It’s important to know how to protect your pets from common poisonous substances and what to do if your pet shows signs of poisoning. The most common poisonous substances encountered by pets are human medications, dietary supplements and vitamins, household chemicals, and plants. Here is a look at the most dangerous poisons to pets in Arizona and what to do if your pet is poisoned.
Human Medications
Store all medication out of reach of your pets. If you spill medication or drop a bottle on the floor, be sure you pick up every single pill. The human medications that are most dangerous to pets are:
- Painkillers like ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium, and acetaminophen
- Cold and flu medications in pill or liquid form
- Prescription painkillers, antidepressants, stimulants, and depressants
- Over the counter or prescription sleeping pills
- Recreational drugs, including marijuana, or any foods or substances that contain THC
Dietary Supplements and Vitamins
Dietary supplements and vitamins can be toxic to pets. Gummy vitamins and supplements are particularly dangerous as your pet may think they are food or a treat. The most dangerous to pets are:
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin C
- Prenatal vitamins
- Xylitol (often included in gummy medications, chewable medications, or fast-melting supplements)
- Calcium
Household Cleaners and Chemicals
Household cleaners and chemicals can cause injury, poisoning, and death to pets. Keep them stored on high shelves, in locked cabinets, or in areas your pet cannot access. The most dangerous to pets are:
- Detergents and detergent pods
- Cleaners and disinfectants
- Bleach and ammonia
- Peroxide and isopropyl alcohol
- Antifreeze
- Insecticides and herbicides
- Pest control chemicals and rodenticides
Plants
Do not bring toxic or poisonous plants into your home or plant them in your yard. While taking your pet for a walk, do not let them sniff, chew, or eat any part of a plant, including any seeds, nuts, fruits, or flowers. When you are in an unfamiliar area, it’s best to keep your pet on a leash until you can make sure there aren’t any harmful plants around. The most harmful and toxic plants are:
- Oleander
- Lilies
- Tulips
- Azaleas
- Sago Palm
- Daffodil
- Amaryllis
- Rhododendron
- Cyclamen
- Aloe
- Ivy
- Hyacinth
- Hydrangea
- Philodendron
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Something Poisonous or Toxic
Poisoning is an emergency and requires immediate veterinary care. Take your pet to an veterinary urgent care facility right away. If your pet has ingested or been in contact with a toxic or poisonous substance, you should call the ASPCA Pet Poison Control hotline right away. If you see warning signs of poisoning in your pet, you should call an emergency animal hospital and give them as much information as you can about your pet’s symptoms and what he might have come into contact with.
At Tucson Veterinary Urgent Care, we offer pet urgent care services in Tucson, AZ, including diagnostics, in-house laboratory services, radiography, surgery, and treatment for poisoning, allergic reactions, and breathing problems. We are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week and 365 days a year. Please call ahead for triage and let us know that you are on your way. We also offer online check-in services, and accept walk-in patients.
