Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that things or substances we use everyday are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends. While we would NEVER think about eating or drinking chemical cleaners, our pets actually find some of them tasty, and, given their naturally curious nature, can get themselves in trouble. It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.

In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!



Metals

Iron: ingestion of any iron metal can cause iron poisoning. Items that have been reported to the Pet Poison Hotline as having been ingested by dogs or cats include: Hand/foot warmers, prenatal vitamins, iron supplements, and fertilizers.

Lead: lead poisoning can affect our pets also, Items reported include paint, batteries, fishing sinkers, leaded glass, ceramic, pottery, plumbing items, solder, linoleum, buckshot and bullets.



Zinc: zinc poisoning is yet another threat to our pets. Remember, for all of these items listed here and above, ingestion can lead to toxicity OR obstruction. Items containing zinc that have been reported include coins, pennies, metallic nuts, staples, galvanized metal, zippers, toys, zinc oxide and diaper rash creams.


Garage Items

Antifreeze: all antifreeze products, including those labeled “pet –safe” can be harmful to our pets. Pet-safe products will cause gastrointestinal upset, while all the others will cause much more severe problems, including death. Antifreeze solutions are usually sweet smelling and sweet tasting, which actually tempts the dogs and cats to drink them, so safe storage is essential.

Mouse/Rat Poisons: these poisons actually cause death by not allowing the blood to coagulate. Depending on the amount that the pet ingests, it could do the same to your pet. Be very careful when placing these poisons so that they are not in an area where your pets, or someone else’s, can get to them.

Gasoline products: Items such as gasoline, kerosene, motor oil,
tiki torch fluid, transmission and brake fluids are all harmful to our pets.

Pesticides: Once again, careful storage and application of these products is essential in order to protect our pets from ingesting them.

Gopher bait: since this poisonous to gophers, it is also poisonous to our pets.

Windshield Wiper Fluid: Proper storage and clean up of any spills is essential.