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If something is bad for our pets, they’ll instinctively know not to eat it, right? If only it were that simple! March has been designated as National Pet Poison Prevention Month to raise awareness for all the hazards for pets lurking right under our noses. 

At Ten West Bird & Animal Hospital, we take pet safety seriously year round, and in honor of National Pet Poison Prevention Month, our team has gathered some guidelines to help pet families keep their pets safe.

Common Household Hazards for Pets

Many substances we use every day can harm our pets if ingested and should be kept out of reach at all times.

Medications Meant for People

According to the ASPCA, common medications meant for people—both over-the-counter drugs and prescriptions—top the list of dangerous toxins ingested by cats and dogs. Common culprits include acetaminophen and ibuprofen; cold and flu medicine; herbal and vitamin supplements; anticonvulsants; antidepressants; and heart meds.

Medications Meant for Pets

Just because a medication is intended for pet use doesn’t mean it’s safe if ingested in large quantities. Many pet medications and supplements are flavored to be palatable for pets, which can entice them to eat more than they should. 

Foods That Are Toxic to Pets

When wondering about “ways to keep my pet safe,” pay close attention to your kitchen pantry. Many foods we have on hand can put pet safety at risk, including the following:  

• Alcohol
• Avocado 
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Garlic and onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Chocolate
• Sugar-free foods (such as peanut butter) that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol
• Raw or undercooked meat or bones
• Yeast dough

Flowers and Greenery

Hazards for pets can be growing all around your house or lurking within indoor planters and bouquets. For the ASPCA’s detailed list of toxic and nontoxic plants, click here. The following common indoor and outdoor plants are off limits to pets:

• Easter Lilies (most severe cases of toxic plant ingestion involve cats and lilies, according to the ASPCA)
• Aloe
• Azalea
• Rhododendron
• Cyclamen
• Daffodils
• Dieffenbachia (dumb cane)
• Oleander
• Sago palm
• Tulips

Household Products That Are Hazards for Pets

Many cleaning products, personal care products, and items like air fresheners come in colorful packaging and have inviting fragrances that can attract curious pets. The following items are found in virtually every household and pose a risk to pet safety:

• Interior or exterior house paints, adhesives, and glues
• Sunscreen, body wash or soap, and muscle cream like Biofreeze
• Household cleaning products that contain ammonia or bleach; disinfectants that contain benzalkonium chloride; and air fresheners that contain phthalates 
• Common “garage” items such as fertilizer, pesticides, insecticides, and antifreeze

Protect Your Pet From Accidental Poisonings

Keep all substances that are harmful to pets out of paw’s reach; promptly clean up spills; use pet-safe cleaning supplies; and decorate your home with pet-safe plants. 

Please contact us for more ways to keep your pet safe. We’re here to help!