03/19/2025
This is National Poison Prevention Week for our pet. We all have potential hazards in our homes. We want to make sure everyone stays safe.
Hazards in the kitchen
Many foods are perfectly safe for people, but could be harmful or even deadly to pets, especially if eaten in large amounts. To be safe, keep the following food items off your pet’s menu (and reach):
Alcohol Avocado Chives Chocolate Coconut Water
Coffee and Grounds Fatty Foods Fruit pits Garlic
Grapes and Raisins Macadamia nuts Onions Salt/salty snacks
Tea Yeast-based Dough Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
Garbage
Always keep garbage out of a pet’s reach. It may contain items that can lead to intestinal problems (including blockage, vomiting, and diarrhea) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), a painful and potentially life-threatening illness.
Cleaning products
Many household cleaners can be used safely around pets. The key to safe use lies in reading and following product directions for use and storage. For instance, if the label says, “Keep pets and children away from area until dry,” follow those directions to prevent possible health risks.
Products containing bleach can safely disinfect many household surfaces when used properly. But if pets get hold of them, they can cause stomach upset, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, severe burns if swallowed, and respiratory tract irritation if inhaled in a high enough concentration. In addition, concentrated solutions can produce serious chemical burns if they come in contact with pets’ skin. Some other detergents or disinfectants can cause a similar reaction, and cats can be particularly sensitive to certain ingredients such as phenols.
As a general rule, store all cleaning products in a secure cabinet out of the reach of pets, and keep them in their original packaging, or in a clearly labeled and tightly sealed container.
Insect and rodent control products
As with household cleaners, read and follow label instructions before using any type of insect control or prevention product in your pet’s environment. For example, flea and tick products made specifically for dogs (such as those containing permethrin) should never be used on cats or other species because they may cause serious or even life-threatening problems. Always ask your veterinarian about the safe use of these products for your pet.