Home Improvement News Bureau

Poison Prevention For Pets

How-to keep your furry family members safe

MONEY PIT NEWSBUREAU – March 1, 2005:  In 2004 the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 95,000 cases.  Although the most common calls dealt with cats and dogs ingesting human pharmaceuticals and pesticides, the hotline staff has dealt with just about any and every substance you can imagine – and most animal species…even elephants, snakes and giraffe.

National Poison Prevention Week is March 19 – 24, 2005 – a “purr-fect” time to get a handle (or paw) on what household items are poisons that can endanger your cat or dog, suggests Tom Kraeutler, home expert and host of The Money Pit Home Improvement Radio Show.  Kraeutler and co-host Leslie Segrete (TLC’s While You Were Out), who were recently named to Talkers Magazines list of the 100 Most Important Radio Talk Show Hosts in America for 2005, say pet poisoning is a problem that can happen in the most pet-friendly homes.

“Many people don’t realize that human food can be toxic to pets – especially if they eat a large quantity,” says Segrete.  “Never give your cat or dog alcoholic beverages or chocolate, and stay away from fatty foods, avocados, onions, raisins and grapes, salt and even homemade play-dough.   Don’t feed them moldy or rotten food – if it will make you ill it will probably make them sick, too.”

Other everyday items that can lead to trouble include: mothballs, coffee grounds, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, pot pourri oils, hand/foot warmers and even loose change.  “These items are all toxic,” warns Kraeutler.  “Most puppies, especially those that are teething, will chew or bite just about anything.  Keep these items out of reach and be sure to provide safe and appropriate chew toys.”

According to the APCC’s case records, Lizzy, a 3-year old Wirehaired Fox Terrier is a perfect example.  The emergency vet she was brought to called the APCC.  It was determined she had zinc poisoning from eating pennies – those minted after 1983 contain mostly zinc which dissolves when exposed to stomach acid.  Untreated zinc poisoning can lead to anemia, kidney failure and even death.  Three pennies were successfully removed from her stomach.
 
Other potential dangers

• HUMAN MEDICATIONS – Many painkillers are deadly to cats and dogs.  Just as with children, never leave medications where a playful animal could knock them over and eat them.  That’s what happened to Duke, a one-year old Labrador Retriever treated by the APCC.  According to Dana Farbman, a certified veterinary technician (CVT) with the APCC, Duke chewed open a vial of pills on the countertop and ingested more than 100 tablets of Baclofen, a muscle relaxant.  Fortunately with quick action and advice from the APCC Duke made a full recovery.
• ANTIFREEZE– Necessary for your car, deadly in even small doses if lapped up off the garage floor or drive by your pet. Clean up spills immediately since even a teaspoon can have disastrous results.   Gasoline and oil should also be stored where animals cannot get to them.
  Plants – Many common house and garden plants have beautiful blooms and are tempting – but poisonous for Fifi and Fido.  Some popular items to look out for are lilies – including Easter lilies, tiger lilies and rubrum lilies.  “A number of other plants and trees commonly found in flower beds and landscaping can cause problems if chewed on or eaten,” explains Segrete.  “A few of them include azaleas, oleander, yews, apple trees, carnations, delphinium, geraniums, lobelia, mock orange, morning glory, oak trees and vinca.”
• FERTILIZER & WEED KILLERS – Follow package directions for these products and keep pets off the grass and away from treated weeds the proper amount of time.  Animals can be exposed not only by chewing on the treated grass or leaves but by cleaning their paws after walking on it.
• FLEA-CONTROL PRODUCTS – It’s important to use only products made for cats on felines and vice versa.  A number of flea products made for the hounds include permethrin – an ingredient that even in small doses can be fatal to cats.
• PEST BAITS– most slug and snail bait; mouse, rat, ant or roach traps will attract your pets as well as the pests.  Be sure to put them in a place that your companion can’t reach. 

What to do if pet poisoning happens to you
If the worst happens it’s best to be prepared.  “Post the phone numbers for your vet, an emergency vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in a prominent place,” advises Kraeutler.  “Above all, stay calm and focused to help your pet.”  Be ready to tell the vet or hotline what type of dog or cat you have, how much it weighs, what type of poison you believe he/she has ingested, how long ago and any symptoms your pet is having. 

 
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435 is the only 24-hour poison control hotline for animals in North America.  The line is staffed with veterinarians, including five board-certified toxicologists and seven certified veterinary technicians round the clock 365 days a year.  The cost per case is $50, even if it involves multiple calls and consulting with your local vet.  In existence since 1978, the hotline began charging in 1990 rather than closing.  It is not subsidized or federally funded.  They respond to calls from the public, veterinary clinics, zoos and law enforcement agencies with canine units. 

While prevention is the best medicine for humans and pets alike, early diagnosis and treatment increase the chances for a full recovery after an accidental poisoning. 

Segrete says she once had her own pet poisoning crisis when Lamby, her 5-year old miniature black poodle got into some roach bait.  “I called poison control immediately.  It turned out that Lamby would be fine but it was nice to have a professional on the line to tell me what I needed to do,” she said.

SIDEBAR
DO-IT YOURSELF PROJECTS CAN SPELL DANGER FOR YOUR PET

Home improvement projects can be trouble for your pets be it redecorating, maintenance or clean-up.  “It’s important to monitor the products you use and always follow directions for clean-up and storage,” says Kraeutler.  “Pets, much like children, are very inquisitive and often want to investigate or be part of what you’re doing.”

Some common items that can cause problems:

• PAINTS– Most water-based latex paints aren’t highly toxic but could cause stomach upset.  Specialty paints can contain heavy metals.  Never use paint thinner or solvents to remove paint on your pets coat or skin.  It could cause a chemical burn.
• TOOLS & SUPPLIES – Be mindful of nails, tacks, screws, electrical cords on power tools and even insulation -- are all potential threats.  Chewing on electrical power cords can cause electrocution or burns to the mouth.  Eating nails and other hardware can cause damage to the stomach and intestines or a blockage.
• SOLVENTS – Mineral spirits, pant thinners and solvents can cause skin irritation and damage to the eyes, mouth and stomach as well as central nervous system depression.
• GLUE – Some construction glues only cause stomach upset but expanding adhesive products can cause life-threatening blockages.
• MOLD – Mold in the home can cause problems for pets as well as their owners.  Some molds produce mycotoxins which can cause tremors and seizures.
• LEAD – In older homes built before 1978 pets could suffer from lead exposure by eating paint chips or exhaling dust from sanded or scraped surfaces.  But paint isn’t the only villain:  drapery weights, plumbing parts, putty, linoleum and rug pads can all contain lead.

“When you’re ready to start a new project, be sure to keep your pets safely out of the danger zone,” advises Segrete.  “If that’s not possible with a major project, it might be well worth it to board your cat or dog for a day or have it stay with friends for its own protection.”

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