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The Sneaky Household Substances Your Pet Needs to Avoid

2 April 2020

What household products and common items should your pet stay away from? If you're not sure what to keep your cat or dog away from, take a look at the sneaky substances your pet needs to avoid.

Household Plants

The pretty potted plant in your living room or flowering window box could put your pet at risk. While not all plants are toxic to cats and dogs, some pose dangers to domesticated animals.

What plants should your pet stay away from? Some of the most common plants that are potentially poisonous to pets include azaleas, daffodils, day lilies, English ivy, holly, poinsettias, rhubarb, and wisteria. Even though these plants have toxic properties, specific parts of each species are more dangerous than others. These could include the berries, leaves, roots, shoots, or seeds.

If you enjoy greening your home but aren't sure which plants to completely avoid, talk to a professional before you populate the interior or exterior with plants. Have a candid conversation during your pet's next vet appointment. The veterinarian can provide you with guidance or a list of potentially poisonous plants your pet should always avoid.

Alcoholic Beverages and Foods

Is your dog quick to lap up leftover beer or wine or "clean" a spill for you? Alcohol may not seem dangerous, but it can cause major health issues for your pet. Simply put, beer, wine, liquor, and foods containing alcohol are not for pets.

Alcohol can cause serious medical problems for a pet, including GI distress (vomiting and diarrhea), difficulty breathing, or tremors. It may also depress the central nervous system, change your pet's blood acidity level, and can (in some cases) lead to coma or death - even in what may seem like small amounts.

Even the best intentions can result in an accident. If your pet accidentally ingests alcohol, contact the veterinarian for more information. Signs of accidental poisoning may include lethargy, disorientation, increased urination, and increased thirst. The vet may need to examine your pet to rule out potential healthrelated effects and can provide a treatment plan if needed.

Sugar-Free Foods

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute in human foods, gums, and mints. Even though people can tolerate this substance well, dogs can't. Signs of xylitol poisoning in pets include vomiting, weakness, decreased coordination, lower activity levels, and possibly seizures.

Don't assume you know what foods and household products contain this risky ingredient. While it's a popular sugar substitute in gums and mints, it's also found in baked goods, ice cream, and dental care products. Keep any xylitol-containing product away from your pet. This includes the mints in your purse and the toothpaste on an easily accessible counter.

Holiday Décor

Christmas, Valentine's Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Halloween and the Fourth of July are festive times that come with plenty of household holiday décor. While you wouldn't expect your dog or cat to eat the Christmas tree's tinsel or chow down on a plastic Easter egg, it happens - and it isn't healthy for your pet.

Assume that anything within your dog or cat's reach is, in your pet's mind, fair food game. Some of the most common and most dangerous household holiday décor products are Christmas tree décor (tinsel, string lights, ornaments, ribbons ), fake Easter basket grass, plastic Easter eggs, Valentine's Day flowers, confetti, balloons, and flameless candles.

Unlike some plants, foods, and beverages, holiday décor isn't always poisonous. While some items are toxic if eaten, others can obstruct the animal's intestine or pose a choking risk. If your pet accidentally eats any decorative holiday item, call the vet as soon as possible. The pet professional can examine your cat/dog, suggest diagnostic tests, and treat your pet as needed.

Do you have concerns about what your pet eats at home? Contact Pet Medical Center of Vero Beach for more information.

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