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ASPCA
National Animal Poison Control Center Commemorates National
Poison Safety Week
National
Poison Prevention Week
March
19-25th marks National Poison Prevention Week, and the American
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals/National
Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA/NAPCC) has an objective
to educate pet owners about the importance of poison safety.
The Center is the first and only 24-hour poison control hotline
for animals in North America. Our professionals are available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Veterinarians
and pet owners needing advice reach a staff of 16 veterinarians
(including four board-certified veterinary toxicologists)
and six certified veterinary technicians. The number is for
consultation services is 1-888-4ANI-HELP
Pet Poison Prevention Tips
To celebrate
"National Poison Safety Week", the ASPCA/NAPCC is reminding
pet owners of the importance of poison prevention. In order
to educate pet owners about ways to establish a poison-safe
pet environment, the ASPCA/NAPCC presents the following tips
for pet owners:
- Be
aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The
ingestion of azalea, oleander, castor bean, sago palm, Easter
lily (in cats, only) or yew plant material by an animal
can be fatal.
- Never
allow your pets to have access to the areas in which cleaning
agents are being used or stored. Cleaning agents have a
variety of properties; some may only cause mild stomach
upset, but others can cause severe burns of the tongue,
mouth and stomach.
- Store
all cleaners, pesticides, and medications in a secured area.
- Most
baits contain ingredients that can attract your pets. When
using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps,
place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your
companion animals.
- Never
give your companion animals medication unless you are directed
to do so by a veterinarian. Many medications that are safe
for humans can be deadly for animals. For example, one extra
strength (500mg) acetaminophen tablet could be fatal to
a cat.
- Keep
all prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of your
pets' reach, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers,
cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins
and diet pills are all examples of human medications that
can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. For example,
one 200mg-ibuprofen tablet could cause stomach ulcers in
a small dog.
- Never
leave chocolate unattended.
- Many
common household items can be lethal to animals. Mothballs,
potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric
softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes,
alcoholic drinks and hand and foot warmers are potentially
toxic.
- Automotive
products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be
stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. As little
as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less
than one tablespoon can be lethal to a 20-pound dog.
- Before
buying a flea product, consult your veterinarian, especially
when treating sick, debilitated or pregnant pets.
- Read
all of the information on the label before using a product
on your pet or in your home. Always follow the directions.
- If
a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used
on cats; if a product is for use only on cats. Never use
permethrin spot on products (which are labeled for dogs
only) on your cat.
- Make
sure your companion animals do not enter areas in which
insecticidal foggers or house sprays have been applied for
the period of time indicated on the label.
If
you are uncertain about the proper usage of any product, contact
the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
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