Every year, thousands of pets are killed or fall sick because of poisoning. The thing is most of these cases involve everyday household items. It is common sense that a lot of the things we leave lying around the house may be very dangerous and highly toxic to our pets.

Every year, various animal poison control centers in the country field thousands of calls involving pets being exposed to:

  1. Human Prescription Medications – painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and even dietary supplements. Pets usually get these from counters, nightstands, and those unwittingly dropped on the floor.
    pain killers
  2. There are also times when pet drugs are also the cause of pet poisoning, specifically if they have been improperly given to pets. 

  3. Pesticides and Insecticides – Bug repellants should be kept hidden. However, one would be surprised to learn that the chemicals that we use for our pets are the ones that are usually harmful. Some flea and tick shampoos have pesticides in them that our pets could ingest. We might also be using the wrong topical cream. Make sure to ask your veterinarian which is right for your pet. For bug repellents, use an all natural insect repellant like Buh-Bye Bugs.
    Pesticides

  4. Some other chemicals like antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners, and evening cleaning products are also poisonous to pets. They can cause gastrointestinal upset, respiratory difficulties, depression, and chemical burns.
    Antifreeze

  5. Fertilizers are also a common culprit for pet poisoning. If you let your dogs and cats roam in your garden or any places outdoors, make sure that they are not able to reach your fertilizers.

  6. Human Food – Certain foods like grapes, avocado, citrus fruits, and chocolates could poison your pets. These foods can cause diarrhea, vomiting, panting, over urination, excessive thirst, hyperactivity, seizures, abnormal heart rhythm, and tremors. 

  7. Plants – Believe it or not, common houseplants also causes poisonings. If you have azalea, sago palm, lilies, and schefflera, consider getting rid of them. Lilies (I have found out first-hand) are really toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure.
    azalea

  8. Heavy Metals – Lead, zinc, mercury, and other heavy metals can also poison your pets.

What to do when you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous substance? Contact your vet immediately! Try to identify which poison your pet has ingested, and if you can bring some samples to your vet, do so. This will make sure that your vet will know the antidote and the procedures that need to be done. If you have baking soda and vodka, try it as a first aid. Using a syringe, drip the vodka down to your pet’s throat and then give the baking soda to reduce the acidity of the poison.

If you are far away from your vet, call the Animal Poison Center at (888) 426-4435. Be advised that there is $60 fee for the service. They will have information ready for you on what to do when your pet needs a poison first aid.