Protect your pets from toxins
Household items may harm your curious companion

In this third and last part of our series on protecting your pet against accidental poisoning, here are some final tips offered by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals National Animal Poison Control Center. I hope you find this information helpful, and be sure to pass it on to other pet lovers.

• Never allow your pets to have access to the areas where cleaning agents are being used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach upset, but others can cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach.
• When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits or ant or roach traps, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals. Most bait contains sweet smelling inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.
• Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter lily or yew plant material by an animal can be fatal.
• Never give your companion animal medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one 500mg acetaminophen tablet (Tylenol) can kill a cat weighing 7 pounds.
• Keep all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your pets’ reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills are all examples of human medications that can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. For example, one 200mg Ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a dog weighing 10 pounds.
• Never leave chocolate where a pet could satisfy its sweet tooth. Even small amounts can cause problems.
• Many common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are all highly toxic, even in small quantities.
• Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat weighing 7 pounds; less than 1 tablespoon can be lethal to a dog weighing 20 pounds.
• Before buying a flea product for use on your companion animal, ask your veterinarian for a recommendation.
• Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet or in your home. Remember: Always follow the directions on the manufacture’s label.
• If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on cats. If a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
• Make sure your companion animals do not enter areas in which foggers or house sprays have been used, and keep them out for the period of time indicated on the label.
• Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store such products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll-free telephone is (888) 426-4435. When you call, have the following information available: your name, address and telephone number; the type of poison and the amount the pet was exposed to; the product container or packaging available for reference; the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved. It is also important to describe the symptoms your animal is experiencing. A $45 consultation fee may apply.
Remember that your pets are curious and unaware of the potentially poisonous materials around them. Please protect your animals from harmful substances.
Eamon P. Riley is a professional dog trainer and animal behavioral consultant. For suggestions or comments, he can be emailed at dogmanusmc@aol.com or by calling 689-9483.