Poison Prevention means keep out of reach for pets too
NEW YORK — Doctors from BluePearl Veterinary Partners specialty and emergency hospitals are encouraging people to remember their pets during National Poison Prevention Week.
The purpose is to create awareness and prevent injury or death due to poisoning.
"Pets are more likely than humans to eat things that are toxic to them. Some of the potentially life threatening toxins may come as a surprise to owners,” said Dr. Laura Gibeon, a senior clinician with BluePearl here. “It is therefore essential to know what types of items can be toxic to your pet."
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the top 10 pet toxins of 2012 were:
Prescription human medications
Insecticides
Over-the-counter human medications
Veterinary products and medications
Household products
People food
Chocolate
Plants
Rodenticides
Lawn and garden products
Additionally, garlic, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, raisins, the sugar substitute xylitol, and raw or undercooked food can create major problems for pets.
While rodenticides may not be intended for pets, they are designed to attract animals. Should pets encounter these indiscriminate poisons, the condition is life-threatening and the pet must be treated by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
Furthermore, during springtime, it’s important to recognize that lilies are deadly to cats.
Antifreeze is another toxic substance pets are often attracted to. If ingested, pets can almost certainly die if the condition is left untreated.
If a pet does ingest something that may be toxic, make sure to bring the label or packaging of the substance with you to your veterinarian. For example, there are two different types of rodenticides with two different forms of treatment. It’s important for veterinarians to know what substance they are treating for.
"Most importantly, if you believe your pet has eaten or ingested something that may be poisonous, contact your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately," said Gibeon. "Getting prompt veterinary attention can be the difference between life and death."