LIVING WITH A GARBAGE HOUND?: YOUR TRASH COULD BE DANGEROUS TO YOUR PET! 
Does
your enterprising pooch have a habit of digging out the edibles—and
not-so-edibles—in your garbage can? He may be satisfying his canine
instincts, but the ASPCA would like to inform pet parents that the
everyday items you throw away could be dangerous to your pet. These
include:
- medications
- foods harmful to pets, such as chocolate, onions and coffee grounds
- poisonous plant cuttings
- household cleaners
- insecticides
- batteries
- bones, plastic, metal and paper, which can cause choking and other obstructions
- bacteria in spoiled food
- molds in rotting foods such as cheese, nuts, grains and pasta
Here are some practical ways to avoid hazardous encounters with discarded items:
- Use securely covered wastebaskets that don’t tip over easily, and store them in a cabinet under the sink.
- Take your garbage out right away.
- Properly dispose of potentially toxic materials, such as batteries. Your local garbage disposal company can offer advice.
For more details on the dangers of pets getting into garbage, please read our latest press release. If you think your pet has ingested a potentially hazardous item, please contact your veterinarian or local emergency animal hospital immediately, taking note of any items you might have thrown away. If you can’t reach your veterinarian, please contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435 (fee will apply).
What are some hazards pets face during the warm weather? Sunbathing, pool parties, barbecues and…fleas? ASPCA experts offer the following tips to keep your pets safe when the mercury rises: - Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. If ingested, they can produce stomach irritation in pets, and possibly even central nervous system depression. - Do not apply sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. The ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy in pets. - Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which if swallowed could result in difficulty breathing, or kidney disease in severe cases. - Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages can be poisonous to pets and if ingested, the animal could become extremely weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. - Cats react very differently than dogs to some insecticides; because of this, some flea-control products that are safely used on dogs, particularly those containing permethrin, can be deadly to cats, even in small amounts.
What are some dangers pets face during the cold winter weather? The cold weather can bring about some surprising chemical dangers involving ice-melting products and antifreeze. - After your dog’s been outside in the sleet, snow or ice, thoroughly wipe off his legs and stomach. If he licks his paws, he could ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals. His paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. - Antifreeze, while essential to a car's cooling system, is very dangerous to your pets if they are exposed to it. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. For more helpful information, please check our Top Ten Cold Weather Tips.
What are the dangerous substances pets should avoid during the Christmas holidays? Holiday hazards include: - Christmas tree water, which may contain fertilizers and bacteria that can upset the stomach if ingested - Electrical cords - Ribbons or tinsel, which can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—this most often occurs with kittens - Batteries - Glass ornaments. Of course, there are usually a lot of delicious goodies floating around during the holidays, too—be sure to keep human treats inaccessible to your pets.
Seasonal What are the some dangers pets face during Valentine’s Day? Here are a few top tips to ensure a safe February 14 for your furry loves: - Potentially poisonous flowers include lilies, tulips, amaryllis, daisies, chrysanthemums and baby’s breath. Check out our Safe Flower Guide for a list of alternatives. - Don’t leave the room while candles are still burning. Many pets, particularly kittens, are attracted to the flames and could get burned or singed. - Take extra care if you’ll be serving wine—if ingested, this could cause a range of symptoms, from vomiting and diarrhea to metabolic disturbances and even coma. Click here for the complete ASPCA Guide to a Pet-Friendly Valentine’s Day.
Around the House What are the most common household items I should watch out for? Medication and products containing harsh chemicals top the list, but a few other common household hazards, like mothballs and fabric softener sheets, might surprise you. Please visit our page on maintaining A Poison Safe Home to see a list of a list of common household items, plants and foods that pet parents will want to keep curious whiskers and paws away from. Back to top What cleaning supplies can I use that won’t hurt my pets? The key to using household cleaners in a way that is safe to your pet is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage. If the label states, "Keep pets and children away from area until dry," those directions should be strictly adhered to in order to avoid potential problems. Many household cleaners can be used safely when the directions on the label are followed exactly. Products that contain bleach can be very effective in safely disinfecting certain household surfaces when used appropriately, but if your pet is exposed to them, they can cause an upset stomach, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. There is even a danger of severe oral burns if ingested in a high-enough concentration. Please be aware that some detergents can produce similar signs in pets, and cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients, such as phenols. Are any types of cat litter poisonous to cats? Most kitty litter products are made out of organic materials such as bentonite clay or silica. These substances are considered to be chemically and biologically inert, and do not pose a toxic concern for pets. Cats may ingest small amounts of litter when grooming themselves after using the litter box, and these amounts pass through the digestive tract easily without problems. However, if an animal ingests a very large amount of litter (as can happen when a dog "cleans out" the litter box), gastrointestinal upset, constipation, or in rare cases, intestinal obstruction could potentially occur. Is it safe for my pet to drink from the toilet? Bacterial-related gastrointestinal problems could occur from drinking stagnant toilet water, so it is a good idea to discourage your dog from imbibing from the commode. Special note for those who use drop-in toilet bowl cleaning tablets: If you follow label directions, most toilet bowl cleaning tablets would not be expected to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset, should a dog take a drink out of the diluted water in the toilet bowl.
How can I check to see if my pet food has been recalled? The ASPCA has extensive information pertaining to recalled pet food on our Pet Food Recall Resource Center page. In addition, the Food and Drug Administration website is an excellent resource: http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/petfood.html Back to top Can I feed my dog a human breath mint? It’s not a good idea to feed your dog any sort of breath freshener that hasn’t been formulated specifically for pets. Some breath-freshening products contain the sweetener xylitol, which has the potential to cause a sharp drop in a dog's blood sugar. This can result in depression, loss of coordination and seizures, and in some cases, liver damage. We also don’t advise giving your dog breath freshening strips. Certain breath strips contain menthol, which can be irritating to the tissues of the mouth and the gastrointestinal tract. There are plenty of ways to solve your dog’s breath problem without giving him products made for people. We recommend you discuss an appropriate oral hygiene program with your veterinarian. Back to top Can I give my pet Ibuprofen? In a word, NO! Ibuprofen can definitely be toxic to dogs and other pets—even in small amounts. Depending on the dose ingested, significant gastrointestinal damage or even kidney damage could result. In fact, many drugs that are beneficial to humans can be harmful or even deadly for pets. We strongly urge you to never give your pet any medication without first speaking with his or her regular veterinarian. Back to top Can I give my pet aspirin? We strongly advise owners to never give their pets any medication without first consulting with their regular veterinarian. Many drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatories like aspirin, can cause serious or potentially life-threatening problems, depending on the dose involved. If you feel that your pet needs pain relief for any reason, we highly recommend that you get in touch with your veterinarian—if you have not already. Your vet can direct you regarding the best dose to use or, if necessary, can prescribe a different pain reliever. Back to top Can my pets actually chew through containers of aspirin? Unfortunately, yes. While most human medications are contained in child-proof bottles, these containers are not pet-proof. Pets can easily chew and break open packaging, so medications should always be stored in a secure cabinet above the countertop.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs? Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like stimulants known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects in dogs ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate—or only two ounces of baking chocolate—can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Why is chocolate bad for dogs? Chocolate can contain high amounts of fat and caffeine-like stimulants known as methylxanthines. If ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical effects in dogs ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases. Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate—or only two ounces of baking chocolate—can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Is milk bad for cats?
Unless they are spoiled or moldy, milk, cheese and other dairy foods are not considered to be poisonous to pets. However, cats do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Feeding milk and milk-based products to cats can actually cause them to vomit or have diarrhea, which in severe cases could lead to inflammation of the pancreas. For this reason, it’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before offering any “
eople food” to your pets.
Here's the link to the people food page. Please look at this to see what people foods are poisonous to your pet(s) pawla http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_ask_peoplefood
Food/Drugs What are the most common food hazards I should be aware of? Experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center urge you to avoid feeding the following foods to your pet: - Alcoholic beverages - Avocado - Chocolate (all forms) - Coffee (all forms) - Fatty foods - Macadamia nuts - Moldy or spoiled foods - Onions, onion powder - Raisins and grapes - Salt - Yeast dough - Garlic - Products sweetened with xylitol
What houseplants are safe? Please visit our toxic and nontoxic plant pages for information on which plants are safe and which ones to avoid. If you’re looking for safe flower arrangements, check out the beautiful and pet-friendly selections at 1-800-FLOWERS. I want to send my pet-owning friend a floral arrangement. What flowers are safe to send? Thanks for thinking of the animals! Sending a bouquet is a wonderful idea, but it’s wise to consider that certain flowers are downright dangerous to our animal companions. Many varieties of lilies are highly poisonous to cats, for example, and while rose flowers may be fine, their thorns could prove injurious. In order to ensure that you send flowers that won't harm pets, we've worked with our experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center to offer you some suggestions for pet-friendly selections from 1-800-FLOWERS.com. These include dendrobium orchids, violets and gerbera daisies, among others. Use promotion code ASPCA when ordering and 1-800-FLOWERS.com will donate 10 percent of the net proceeds from your purchase to the ASPCA. P.S. Please note that while the flowers shown are considered to be nontoxic, it’s important to keep in mind that even “safe” plants can produce minor stomach upset if ingested.
Flowers/Plants Are there any plants that are toxic to my pets that I shouldn’t keep around the house? The following is a list of the 17 most common poisonous plants. For details on each plant, follow this link. 1. Lilies 2. Marijuana 3. Sago Palm 4. Tulip/Narcissus bulbs 5. Azalea/Rhododendron 6. Oleander 7. Castor Bean 8. Cyclamen 9. Kalanchoe 10. Yew 11. Amaryllis 12. Autumn Crocus 13. Chrysanthemum 14. English Ivy 15. Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) 16. Pothos 17. Schefflera Click here for a full list of toxic plants.
What should I include in my pet’s first-aid kit? Accidents happen, so it’s smart to be prepared in case of an emergency. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experts recommend that you invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The kit should contain: - Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting) - Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide) - Saline eye solution - Artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing) - Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination) - Forceps (to remove stingers) - Muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting) - Can of your pet’s favorite wet food - Pet carrier Always consult a veterinarian or the APCC for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item. We also suggest that you keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as well as that of your local veterinarian in a prominent location.
General Information Are there certain poisonous substances that pets get into more than others? In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed more than 130,000 cases. The top calls of 2007 involved the following common household goods and products: Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, both of the human and pet variety, including painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants. The ASPCA cautions pet owners to never give their four-legged family members any type of medication without first talking with a veterinarian. All drugs should be kept out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets above countertops. Insecticides and insect control products such as flea and tick preparations and insect baits. Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you follow label instructions exactly and never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet. Common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe. Rhododendron, sago palm and schefflera can also be harmful to pets. Chemical bait products designed for mice, rats and other rodents. When using any rodenticide, place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals. Common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract may be possible if a curious animal has an inappropriate encounter with such products. Back to top I’m a veterinarian; where can I learn more? The Veterinary Lifeline Partner Program (VLPP) gives veterinarians and veterinary clinics immediate access to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experts. When you enroll in VLPP, we establish an account for your clinic or practice, and even if you never have to call our center, you’ll immediately get the benefits of joining. There’s no charge for enrollment. All you need to do is place your practice or clinic information, including a credit card number, on file with us. Please visit our Animal Poison Control Center online for more information about VLPP’s benefits and enrollment. Please also visit Veterinary Education Online, a web-based continuing education program specifically developed for busy veterinarians looking to enhance their knowledge and increase their clinical skills.
How much does it cost to use the APCC hotline? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at (888) 426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee, payable by credit card, for this service. This includes follow-up consultation should you or your vet need further assistance with your pet’s case. Back to top How many cases does the APCC handle daily? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center manages an average of 375 cases each day. Back to top Where is the APCC located? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is located in Urbana, IL. Back to top Where does the APCC get its information about toxins and their effects on animals? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed by 30 veterinarians, including 13 who are board-certified in general and veterinary toxicology. In addition, our experts use Antox, our unique veterinary medical database system of more than one million animal exposure case histories. With the combined knowledge of our experts and our medical database, we are able to provide the most timely and accurate information on the potential effects of poisons and how to manage exposures to them. Back to top Does the APCC test on animals? No, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center does not test on animals. The center is committed to protecting and improving the lives of animals through the use of case data reviews as an alternative to traditional animal research. Back to top I live in Illinois—can I bring my pet to the APCC to be seen by a vet? While the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is staffed with veterinary experts, our facility is a call center. We work with you and your local vet via phone to provide your pet with the best poison emergency care possible. Back to top I just spoke with a staff member on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline, but I have more questions. Can I call back? Absolutely. Our consultation fee covers as many additional calls pertaining to your pet's current case as are needed to provide the best care and answer any questions that you or your local vet may have. During your initial call, you or your vet will be provided with a special follow-up telephone number to use should you need any further assistance with your pet's case.
About the APCC How do I get in touch with ASPCA animal poison control experts? The APCC experts are on call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference: (888) 426-4435. The call is toll-free. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. Back to top What kind of services does the APCC provide? The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center provides 24-hour-a-day, year-round advice on animal poison-related emergencies to pet parents, veterinarians and animal clinic professionals. With experience in more than one million cases involving pesticides, drugs, plants, metals and other potentially hazardous items, our specially trained staff of veterinary toxicologists has access to an extensive database, which they can quickly access to help diagnose problems and give treatment advice. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center also provides corporate services such as consulting on legal cases, product formula issues, product liability and reporting on alleged cases of animal illness due to product exposure.
Quick Response I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the APCC or rush her to my local emergency veterinarian? If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm! Contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435 first. Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic. Back to top What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous? If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. Otherwise, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435. Back to top What information will I need when I call you? When you call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435, it’s most helpful to be ready with the following information: - the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved - the animal’s symptoms - information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure. Have the product container/packaging available for reference. Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.
* What should I include in my pet’s first-aid kit? Flowers/Plants * Are there any plants that are toxic to my pets that I shouldn’t keep around the house? * How do I find out if a plant is toxic to pets? * What houseplants are safe? * I want to send my pet-owning friend a floral arrangement. What flowers are safe to send? Food/Drugs * What are the most common food hazards I should be aware of? * Is milk bad for cats? * Why is chocolate bad for dogs? * How can I check to see if my pet food has been recalled? * Can I feed my dog a human breath mint? * Can I give my pet Ibuprofen? * Can I give my pet aspirin? * Can my pets actually chew through containers of aspirin? Around the House * What are the most common household items I should watch out for? * What cleaning supplies can I use that won’t hurt my pets? * Are any types of cat litter poisonous to cats? * Is it safe for my pet to drink from the toilet? Seasonal * What are the some dangers pets face during Valentine’s Day? * What are the dangerous substances pets should avoid during the Christmas holidays? * What are some dangers pets face during the cold winter weather? * What are some hazards pets face during the warm weather?
About the APCC * How do I get in touch with ASPCA animal poison control experts? * What kind of services does the APCC provide? * How much does it cost to use the APCC hotline? * How many cases does the APCC handle daily? * Where is the APCC located? * Where does the APCC get its information about toxins and their effects on animals? * Does the APCC test on animals? * I live in Illinois—can I bring my pet to the APCC to be seen by a vet? * I just spoke with a staff member on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline, but I have more questions. Can I call back? General Information * Are there certain poisonous substances that pets get into more than others? * I’m a veterinarian; where can I learn more?
APCC FAQ We’ve compiled the answers to your most frequently asked questions here. Feel free to bookmark this page for easy reference. Quick Response * I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the APCC or rush her to my local emergency veterinarian? * What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous? * What information will I need when I call you?
DO YOU KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOUR PET HAS BEEN POISONED? catTwo words—stay calm! Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic, so please contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435 first. For the complete answer to the above question, please check out our all-new Pet Poison FAQ, created especially for National Poison Prevention Week, March 16-22. There, you’ll find information on a variety of topics, from what to include in a pet’s first aid kit to whether or not it’s safe to let your dog drink from the toilet. (Sorry, you’ll have to check our FAQ for the answer to that one!).
