Guarding Their Happiness: Pets4Life Celebrates National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Guarding Their Happiness: Pets4Life Celebrates National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month

At Pets4Life, we are committed to promoting awareness regarding the prevention of pet poisoning and want to highlight some of the risks you should be aware of so you can minimize the hazards for your pets.

Recognizing and Reducing the Hazards:

Common household items can pose risks for pets, so identifying which plants and foods contain hazardous material is an important first step in prevention. We urge pet owners to take the initiative to create a safe space for their animals by becoming knowledgeable about substances that may be dangerous to them.  Also make sure your kids are aware of risks to your pets so they too can help keep toxic food and substances from your pets.  Be aware about leaving medicines out where children or pets could knock them off the counter and innocent pets find them on the floor!   

Highlight of Common Culprits:

Below is a list of a few commonplace items that may pose a risk to your pets:

• Chocolate
• Salt
• Grapes, currants and raisins
• Caffeine (including tea bags)
• Onions and garlic (in large quantities, particularly in powdered form in foods)
• alcohol
• Dairy products (can cause upset in some pets)
• Walnuts and Macadamia nuts
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener toxic to pets) - often found in chewing gum, candy and even peanut butter
• Yeast
• Tomato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Bones - especially cooked bones! Risk for breaking teeth and intestinal blockages. The bones can splinter and can cause GI irritation/perforation
• Certain plants including poinsettias and lilies
• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
• Tylenol (acetaminophen)

It’s best not to give your pets food unless you check all of the ingredients carefully and consult your veterinarian if you have any questions or concerns. While some foods, like chocolate and grapes, may taste good to us, they can be poisonous to our pets. 

The Pets4Life Approach:

Preventive measures are part of our commitment to the well-being of pets at Pets4Life and our veterinary staff is available to discuss your pet's surroundings, habits, possible risks, answer questions and offer advice on making your house pet-friendly.

Emergency Preparedness:

Being ready for anything can help a lot when an accident occurs. Be aware of the symptoms of poisoning, which can include lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. You should also keep the phone number of the closest emergency veterinary clinic and the animal poison control contact information at hand. In these kinds of situations, time is of the essence, and knowing what to do can be very important.

Join Pets4Life in fostering a poison-free haven for your pets. Stay informed, be vigilant, and let's celebrate National Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month by ensuring our beloved companions live their lives to the fullest. If you have any questions, please contact us at (847) 434-2745 or visit us at 661 Central Avenue Highland Park, IL 60035.