Learning The (Almost) Hard Way: Keys to Pet Poisoning Prevention
- Peggianne Wright
- Mar 29, 2021
- 5 min read
at the mouth and sneezing like crazy and I thought for sure that our boy Thomas would be dead before long. All I could think of was that I had absolutely no idea what to do!
It seems like a no-brainer when we think about protecting our fur-kids from poisoning hazards. But, if we're really honest with ourselves, are we doing everything possible to keep them safe?
First observed in 1961, the US Congress designated the third week of March as Poison Prevention Week, which has now been expanded to Poison Prevention Awareness Month. And rightly so. Since 2013 Trupanion (a pet insurance plan) estimated that it has paid about $2.9 million towards toxicity claims for pets. Claims can reach astronomical amounts, (such as cat named Bruce who nibbled a lily and nearly died of kidney failure, accumulating veterinary bills of over $17,000*).
Prevention is Key
The key word is prevention. We all have our own levels of worry and there is a fine line between prudence and paranoia. But, when our fur-kids' health and well-being is at stake, I think it's fair to say, we should err on the side of caution if at all possible. Being vigilant is being aware and being aware is being educated.
Hazards, Hazards, Everywhere
Now, we all know that there are certain things we're reminded of regularly that are highly toxic and even lethal if ingested by our pets. Chocolate, raisins, and many kinds of nuts are the biggies. But, truly, there are so many more things that we might not think of, for instance; caffeine, alcohol, and sweetened drinks are extremely harmful and may even be deadly. Certainly, the ingredient xylitol, which is now used in place of sugar in all kinds of products, including chewing gum and peanut butter is like holding a loaded gun to your fur-kid's head. Click here for an extensive list (over 700 everyday items) of products containing Xylitol. Avocados, apple cores, peach and plumb pits can also be lethal, not only due to poisoning, but to intestinal blockages as well.
However, looking beyond food and beverages, our household can be a disaster waiting to happen if we're not careful. Obviously keeping all cleaning and yard maintenance products out of harm's reach is important. But, keeping your pets away from zones where these products have been applied, such as newly fertilized yards or pesticide applications, is equally important. Click here for ASPCA Pet Poison Prevention Tips. Many more hazards are lurking in plain sight as well, including a long list of indoor and outdoor plants that can cause serious harm or death.
Common Sense, Think Ahead
Since it would be impossible to list every possible toxic threat out there, the easiest solution is to first and foremost, consider you fur-kid as you would your child. I know, I know, that probably goes against the grain for some folks but, by doing so, you'll be more likely to actively search out potential hazards. The old adage "forewarned is forearmed" holds tight and by familiarizing yourself with the dangers lurking throughout your home, you'll be half way there. But, certainly, one big key in any kind of prevention is never leaving your pet unsupervised in a high risk area. For example, if your yard contains any species of toxic plants or shrubs, leaving a dog who loves to nibble greenery would be a potential disaster. Dogs who love to snoop in purses have died from xylitol poisoning by ingesting chewing gum or breath mints so, by putting purses in a closet or bureau, your dog's safety is ensured. And, one other precaution that is often overlooked, is advising any visitors to your home of your pet safety practices, i.e. keeping purses out of reach or asking them not to give hazardous foods and/or beverages to your pets. And while it may be cute to post your pup with a brew, beer, wine, and hard liquor are harmful (even in small amounts) and can be deadly in many circumstances. And really, why would anyone derive pleasure from subjecting your lovely little fur-kid to this serious risk, just for the sake of a giggle?
Also, be aware of your surroundings when you're on holiday. Certainly, if you're outdoors in a new geographical area, there are likely to be unfamiliar plants and various critters that may pose a lethal danger. If you're staying in an hotel, keep your pet contained (if possible) when you're not in the room and under surveillance when you're together, so that they are not coming into contact with dangerous and toxic cleaning solutions. If you stop for a rest break and have to leave your fur-kid in the vehicle, be certain that there is nothing potentially lethal within their access.
Getting Help
Along with prevention comes preparedness. Taking time to put together a first aid kit may be a lifesaver in an emergency. Click here for a comprehensive article on assembling a first aid kit. If a situation arises, the very first contact you should make is your veterinarian.
I know that our first reaction is to jump on Facebook and ask our well-meaning friends for advice. But, it takes the same amount of time to contact your vet and I would guess that if your pet's life is at stake, you would rather have a trained professional giving you advice, right?
The Rest of the Story
So, getting back to Thomas. That frothing mouth scene played out in Dover, Delaware back in 2004. We had rented a cottage on the Delaware Bay for a week of fun, sun, sand, and surf. But when we arrived, the entire area was hopping with these tiny little critters called cricket toads. As cute as they were, they were also inviting for our 2 year old Norfolk Terrier puppy, Thomas, to chase. These little amphibians are lightening fast and jump incredibly high and far. So, before I could yank the leash to stop him, Thomas pounced. In survival mode, these toads secrete a toxin which would have come in contact with Thomas' nose. But, since he only made the briefest physical contact (thankfully he didn't actually eat it!!!), the amount of toxin was just enough to aggravate him temporarily without any devastating or long lasting effects. But, lesson learned!
So, why not make time, this afternoon, or tomorrow morning, or this weekend and make a safety assessment walk through your home. Review lists of potential lethal hazards that may be lurking in and around your abode and make the necessary changes to promote safety and poisoning prevention a priority. After all, March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month.
Disclaimer: Any opinion expressed in the preceding story is my own. Where I have sourced information, I have included links within the article as well as below.
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