Keeping your dog safe from common household toxins is essential for pet owners in Rio Rancho and the surrounding areas. By understanding the risks and taking preventative measures, you can protect your furry friend from potentially harmful substances.
Identifying Common Household Items Toxic to Dogs
Many everyday items found in your home can be hazardous to your dog. Common household items that are toxic to dogs include the following:
- Foods: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and certain artificial sweeteners like xylitol.
- Plants: Lilies, azaleas, and sago palms.
- Cleaning Products: Bleach, ammonia, and detergents.
- Medications: Human medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and antidepressants.
- Other Items: Antifreeze, rodenticides, and insecticides.
Awareness of these toxic items, among the many others that exist, is the first step in ensuring your dog’s safety.
Symptoms of Toxicity in Dogs
Recognizing the symptoms of toxicity in dogs can be lifesaving. Signs that your dog may have ingested a harmful substance include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Drooling and excessive thirst
- Lethargy and weakness
- Tremors or seizures
- Difficulty breathing
If you observe any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to act quickly and seek veterinary assistance. There may also be no immediate outward sign of toxin exposure.
How To Prevent Exposure to Harmful Household Chemicals
Preventing exposure to harmful household chemicals is key to keeping your dog safe. Here are some tips to do so:
- Store Chemicals Securely: Keep cleaning products, medications, and other toxic substances in cabinets or areas inaccessible to your dog.
- Use Pet-Safe Products: Opt for pet-friendly cleaning products and pest control solutions. Inform your pest control and landscaping services that there are pets in the household.
- Dispose of Waste Properly: Ensure that trash cans are secure and out of reach, and dispose of hazardous waste according to local regulations.
- Educate Household Members: Ensure that everyone in your household is aware of the potential dangers and knows how to store and handle toxic substances safely.
If You Know or Suspect Your Dog Has Been Exposed to a Toxic Substance
Knowing what to do if your dog comes into contact with a toxin can save your pet’s life. Follow these steps if you suspect your dog has ingested a toxic substance:
- Stay Calm: Panicking can delay treatment and increase stress for your dog.
- Remove Access: Prevent your dog from accessing more of the suspected toxin.
- Make a note of Any Symptoms: Observe your dog for any signs of toxin exposure.
- Call Animal Poison Control at (888) 426-4435. There is a nominal fee for this service. Your vet will want you to initiate that call before heading into the clinic.
- Follow Instructions: Follow the Poison Control veterinarian’s instructions carefully. They may advise you to bring your dog in for treatment or monitor your pet for tell-tale symptoms that your pet’s exposure has become a serious health issue.
- Contact a Veterinarian: If advised, contact a vet for animal hospitalization in Albuquerque. Provide them with as much information as possible, including the substance ingested and your dog’s symptoms. Bring the packaging to the veterinarian’s office with you. The name of the chemical and exact dosage are very important pieces of information.
For free 24/7 advice and guidance from a licensed veterinarian, text VETHELP to 67076. These professionals will not be able to prescribe medications or over-the-counter aids that you can use at home. Their advice may be to call Animal Poison Control or have your pet seen by a veterinarian.
Keeping your dog safe from common household toxins is a responsibility that all pet owners must take seriously. By identifying household items toxic to dogs, recognizing the symptoms of toxicity, and knowing how to take action if your dog is accidentally exposed to a toxin, you can help ensure your pet’s well-being. Petroglyph Animal Hospital is a trusted animal hospital in Albuquerque that has been helping the community’s animals for over 25 years. Our dedicated team is here to keep your pets healthy and happy. Contact Petroglyph Animal Hospital for more information today.