HOME SAFETY
Common household items such as plants, foods, and chemicals can harm your pet if ingested. Each year, thousands of pets suffer and may die from accidental household poisoning. Do you know what pet toxins are in your home? With a little extra effort, you can easily poison proof your home. These simple tips can help protect your pet and avoid poisoning emergencies.
*Cover trash bins or store them in a pantry or closet*
*Fence off compost bins*
*Install baby locks on cabinets that house cleaning solutions*
*Store medications in secure, elevated cabinets and don't store pills in plastic zipper bags or weekly pill storage containers, as they are easy for dogs to chew through*
*Close toilet lids, especially if you use automatic or clip-on toilet bowl cleaners*
*Wipe down your pet's belly, legs and paws after being outdoors*
*Keep your purse out of your pet's reach*
*Double check the pills you're about to administer to your pet and to yourself; oftentimes, owners mix up the two by accident*
*Don't leave pills out - even for a few seconds - as your pet could knock them off the counter and ingest them quickly*
If you feel that you pet has been poisoned or ingested something that could be harmful, don't hesitate to seek immediate veterinary advice.
Be sure to have the following information ready when calling:
*What your pet ingested and when*
*How much your pet ingested*
*Pet's current weight*
*Pet's known medical history including any medications your pet may be on*
Head to your veterinarian or to the closest emergency clinic with the information you have gathered as soon as possible as is could be the difference of life or death for your pet.
- Village Royale Animal Clinic (561) 793-6074
- After Hours: Access Specialty Hospital (561) 774-8855
- Animal Poison Control Center is a 24 HOUR Emergency Veterinary Poison Hotline
- 1-888-426-4435 or www.aspca.org/apcc