Important Tips to Protect Your Pets

Tips to Protect Your Pets from Hazardous Materials (to them)

You might be surprised at what is hazardous to your pets!

Pet lovers always have one thing in common we know and feel that our pets are a part of our families. As such we want to protect our pets and one of the best ways we can do that is to know what is hazardous to them.

We’ve got two dogs (Luna and Little Zeus aka LZ) and our cat Ollie pictured below. We try to be aware of what’s hazardous to them, especially food items that we might consume but would be deadly to either our dogs and/or our cat.

Our friends at Petcurean  have been a great resource for checking out important tips for protecting our pets and avoiding hazardous materials. Since we’re a cat and dog family we’re going to share tips to protect both!

WHAT TO AVOID FOR DOGS:

• Chocolate – Most pet lovers know that chocolate is a big no-no for Fido. Chocolate is harmful because of a toxic agent called theobromine, which can make your pup extremely ill and even lead to death.
• Grapes – A lesser known fact, grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs. If you want to give your pup a sweet and healthy treat, opt for blueberries instead.
• Mushrooms – If you have a dog that spends a lot of time outside, it’s crucial to check your yard for mushrooms. There are many species of mushroom that are toxic to pets, such as the Amanita phalloides or ‘Death Cap’ mushroom, a potent poison at only 3 grams. Since there’s a multitude of other species that can harm your pet, it’s best to keep your lawn clean of any mushrooms just to be safe.
  • If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet and bring the mushroom so the clinic can identify what type of toxin or poison they are dealing with.

LZ and Ollie pictured below have one of those love/hate relationships. Sometimes they play together, sometimes they fight and sometimes they just tolerate each other.  LZ doesn’t look very impressed with Ollie below who apparently could care less.

WHAT TO AVOID FOR CATS:

• Tuna – Although tuna is the classic delicacy for a cartoon cat, you should only feed your cat tuna when it’s produced in a cat food format. Tuna made for humans can cause digestive problems in your cat if fed as an occasional treat. Feeding them tuna on a more consistent basis can cause a painful condition called steatitis, or inflammation of the body’s fat.
• Dairy products – Perhaps as iconic as cats and tuna, cats and milk are also a popular pairing. However, as cats age, they can become lactose intolerant causing them to vomit or have diarrhea after ingesting dairy.
• Lilies – The most common type of lily is toxic to cats only. If your cat eats a lily, it can lead to kidney failure which, if not treated quickly, may result in death.

HARMFUL PLANTS: Many common household plants can have negative effects on your beloved pet. Check your home and make sure you don’t have any of these around!

• Aloe – There are more than 500 species of aloe vera, all of which are poisonous to your pet. Its toxin, saponin, acts as a defense mechanism and will harm your pet if ingested.
• English Ivy – English Ivy is one of the most common forms of ivy to grow along the sides of walls and fences, making them easily accessible by outdoor pets and therefore, especially dangerous.
• Sago Palm – This plant is also a common landscape feature, but a little more difficult for your pet to eat. However, Sago Palm is highly poisonous to pets and can even be fatal.
• Shamrocks – While relatively harmless in small quantities, a large consumption of shamrocks can lead to kidney failure in your pet.

Some foods, such as grapes, chocolate, and onions, are dangerous to both cats and dogs. If your pet is exhibiting any of the below behavior, they may be reacting to something poisonous and should be taken to a vet for immediate attention. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 at 855-764-7661 for less urgent concerns or questions.

• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness or Lethargy
• Yellowing of the skin (jaundice)
• Uncoordinated movements
• Excessive drooling (ptyalism)
• Seizures
• Coma

Please be aware of potential hazards to your cats and dogs and take steps to prevent your animals from being exposed to them. Don’t forget to check out Pets section for more great tips on caring for your dog or cat.