March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month – there are a handful of everyday household items and foods that can pose a
threat to our pets’ health, and with simple awareness and intervention, we can ensure the well-being of our beloved furry companions.
When giving your pets people-food, please keep in mind which foods are safe and unsafe. Regarding safe foods, ensure it
is unseasoned and cut into small pieces. Remove seeds, cores, stems, and peels from fruit, and meat should be lean, cooked, and boneless.
Along with food safety, here is a list of potentially poisonous household items: Prescription and over-the-counter medications, personal care products, cleaning products, glues/ adhesives, batteries, mothballs, gasoline, antifreeze,
pesticides/herbicides, and recreational drugs/tobacco products. Additionally, several houseplants are toxic to dogs and cats, including lilies, philodendrons, poinsettias, and more – consult with your veterinarian about which plants your pet should avoid.
What to do in case of emergency?
Safe: Apples, bananas, beef, blueberries, broccoli, cantaloupe, carrots, celery, cheese, chicken, cooked pumpkin, green beans, kiwi, peanut butter (without xylitol), pineapple, popcorn, pork, strawberries, and turkey.
Unsafe: Alcohol, avocados, chocolate, coffee, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, products containing xylitol, and raw yeast bread dough.
These are not exhaustive lists – please consult with your veterinarian to discuss your pet’s specific needs.
In the event that your pet digests a poisonous product, call your veterinarian and follow their next steps, which may include taking them in. If you cannot get a hold of your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hosts a 24/7 emergency hotline and can provide timely support: 888.426.4435. This hotline is staffed by full-time veterinarians, including board-certified veterinary toxicologists.
We hope this information will make life as a pet parent more enjoyable, less stressful, and most importantly, will help to protect your pet from poisonous substances.