Poison Prevention Week March 2022: Day 3 Household Hazards

There are many daily exposures to poisons and hazards in your household for pets.

Bathrooms hold the threat of human prescriptions and medications. Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antidepressants, antihistamines, and prescription drugs pose high risks to pets when they are ingested. Keep all medications in sealed containers and up in closed cupboards. Other substances such as soaps and sunblock need to be kept out of reach from pets as well, since they can cause stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea. Keeping toilet bowl lids closed helps prevent pets from possibly drinking treated water.

Household cleaners are typically safe to use around pets, but always take the time to read all warnings and directions for use and storage. Keeping cleaners in a secure cabinet will help prevent pets from getting into these chemicals.

In the bedroom, mothballs can pose a threat to your pet. According to AVMA, “Just one mothball has the potential to sicken a dog or cat; mothballs that contain naphthalene can cause serious illness, including digestive tract irritation, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the brain tissues, seizures, coma, respiratory tract damage.. and even death.”

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a household hazard, call your vet immediately and have the product name available. With poisoning cases, time is critical for treatment!

For further information on household hazards for pets check out AVMA’s link: https://www.avma.org/resources/pet-owners/petcare/household-hazards

Pet Poison Helpline is also available for pet poison concerns and questions: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

Phone: 855-289-0358