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Protect Your Pet from Common Household Dangers

Many common household items can pose a threat to animal companions.
Even some items specifically meant for pets could cause health
problems. To protect your pet, simply use common sense and take the
same precautions you would with a child. Although rodent poisons and
insecticides are the most common sources of companion animal
poisoning, the following list of less common but potentially toxic
agents should be avoided if at all possible:

Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste that
attracts animals but is deadly if consumed in even small quantities;
one teaspoon can kill a seven-pound cat. The HSUS recommends pet
owners use a safe antifreeze in their vehicles. Look for antifreeze
that contains propylene glycol, which is safe for animals if ingested
in small amounts.

Cocoa mulch contains ingredients that can be deadly to pets if
ingested. The mulch, sold in garden supply stores, has a chocolate
scent that is appetizing to some animals.

Chemicals used on lawns and gardens, such as fertilizer and plant
food, can be easily accessible and fatal to a pet allowed in the yard
unsupervised.

Cedar and other soft wood shavings, including pine, emit fumes that
may be dangerous to small mammals like hamsters and gerbils.

Chocolate is poisonous to dogs, cats, and ferrets.

De-icing salts used to melt snow and ice are paw irritants that can
be poisonous if licked off. Paws should be washed and dried as soon
as the animal comes in from the snow. Other options include doggie
boots with Velcro straps to protect Fido's feet, and making cats
indoor pets.

Insect control products, such as the insecticides used in many over-
the-counter flea and tick remedies, may be toxic to companion
animals. Prescription flea and tick control products are much safer
and more effective. Pet owners should never use any product without
first consulting a veterinarian.

Fumes from nonstick cooking surfaces and self-cleaning ovens can be
deadly to birds. Always be cautious when using any pump or aerosol
spray around birds.

Human medications such as pain killers (including aspirin,
acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs,
anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to
animals. Keep medication containers and tubes of ointments and creams
away from pets who could chew through them, and be vigilant about
finding and disposing of any dropped pills.

Leftovers such as chicken bones easily shatter and can choke a cat or
dog. Other human foods to keep away from pets include onions and
onion powder; alcoholic beverages; yeast dough; coffee grounds and
beans; salt; macadamia nuts; tomato, potato, and rhubarb leaves and
stems; avocados (toxic to birds, mice, rabbits, horses, cattle, and
dairy goats); and anything with mold growing on it.

Poisonous household plants include azalea, geraniums, dieffenbachia
(dumb cane), lilies, mistletoe, and philodendron, among others.

Rawhide doggie chews may be contaminated with Salmonella, which can
infect pets and humans who come in contact with the chews. These
kinds of chews should be offered to a pet only with supervision, as
they can pose a choking hazard as well.

String, yarn, rubber bands, and even dental floss are easy to swallow
and can cause intestinal blockages or strangulation.

Toys with removable parts—like squeaky toys or stuffed animals with
plastic eyes—can pose a choking hazard to animals. Take the same
precautions with pets as you would with a small child.

For more information about common household dangers, see The American
Veterinary Medical Association's Pet Owner's Guide to Common Small
Animal Poisons.

The HSUS recommends that pet owners use all household products with
caution and keep a pet first-aid kit and manual readily available.
The HSUS puts out a first-aid book in conjunction with the American
Red Cross entitled Pet First Aid: Cats and Dogs. If all of your
precautions fail, and you believe that your pet has been poisoned,
contact your veterinarian or emergency veterinary service
immediately. Signs of poisoning include listlessness, abdominal pain,
vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, lack of coordination, and fever.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center operates a hotline 24 hours a
day, seven days a week at 888-426-4435 for a fee of $45 per case. If
you call, you should be prepared to provide the following
information: the name of the poison your animal was exposed to, the
amount and how long ago; the species, breed, age, sex, and weight of
your pet; and the symptoms the animal is displaying. You'll also be
asked to provide your name, address, phone number, and credit card
information.

Posted on SHARE Yahoo group - Nov. 29, 2006