Your pet’s inquisitive nature can be amusing, but their behavior can also lead to dangerous toxin exposure. Our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team knows your pet is irreplaceable, and we offer tips that will help protect your four-legged friend from common pet toxins.

#1: Learn to identify common pet toxins

Toxins can be found throughout your home, and knowing which items are pet-toxic can help you ensure your pet is not exposed. Common pet toxins include:

  • Food — Pets don’t metabolize certain foods like humans, and foods that you commonly keep in your kitchen and eat are dangerous for your pet. Examples include chocolate, coffee, onions and garlic, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, sugar-free products containing xylitol, and raw yeast dough.
  • Alcohol — Pets are extremely sensitive to alcohol, and small amounts can result in signs that include vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, and coma.
  • Over-the-counter (OTC) medications — OTC medications, including aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, vitamins and supplements, and cold and flu medications, can be toxic to pets.
  • Prescription medications — Prescription medications, including antidepressants, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drugs, nicotine patches, blood pressure medications, and hormonal supplements, can be toxic to pets.
  • Pet medications — Many products formulated for pets are made to taste good to help with administration, but your pet can overdose if they get a hold of the enticing medication and eat too much. Other issues occur when dogs are given cat medications, or cats are given dog medications.
  • Plants — Many indoor and outdoor plants are poisonous for pets. Examples include aloe, azaleas, foxglove, lilies, oleander, philodendron, tulips, sago palm, and wild mushrooms.
  • Rodenticides — All of the many rodenticides on the market are extremely toxic to pets.
  • Household products — Household products, such as potpourri, household cleaners, drain cleaners, laundry products, and paint, are pet-toxic.
  • Garden products — Garden products, including fertilizers, certain mulches, herbicides, and pesticides, are toxic to pets.
  • Compounds — Ethylene glycol and deicers are also pet-toxic.

#2: Ensure your pet doesn’t ingest a toxic food

Pets are always up for a snack, but ingesting a toxic food can be devastating. Tips to protect your pet include:

  • Clear your counters — Don’t store food on your counters, and clean up after food preparation as soon as possible.
  • Seal your garbage — Store your garbage in sealed containers or behind a closed door.
  • Notice ingredients — Be aware of the ingredients in any food you offer your pet.
  • Don’t feed your pet table scraps — Refrain from feeding your pet table scraps, and ensure your guests know not to feed your pet from their plate.

#3: Ensure your pet doesn’t ingest a dangerous medication

Any medication can be toxic if administered improperly. Tips to protect your pet include:

  • Store medications securely — Store all medications securely, preferably on a high shelf behind a latched door.
  • Use child safety locks — Use child safety locks to ensure your pet’s curious paw can’t access dangerous items.
  • Never give your pet human medication — Never treat your pet from your medicine cabinet, since many OTC and prescription medications are toxic to pets.
  • Consult a veterinarian — Consult our veterinary team before giving your pet any medication.
  • Take your medications safely — Ensure your pet isn’t nearby when you take your medication so they cannot eat a dropped pill.

#4: Ensure your pet doesn’t ingest a toxic plant

Many pets are tempted to chew vegetation, but the consequences can be devastating should they choose a toxic plant. Tips to protect your pet include:

  • Learn what plants are toxic — Research what plants are toxic to pets.
  • Check your plants — Ensure the plants in your home and yard won’t endanger your pet.
  • Block access — If you cannot remove a toxic plant in your yard, ensure your pet can’t access the area.

#5: Ensure your pet doesn’t ingest a dangerous household product or chemical

Pets ingest the craziest things, and they need protection from dangerous household products. Tips include:

  • Store products securely — Store all potentially dangerous products on a high shelf or behind a closed door.
  • Prevent access — If you use a rodenticide, fertilizer, herbicide, pesticide, or other harmful substance, ensure your pet can’t access the area.
  • Clean spills — Clean up all antifreeze and other chemical spills as soon as possible.
  • Clean your pet — After a winter outing, clean your pet’s coat and paws to remove deicing crystals.

#6: Know pet toxicity first aid

If your pet is exposed to a toxin, knowing how to react can save their life. Steps include:

  • Stay calm — A poisoned pet is an upsetting situation, but you must stay calm to provide the care they need.
  • Remove the toxin — Ensure your pet can no longer access the toxin to prevent further exposure.
  • Call for help — Immediately contact Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital or Animal Poison Control to receive advice on next steps from a veterinary professional. 
  • Provide pet information — Be prepared with information about your pet, such as their age, breed, and weight.
  • Provide toxin information — Have the product label available, so you can provide information about the ingredients and concentrations. In addition, note the time when your pet ingested the toxin, and signs they are exhibiting.
  • Don’t induce vomiting — Don’t induce vomiting or administer any home remedies, which may cause further problems for your pet.

Pet toxicity is a concerning issue, but these tips should help reduce your pet’s exposure risk. If you know or suspect your pet ingested a toxin, contact our American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA)-accredited team at Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital promptly, so we can determine the best way to handle the situation and make your pet better as soon as possible.