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- 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.
- When cleaning your house, never allow your pet
access to the area where cleaning agents are used or
stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of
properties. Some may only cause a mild stomach
upset, while others could cause severe burns of the
tongue, mouth, and stomach.
- When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach
traps, or snail and slug baits, place the products
in areas that are inaccessible to your animals. Most
baits contain sweet smelling inert ingredients, such
as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be
very attractive to your pet.
- Never give your animal any medications unless
under the direction of your veterinarian. Many
medications that are used safely in humans can be
deadly when used inappropriately. One extra strength
acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a seven-pound
cat.
- Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs
out of your pets' reach, preferably in closed
cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer
drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are
common examples of human medication that could be
potentially lethal even in small dosages. One
regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause
stomach ulcers in a ten-pound dog.
- 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.
- Many common household items have been shown to
be lethal in certain species. Miscellaneous items
that are highly toxic even in low quantities include
pennies (high concentration of zinc), mothballs
(contain naphthalene or para dichlorobenzene - one
or two balls can be life threatening in most
species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets,
automatic dish detergents (contain cationic
detergents which could cause corrosive lesions),
batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also
cause corrosive lesions), homemade play dough
(contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source
agents like hand or foot warmers (contain high
levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and
alcoholic drinks.
- All automotive products such as oil, gasoline,
and antifreeze, should be stored in areas away from
pet access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze
(ethylene glycol) can be deadly in a seven-pound cat
and less than one tablespoon could be lethal to a
20-pound dog.
- Before buying or using flea products on your pet
or in your household, contact your veterinarian to
discuss what types of flea products are recommended
for your pet. Read ALL information before using a
product on your animal or in your home. Always
follow label instructions. When a product is labeled
"for use in dogs only" this means that the product
should NEVER be applied to cats or other pets. Also,
when using a fogger or a house spray, make sure to
remove all pets from the area for the time period
specified on the container. If you are uncertain
about the usage of any product, contact the
manufacturer or your veterinarian to clarify the
directions BEFORE use of the product.
- When treating your lawn or garden with
fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides, always
keep your animals away from the area until the area
dries completely. Discuss usage of products with the
manufacturer of the products to be used. Always
store such products in an area that will ensure no
possible pet exposure.
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Lakeland
Veterinary Hospital