While Petplan claims data reveals that poisoning from food or additives was the most frequently claimed-for poisoning condition of 2012, some of the most dangerous pet poisons are things you might not expect four-legged friends to snack on.
Human medications are particularly dangerous to curious critters. Common non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure, while acetaminophen (Tylenol) can cause liver failure, particularly in cats. The family budget can end up hurting, as well; according to 2012 Petplan claims data, NSAID and acetaminophen toxicities carry the highest average costs for treatment of all poisoning claims. One small dog that ingested his pet parents’ prescription medicine needed more than $5,590 in veterinary care – Petplan’s highest poisoning claim of 2012.
Keeping the medicine cabinet locked is just one way to poison-proof your home. To help keep prying paws – and the family budget – in good health, Petplan offers the following poison-proofing tips:
The Usual Suspects: Dark chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, onions, garlic and sugar-free gum can all cause problems ranging from gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening illness, particularly for small dogs and cats. Keep an eye on sly pets as you’re chopping and cooking, and otherwise keep these forbidden foods securely sequestered – especially when you haven’t yet put away the groceries.
Consider the Lilies: Decorative household plants like Sago palm trees and lilies are severely toxic, especially to cats, so think carefully when making décor decisions. In the yard, tomato plants, tulip bulbs, azalea, rhododendron, wild mushrooms and some fertilizers all contain dangerous toxins. Plan your garden carefully, and choose pet-friendly fertilizers.
Don’t Freeze Up: Ethylene glycol (the main ingredient in antifreeze) has long been a toxic temptation for some pets due to its sweet taste, but just a small amount can cause kidney failure and death in cats and dogs. Some products now contain a bitter additive that makes it less appealing to pets, but if you spot a spill, mop it up thoroughly and keep pets clear.
Pets before Pests: Pesticides for bugs and rodents can cause internal bleeding in pets, but even if you keep them in a securely locked bin or on a high shelf in the garage, your pets could still be at risk. Pets who ingest all or part of a poisoned mouse or rat can suffer from “relay toxicity,” so consider using traps if your pets are natural hunters.
To learn more about keeping pets healthy during Poison Prevention Awareness Month and beyond, visit http://www.GoPetplan.com.
Great article. We all need this reminder too. I sometimes drop meds on the floor as I'm counting or seperating the pills - I';m on enough of them. I'm so very thankful that Mario has no interest in them what so ever. He's not even interested in batting them. Of course I crawl aroujnd on the floor until I find every last one of them, but if he were a different kind of cat, he's probably get one or two before I could retrieve them.
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