Pet Poisons

Top 10 Pet Poisons
 
1.  Medications for humans
It only takes four regular strength ibuprofen tablets to cause serious kidney problems in a 10lb dog. Just one extra strength acetaminophen pill can be deadly for a cat.
 
2.  Insecticides
Only use flea and tick formulas made specifically for pets, follow the instructions carefully and be careful not to let your pet around any other chemicals used to kill ants, roaches or other insects.
 
3 Veterinary Medicines
Read the labels carefully and follow the directions exactly as written. Don’t leave the medication where a pet can get into it or be tempted to eat it. Keep in mind that a lot of pet medications now have flavoring added to appeal to the animal.
 
4.  Plants
Following is a short list of the many plants and flowers that can be poisonous to your pet: Lilies, sago palms, rhododendrons, azaleas, Kalanchoes and scheffleras. The list is so extensive it is best not to allow your pet to ingest any flowers or plant leaves.
 
5.  Rodenticides
Rat and mice poisons and traps should only be used where your pets can’t get near them.
 
6.  Household Cleaners
Laundry soap, bleach, all cleaning agents and disinfectants should be stored where pets can’t come in contact with them.
 
7.  Chocolate
The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Baking chocolate is especially bad. It only takes 2 ounces to cause serious problems in a 10 lb. dog.
 
8.   Assorted Chemicals
Antifreeze, paint thinner, pool treatments, ethylene glycol, drain cleaners, alcohols, petroleum based products, ice melting products, acids and gases should all be kept where pets can’t come in contact with them
 
9.  Physical Hazards
Anything that can cause an obstruction in a pet’s airway (choking hazards) or stomach or intestines should be out of reach. Bones, tape, papers, small toy parts are just a few of the many examples. If your pet has a tendency to chew on leashes or collars, keep them out of reach when not in use.
 
10.  Other Home Products
Glues, solvents, paints all need to be kept away from curious pets.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, call the Pet Poison Hotline or your Veterinarian immediately. The ASPCA has an animal poison control center that is available 24hr/365 days of the year. TEL: (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
 
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Top Ten Safety Halloween Tips for Pet Parents

Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to call your attention to these common-sense cautions that’ll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. Please don't leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween. There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, and even killed pets on this night.

2. Keep your outdoor cats inside several days before and several days after Halloween. (P.S. It’s also our duty to remind you here that kitties are healthiest and happiest when they live inside ALL year round!)

3. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick-or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Sammy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their “birthday suits,” however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet’s costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

For additional Safety Information click on www.aspca.org  - "Copyright c 2006 The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Reprinted with permission of the ASPCA.  All Rights Reserved".