How safe is your pups around the following items in and around your home:
Over-the-Counter Medication - this was the number one reported toxin for 2020 with the most common items being cold medications, vitamins, and pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and Acetaminophen.
Human Prescription Medication - For the second year in a row human prescription meds are in the 2nd place of the top 10 toxins and the most common are antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and cardia meds.
Human Foods - The familiar grapes/raisins, xylitol, and onions/garlic, and this year we can add protein bars and snacks to that list.
Chocolate - Still holds the #4 spot on the list of top 10. This year there were almost 76 exposures to chocolate daily. The danger level goes up as the cocoa content of the chocolate goes up.
Bouquets and Plants - This category moved up the list from 8th place to 5th place because during the pandemic many people started buying more plants for their homes and bouquets for others. BEWARE...Azalea and Rhododendron, Holly, Hydrangea, Ivy, Oleander, Peony, and Sago Palm. All of the aforementioned can cause symptoms ranging from drooling, gastrointestinal upsets, lip-smacking, head shaking, lethargy, vomiting, difficulty breathing, tremors, diarrhea, bloody stools, paralysis, acute liver failure, nosebleeds, weakness, shock, coma, and even death. To be safe, keep your dog away from plants and bouquets as much as possible.
Household Toxicants - This is on the list considering many people during the pandemic were home working on Do It Yourself home improvement projects involving things like paint, spackling, and other such related substances.
Rodenticide - Rat poisoning was especially hard to treat due to the fact that many have become high in the use of Vitamin D for bait which can cause kidney failure if not treated promptly.
Veterinary Products - Used properly and under the right circumstances Vet products are good but 2020 showed an increase in chewable medications for pain, incontinence, or anxiety.
Insecticide - Continuing to fall on this list are things like ant killer, wasp poison, and products against larvae and eggs.
Garden Products - At #10 again on the list in 2020 are things like fertilizer and weed killer.
How to Prevent an Accidental Poisoning of Your Pup:
Do a Sweep - Take some time to get down on the ground and see what's at eye level that may be enticing to your dog and take appropriate action to remedy any potential hazards.
Lock up the Dangers - Keep cleaners and pesticides away from your pup; installing child-proof locks on cabinet doors is a good way to keep these items away from your pooch and remind you that they are behind these doors.
Keep an Eye on Your Pet - Familiarize yourself with potential hazards and pay attention to everything your pup may get a hold of. Dogs are curious creatures and love to taste and eat things that smell good to them with no regard to the side effects they may have on them.
Thanks for coming by.
