Month: Keep Your Pets Safe!

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, making it the perfect time to raise awareness
about common household dangers that can put your furry friends at risk. At West Ridge Animal
Health Center, we want to help pet owners recognize potential toxins and take steps to keep
their pets safe. Drs. Weisshaar and Blackwell are here to help – but prevention is the way to go!! We know this can easily happen – Dr. Weisshaar’s own pets have gotten into toxins and we have had to treat them quickly and thoroughly. There is no short cut to treatment – even if your owner is a veterinarian. So trust us – avoid all the things on this list!!!

Common Household Pet Poisons

Many everyday items in your home could be toxic to your pet. Here are some of the most common culprits:

  • Human Medications: Over-the-counter and prescription drugs like ibuprofen,
    acetaminophen (cats), and antidepressants can be extremely dangerous if ingested by pets.
  • Foods:Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butters), and alcohol can cause severe health issues in dogs and cats.
  • Household Cleaners:Bleach, disinfectants, and even some essential oils can be
    harmful to pets if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through the skin.
  • Plants: Lilies are especially toxic to cats, and other common toxic plants include
    azaleas, sago palms, and oleander. With spring right around the corner this is one to
    watch closely.
  • Rodenticides & Pesticides: Mouse and rat poisons can be deadly, and insecticides
    meant for outdoor use should never be applied directly to pets.

Signs of Poisoning in Pets

If your pet has ingested a toxic substance, symptoms may include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lethargy or weakness
  • Seizures
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pale or yellow gums
If you notice any of these signs or suspect your pet has consumed something toxic, seek
veterinary care immediately .

What to Do in a Poison Emergency

If you think your pet has been exposed to a toxic substance, take these steps right away

  • Stay calm: Panicking can make it harder to think clearly.
  • Remove your pet from the source If possible, take the poison or item away.
  • Call for help:Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center.
    • Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661 (www.petpoisonhelpline.com)
    • ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – (888) 426-4435
      (www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control) )
  • Do not attempt home remedies:Some treatments, like inducing vomiting, can be harmful depending on the substance ingested. Always get professional guidance first.
  • Bring packaging or samples: If your pet ate medication, chocolate, plants, or
    chemicals, having the packaging or a sample can help the veterinarian determine the
    best treatment.

Prevention is Key

  • Store all medications and cleaning products out of reach.
  • Keep human food (especially chocolate and xylitol-containing items) away from pets.
  • Research pet-safe plants before bringing new ones into your home.
  • Use pet-friendly pest control methods.

Supervise pets outdoors to prevent exposure to unknown plants or substances.
By staying informed and taking precautions, you can help keep your furry family members safe
from harmful toxins. If you ever have questions or concerns, our team at West Ridge Animal
Health Center is here to help. Give us a call if you need advice or suspect your pet has been
exposed to something dangerous.
Let’s work together to make March – and every month – a safe one for our pets!