Creating a Safe Home for your Pet

There are many hidden dangers that we pet owners have in our homes and have no idea how harmful (and in some cases deadly) they can be to our precious furbabies. Here is a list of some of these hazards and what can be done in a worst-case scenario.

Hazardous and Non Hazardous Plants:
• For a list of plants that are toxic, click here.
• For a list of plants that have not been reported as harmful, click here.
• For a list of non-toxic flowers and bouquets, click here.

Also, there is also a great did you know section that explains additional items that are harmful and some that were thought to be harmful but in fact aren't, such as poinsettias.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pet
• Alcoholic beverages
• Avocado
• Chocolate (all forms)
• Coffee (all forms)
• Fatty foods
• Macadamia nuts
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions and onion powder
• Raisins and grapes
• Salt
• Yeast and/or dough
• Garlic
• Products sweetened with xylitol

Warm Weather Hazards
• Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
• Blue-green algae in ponds
• Citronella candles
• Cocoa mulch
• Compost piles and fertilizers
• Flea products
• Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
• Swimming pool treatment supplies
• Fly baits containing methomyl
• Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Medication
Human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
• Pain killers
• Cold medicines
• Anti-cancer drugs
• Antidepressants
• Vitamins
• Diet pills

Cold Weather Hazards
• Antifreeze
• Liquid potpourri
• Ice melting products
• Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards
• Fabric softener sheets
• Mothballs
• Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Now the question is what to do if you think your pet has ingested something harmful. First, stay calm! Try and figure out what your pet has ingested. If there is any left make sure to keep a sample so that the vet and/or animal control can use it to help diagnose the problem and find a quicker solution for your pet.

Then call the ASPCA poison control center, there is a $55 consultation fee. I know this seems like a lot but your pets life is worth a heck of a lot more: (888) 426-4435

Be ready with the following information: -The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved, the animal’s symptoms, information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure. Have the product container/packaging available for reference. Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the APCC.

If your vet office is closed, there is only one emergency vet clinic in Chicago and they are fantastic! Their contact info is:

Chicago Emergency Vet Services
773.281.7110
3123 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago IL 60618