Pet Poisoning

Many substances in your home can be fatal to your pets. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts some animals. Detergents cause more poisonings of children than any other household product, and pets are also vulnerable to such exposures. Powdered pesticides spilled from a can in a garage are hazardous to a cat that gets it on its paws. One regular-strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. Understanding pet poisons and taking simple precautions could save your pet’s life!

• The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, an operating division of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and affiliated with the University of Illinois, is the only animal-oriented poison control center in North America.
  
• Find a pet health lab near you!
  
• Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet’s yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, Easter lily, or yew plant material, by an animal, could be fatal.
  
• Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking chocolate per pound body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause pancreatic problems.
  
• Avoid treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides that could be harmful to your pet’s health (and yours!)
  
• Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species, including moth balls, potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets, automatic dish detergents, batteries, coffee grounds and homemade play dough.
  
• Use only non-toxic products in your home, and store them safely in cabinets out of paws’ reach.
  

Want to do something about the threat to pets? Protect household animals from toxins by letting the FDA know that we need a new system of public health protections.

Sign the Protect Pets from Toxins Petition.