Common Poisonous Substances For Pets

Common Poisonous Substances For Pets

Keeping your pet safe includes pet-proofing your home to keep your pet out of contact with potentially toxic substances. Under the bathroom and kitchen sinks are likely places that dogs can access household chemicals, but both dogs and cats may find other opportunities to get into trouble around the yard, in the garage, and even in the kitchen. While pet-proofing your home is very similar to child-proofing, It is important to remember that some things that aren't a threat to humans are not safe for your pet to be around.

For example, lilies, a common decorative flower, are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen on their fur can be fatal, so cat owners should never keep lilies around. If your cat goes outside, you will want to make sure there are no lilies planted in your landscaping, either.  

Most modern pet owners know that chocolate, in any quantity, can be dangerous for dogs and cats alike. But even sugar-free candies can be a danger to pets -- the sugar substitute Xylitol can cause an immediate reaction that is often life-threatening. Depending on the amount of chocolate that your dog ingests, our veterinarians may advise different courses of action, so it is always best to call the hospital as soon as possible, preferably with access to the packaging that the chocolate was in. If your pet ingests ANY amount of Xylitol (found in chewing gum and other candy), this is a true emergency and veterinary care should be sought immediately.

Grapes (and raisins) and onions are other common food substances that can cause toxicity in dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has ingested either, the best thing to do is to call our hospital for advisement.

Many pet owners mistakenly think that a dog or cat will not decide to try to eat medications, but a bored animal can get themselves into some unlikely trouble. Any medication in large doses can be toxic, so contact us with the strength of the medication and the pet's potential dosage as soon as possible after the event so that we can direct you on the proper steps to take.

Meet With Our Veterinarian in Durham Today

Whether you have a cat or dog, you will want to remove poisonous substances from your home. If you believe your pet may have been poisoned, please contact our hospital -- located at 5016 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd -- today by calling (919) 490-2000. 

Common Poisonous Substances For Pets

Common Poisonous Substances For Pets

Keeping your pet safe includes pet-proofing your home to keep your pet out of contact with potentially toxic substances. Under the bathroom and kitchen sinks are likely places that dogs can access household chemicals, but both dogs and cats may find other opportunities to get into trouble around the yard, in the garage, and even in the kitchen. While pet-proofing your home is very similar to child-proofing, It is important to remember that some things that aren't a threat to humans are not safe for your pet to be around.

For example, lilies, a common decorative flower, are extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount of pollen on their fur can be fatal, so cat owners should never keep lilies around. If your cat goes outside, you will want to make sure there are no lilies planted in your landscaping, either.  

Most modern pet owners know that chocolate, in any quantity, can be dangerous for dogs and cats alike. But even sugar-free candies can be a danger to pets -- the sugar substitute Xylitol can cause an immediate reaction that is often life-threatening. Depending on the amount of chocolate that your dog ingests, our veterinarians may advise different courses of action, so it is always best to call the hospital as soon as possible, preferably with access to the packaging that the chocolate was in. If your pet ingests ANY amount of Xylitol (found in chewing gum and other candy), this is a true emergency and veterinary care should be sought immediately.

Grapes (and raisins) and onions are other common food substances that can cause toxicity in dogs and cats. If you suspect your pet has ingested either, the best thing to do is to call our hospital for advisement.

Many pet owners mistakenly think that a dog or cat will not decide to try to eat medications, but a bored animal can get themselves into some unlikely trouble. Any medication in large doses can be toxic, so contact us with the strength of the medication and the pet's potential dosage as soon as possible after the event so that we can direct you on the proper steps to take.

Meet With Our Veterinarian in Durham Today

Whether you have a cat or dog, you will want to remove poisonous substances from your home. If you believe your pet may have been poisoned, please contact our hospital -- located at 5016 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd -- today by calling (919) 490-2000. 

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