The National Safety Council in America first started the Poison Prevention Weeks for pets in 1961. We celebrate this educational event in the third week of March every year. If pets eat something poisonous, it is a medical emergency, and the owner must act fast to prevent any life-threatening condition in the pets. Many household products and human foods are poisonous for pets, but people rarely know about them. Therefore, poison prevents month is the best way to educate the owners about the potential toxins. March Is the Poison Prevention Month for Pets, so we are here to tell you about the dangers of different household poisons in pets.
Poisonous Products for the Pets
According to ASPCA (American Society to prevent Cruelty to Animals), In 2021, there were 370,500 animals saved by educating the owners about the potential poisons present in their homes. Some common household poisons include:
MEDICATIONS:
Many medications of regular use are poisonous for pets. Sometimes, people try to treat the mild ailments of their pets using human medications. These common drugs can be very toxic for pets. Some examples include paracetamol, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc. However, cats are more sensitive to drug toxicity as compared to dogs. According to ASPCA, 17% of total poisoning cases are drug poisoning.
HUMAN FOODS:
Sometimes, the pet owners give their foods their pets out of love. But this gesture can prove fatal for your pets. Many human foods contain chemicals that convert to poisonous substances in the digestive tracks of animals. Some examples of these foods include chocolates, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins, citrus oil extracts, nuts, cherries, etc. Pets like to eat these foods because of their sharp taste and smell. But, as a pet owner, you should know these foods are poisonous to the pets.
PLANTS:
Many indoor and outdoor plants are toxic for pets. Make sure you go through a list of plants poisonous for your pets before you bring them home. Some common household plants poisonous for pets include lilies, marijuana, oleander, sago palm, castor beans, etc. Sometimes, these plants can cause skin reactions in animals.
ANTI-FREEZING AGENTS:
The anti-freezing agent, Ethylene glycol, is a household product used in garages and homes. This chemical has a very narrow margin of safety, and even a few teaspoons can be fatal for pets. Pets can lick the spills of ethylene glycol on the floor, and it can cause an emergency condition or even death in a few minutes.
Ways To Keep Your Pets from Being Poisoned
March Is Poison Prevention Month for Pets, so this March, let us learn why we should protect our pets from ingesting some household products and how to do it.
KEEP DRUGS OUT OF REACH:
Keep medicines, chemicals, cleaning, and anti-freezing agents away from the paws of your pets. Place these products in closed cabinets where pets cannot reach them.
AVOID INDOOR PLANTS:
Keep your pets away from plants. Many animals with mineral deficiency try to chew on plants. Give your pets mineral and vitamin supplements to avoid these vices.
KEEP THE GARAGE CLOSE:
In houses, people keep chemicals like alcohol, cleaning agents, acetones, and anti-freezing agents in the garage. These chemicals have low safety margins and are fatal even in low amounts. So, it is better to keep the garage or chemical storage area locked all the time.
CONCLUSION:
Pets are our best friend and a big responsibility for us. We must pay attention to them and keep the household products away from our pets. In case of any emergency, contact a vet as soon as possible. March Is Poison Prevention Month for Pets, so let us educate ourselves for the safety of these little friends.
