Keeping Pets Safe During Pet Poison Prevention Month & All Year Long

Poisoning and pet toxins are some of the leading causes of accidental pet injury and death. March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, and our goal is to help educate pet owners and save animals’ lives. The thought of pet poisoning can be terrifying. We believe that preventative pet wellness education can provide you with the greatest ability to care for your pet and keep them safe from substances that have the potential to be harmful.

These four pet poison prevention tips will help you keep your furry friend safe all year long. In case a pet accident does occur, know that you can always contact us at Bayside Animal Hospital for emergency vet services in Kemah, Texas.

Know What Foods to Keep Away from Pets

There’s a long list of foods that are toxic for pets. The most common causes of pet food poisoning come from garlic, chocolate, grapes & raisins, onions, and xylitol, a sweetener used in many gums and sugar-free products. Avoid giving your pet any table scraps. Make sure you don’t dispose of anything in the trash that pets could easily get to and pull out of the garbage can. Pet toxins come in many forms and even small quantities can have severe effects. 

Keep Cabinets Locked and Pets Away

A curious nose can poke under sinks and inside bathroom cabinets, tracking down harmful cleaning products or medications that can cause fast and serious pet health complications. Even a single over-the-counter ibuprofen capsule could be toxic for pets. Take the same precautions you would to install child-proof locks with a baby around. Use similar protection for your pets. Keep them out of and away from cupboards and areas that contain hazardous chemicals and medications they could easily chew or swallow. This is the best way to ensure pet safety, whether you’re home or away.

Don’t Let Dogs and Cats Wander Outdoors

There are many types of plants in our neighborhoods these days, and most of us can’t identify if they’re toxic to pets or not. This includes flowers and fungi, which pets may eat while they’re left unattended outside. Even while going for a walk with you side-by-side, your dog might see something curiously appetizing and scoop it into their mouth before you have a chance to take it out. It’s best practice to only allow pets off-leash in a closed, secure area that has been thoroughly checked for any potentially hazardous plants and objects.

Exposure to any fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and similar products should also be avoided for optimal pet safety. When designing and planning your own yard and garden, make sure to use only non-toxic, animal-safe products. Avoid letting your cat or dog wander in grassy areas you aren’t familiar with, as these may have been treated with chemicals that are pet toxins.

Here is a list by the ASPCA of common plants that are poisonous to pets and other animals.

Don’t Buy Pet Medications Without Your Vet’s Approval

Avoid giving your pet any veterinary medications, supplements, or tick and flea treatments without having your vet give approval of the product first. Also, never give a dog a product intended for cats and vice-versa. The Bayside online pet pharmacy offers 24-hour online ordering services, and we offer convenient curbside pick-up to ensure that all of our patients get vet-approved products when they need them.
Please contact us with any questions you have about pet poison prevention and general pet safety. Please also check out our education center for more pet care tips this season and all year long.