Pet Poison Helpline: (855) 289-0358

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com

BestPetInsuranceEver.com: (800) 672-9259

Poisons in plain sight: Many common household items such as plants, foods and chemicals can be harmful to your pet if ingested. Be informed so that you’re prepared if you find yourself in a pet poisoning emergency.

Top 10 toxin calls received by Pet Poison Helpline

Cats:

1. Lilies
2. Topical flea and tick medicine for dogs (containing pyrethroids and pyrethrins)
3. Household cleaners
4. Antidepressant medications
5. Mouse and rat poisons
6. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
7. Glow sticks/glow jewelry
8. Amphetamines such as ADD/ADHD Drugs
9. Decongestant medications
10. Essential oils

Dogs

1. Chocolate
2. Mouse and rat poisons
3. Ibuprofen and acetaminophen
4. Xylitol (found in sugar-free gums and candies)
5. Vitamin D (ingested in large amounts)
6. Antidepressant medications
7. Fertilizers
8. Grapes and raisins
9. Decongestant medications
10. Caffeine (pills and drinks)

Poisonous Plants

Many plants are poisonous to animals but the following are some of the most common and some can even be lethal.

*Autumn crocus (Colchicum autmnale)

*Azalea & rhododendron

*Cycad/sago palms (Cycas, Macrozamia and Zamia spp)

*Diefffenbacha

*Lily (Lillum and Hemerocallis spp) cats only

*Oleander (Nerium oleander)

*Spring bulbs (e.g. daffodil, hyacinth, tulip, spring crocus)

*Yesterday, today and tomorrow (Brunfelsia spp)

*Yew (Tax spp)

For more information listing of poisonous plants, visit petpoisonhelpline.com.

Garden Dangers

Be a garden guardian and keep these substances away from pets.

*Baits (rodent, snail and slug)

*Blood meal

*Bone meal

*Fertilizers (rose and other plants)

*Peticides

Pet Poison Helpline

If you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, seek immediate veterinary advice.

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 289-0358

is available 24/7*

*There is a one-time, per-incident consultation fee of $49

Have the following information ready when calling:

*What your pet ingested and when

*How much your pet ingested (how many pills, milligram strength, etc.)

*Pet’s current weight

*Pet’s known medical history, including medications.

What to do in an emergency

Stay calm so you can assess the situation and communicate clearly with your veterinarian. Most importantly don’t administer at-home treatment without first seeking veterinary advice.

Scan the surroundings

*Safety remove any remaining poisonous material from your pet’s reach.

*Gather the container or substance to bring to the veterinary hospital or describe to Pet Poison Helpline.

*Collect a sample if your pet had vomited

Get help

If your pet is unconscious, convulsing or having difficulty breathing, go the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. While they are stabilizing your pet, call Pet Poison Helpline at 855-289-0358 for treatment guidelines and recommendations.

Household toxins

When using common household chemicals such as cleaning solutions, antifreeze and fragrance sprays, make sure there’s adequate ventilation and thoroughly wipe up any spills. Also, tightly close bottles and containers and stow them safely in cabinets that pets can’t get into.

Non-ingested poisons

Poisons aren’t always ingested; some can be inhaled or cause chemical burns on the skin.

Inhaled poisons: Carbon monoxide, smoke and chemical fumes.

Skin poisons: Ammonia, lye, drain and toilet cleaners, tea tree oil.

Toxic table scraps

Though sharing ‘just a bite’ of food with your pet seems harmless, many human foods can be dangerous, even deadly for dogs and cats:

*Alcohol

*Caffeine

*Chocolate

*Fatty foods

*Grapes and raisins

*Macadamia nuts

*Onions and garlic

*Salt (high doses)

*Xylitol, a natural sugar substitute

*Yeast-based dough

Human Medications

Never give your pet human relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol, Excedrin) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medications like aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or naproxen (Aleve). These drugs cause liver and kidney failure in pets.

Pet Medications

Keep human drugs in a separate place from your pet’s drugs. Accidentally giving human medications to pets is one of the most common per poisoning emergencies. Never give your cat medications meant for a dog. Cats unique metabolic pathways make them more sensitive to many drugs; giving your cat pain relievers or flea/tick made for dogs can be lethal.

Be Prepared

Program your home and cell phones with the numbers of your veterinarian, nearest emergency hospital and Pet Poison Helpline. It’s also a good idea to sign up for a Nationwide pet insurance plan so you’ll be ready for anything.

We’re here to help

Nationwide offers pet insurance plans that cover accidental poisoning and more. Get a fast, no-obligation quote today.

BestPetInsuranceEver.com

(800) 672-9259

Pet Poison Helpline

(855) 289-0358

petpoisonhelpline.com

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the Pet Poison Helpline pamphlet. I have never used the service before so I have no opinion either yes or no to how it works. Please call the above numbers or email for more information.