pet has ingested a poison, do not wait for signs to develop — take your pet immediately to the veterinarian.

Note: If you have questions or concerns about your dog’s health or possible symptoms, be sure to contact and consult with your veterinarian right away.

Source: https://trupanion.com/pet-care/poison-prevention