National Poison Prevention Week: Keeping your pets safe

By Jackie Faiman

What wouldn’t you do for a beloved pet? You bestow cuddles, toys, and treats. You wrap it in a cozy sweater for winter walks. Maybe you even share your bed. Perhaps the greatest way to show your love, though, is by keeping it safe. Many common household plants and cleaners are dangerous to cats or dogs if ingested, but with a just few minutes spent pet-proofing your space, you will help avoid the heartache of accidental poisoning.

March 20 marks the start of National Poison Prevention Week, aimed at raising awareness of pet toxins in our environment and providing resources to their owners. The Pet Poison Helpline is a good place to start. Their phone line is always staffed (855-764-7661), and the web site offers a searchable list of human medicines, plants, and common household substances and their toxicity levels to cats and dogs.

What are some simple steps to help prevent and address pet poisoning?

Note the list of most common and most toxic household substances, and then survey your home. Make sure any poisonous items are placed in pet-proof containers and locations. For plants—such as lilies, which are highly toxic to cats—it might be best to remove them altogether if you live with a very curious cat!

Have ready basic first aid supplies. Pet Poison Helpline recommends keeping an emergency cheat sheet on hand, with information including the phone number of the nearest emergency veterinarian clinic. This web page also lists recommended first-aid items, many of which apply to humans as well.

Know the signs of animal poisoning. The Pet Poison Helpline offers a list of symptoms to watch for. Always monitor your pet’s behavior and note anything out of the ordinary that might indicate distress or sickness. Detailed instructions on what to do if poisoning is suspected are available at Emergency Instructions.

With a little awareness, common sense, and knowledge of poison prevention, you are sharing with your pet the greatest gift: the path to a safe and healthy life.

For more interactive information on Pet First Aid, visit American Red Cross Mobile Apps and download the app.