Pets like cats and dogs are normally curious just like you and me. Anything out of the ordinary makes them sniff and discover for themselves what it’s all about. And just like you and me, they can get into trouble. Every year, a good number of these pets get sick or die because of accidentally or unknowingly ingesting household poisons, common foods and insecticides. Right in your own home, in your own backyard, in your own kitchen and in your own garage, these health hazards abound.
How do you prevent pet poisoning? Dispose of your trash like medicines, empty cleaning bottles, dirty cotton buds and even dental floss in covered garbage cans. Human medications should be kept out of reach. It only takes one prescription pill to kill your pet. What are some of these drugs? Acetaminophen and Imodium when ingested can lead to kidney failure and liver damage. Symptoms are listlessness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea and a dark-colored urine. Amphetamines may cause your pet to be restless, hyperactive, agitated, have tremors and seizures. Blood is unable to clot which can cause bleeding when aspirin is taken. Pinpoint bruises may appear in the skin and on the gums. Ingestion of Ibuprofen may lead to ulcers. Empty bottles and cans of home improvement products like paints, solvents and glues contain heavy metals. When these are consumed in large quantities, they cause irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin. They can also cause harm to your pet’s central nervous system. Smokers beware! Your cigar’s nicotine when eaten by your pet, can paralyze his breathing muscles leading to his death. The mouth-watering scent of your potpourri may be hard for him to resist. He’ll smell, lick and swallow it which can burn his tongue, throat and esophagus. Toys should be kept away and stored in closed cabinets or drawers. When they are taken in, they cause intestinal trauma. Keep your pet out of the garage or barn to prevent licking your oil or antifreeze leaks from your cars. Be careful where you store your cleaning products. They can cause very serious burns on the esophagus. Your pet’s mouth should be immediately flushed with large amounts of water and then make a dash to your veterinarian. Plants in your garden may be poisonous too. Pine needles produce oral irritation, vomiting and diarrhea. Daffodils can induce gastrointestinal illness and convulsions. Other budding poisons are mistletoe, lilies, hyacinth, oleander, poinsettia, tulip and sago palm. As little as a single leaf is lethal to your pet’s existence.
Who do you turn to for help? Of course, he/she is your friendly neighborhood veterinarian. Any symptoms of poisoning should be dealt with immediately and by the proper authority – your vet. Provide him or her with the necessary information. The name of the poison ingested and the quantity absorbed, ingested or inhaled. Just an approximation can be a useful information. The earlier the consultation is started, the better the diagnosis and outcome can be.
