March being Poison Prevention Awareness Month is a great time to highlight the risks that household toxins pose to dogs and cats. Pets are naturally curious and can accidentally ingest or come into contact with harmful substances, leading to serious health issues. Here are some key pet poison concerns:
Common Household Poisons for Pets
1. Foods Toxic to Pets
- Chocolate (toxic to dogs and cats, causing heart and nervous system issues)
- Grapes & Raisins (can cause kidney failure in dogs)
- Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, can cause liver failure and hypoglycemia)
- Onions & Garlic (damages red blood cells, leading to anemia)
- Alcohol & Caffeine (toxic to both cats and dogs, causing seizures and organ damage)
2. Household Products
- Cleaning Supplies (bleach, ammonia, disinfectants)
- Essential Oils (many are toxic to cats, especially tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus)
- Rodenticides & Insecticides (rat poison, ant traps)
- Medications (human painkillers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen are extremely dangerous)
3. Plants Poisonous to Pets
- Lilies (highly toxic to cats, even small amounts can cause kidney failure)
- Aloe Vera, Sago Palm, and Pothos (can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and liver damage)
- Tulips & Daffodils (bulbs are toxic, causing digestive and heart issues)
Signs of Poisoning in Pets
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive drooling
- Lethargy or weakness
- Seizures or tremors
- Difficulty breathing
- Loss of coordination
What to Do if Your Pet is Poisoned
- Identify the toxin (check packaging or substances your pet ingested).
- Call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661.
- Do NOT induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet—it can sometimes make things worse.
- Seek immediate veterinary care if symptoms are severe.
