October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month, so it is a time of year when we are encouraged to reevaluate our beloved family members’ safety and ensure we are prepared for emergencies. At CityPets614 Animal Hospital, your Columbus, OH, veterinary services provider, we understand how important it is to keep your pets safe and away from all dangerous toxins.
Follow this Checklist for Pet Safety and Be Prepared for An Emergency:
- Keep CityPets614 Animal Hospital and Poison Control phone numbers readily available.
- Keep your pet up to date on annual examinations. Schedule HERE.
Toxic Foods to Keep Away from Pets
- Chocolate – Can cause heart and nervous system issues and even death in larger doses. Dark chocolate can cause severe symptoms.
- Xylitol (Artificial sweetener and sugar substitute) – Liver failure, low blood sugar, and possible death. Emergency care is often needed when ingested.
- Avocados – Can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Pits can cause blockages.
- Coffee, especially grounds – Causes vomiting and diarrhea or possible heart and nervous system issues due to the caffeine.
- Garlic/Onion – Damages blood cells and causes anemia if ingested in large amounts.
- Grapes and Raisins – Can cause kidney failure, and there is no toxic dose so any amount can be potentially harmful.
- Alcohol – Small amounts may lead to intoxication, but coma or death is possible in large quantities.
- Yeast doughs – Expands within the stomach, making bloat likely. Uncooked dough will also go through the fermentation process, which produces carbon dioxide and alcohol, resulting in alcohol poisoning. Extreme cases can also cause seizures and respiratory failure.
- Moldy food – Can cause upset stomach to neurologic symptoms such as seizures and increased body temperature.
Toxic Household Items to Keep Away from Pets
- Antifreeze – Causes vomiting, and lethargy, leading to kidney failure and possible death. Very small amounts can be toxic.
- Rodent Block or Poisons – Different types of rodent blocks have different effects, from severe kidney failure, preventing blood from clotting to organ failure and death. Knowing the kind of rat poison ingested is essential to your pet’s care in an emergency.
- Medicines Intended for People – This entirely depends on the medication ingested, so contacting poison control is advised.
- Ice Melting Products – Some ice melts are non-toxic, while others may contain ingredients that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, or other issues.
- Fertilizers – This is dependent on the type of fertilizer used. Issues can range from an upset stomach to food bloat.
- Compost – Molding and decaying matter contain mycotoxins, which can cause drooling and vomiting, as well as severe neurological signs such as seizures.
- Cocoa Mulch – Has traces of cocoa, which can cause the same issues as chocolate.
- Super Glue and Adhesives – Toxicity depends on the type of glue, but some glues, such as gorilla glue, can expand in the stomach and cause blockages.
- Batteries –They can cause blockages, but the acid within a battery can burn the lining of the mouth, esophagus, and stomach.
Toxic Plants to Keep Away from Pets
- Mushrooms in Your Yard – They can cause various issues depending on the mushroom, from upset stomach to kidney failure.
- Lilies – They are especially toxic to cats and cause kidney failure. Only a tiny amount ingested can be harmful.
- Azaleas – They cause vomiting and diarrhea, which can lead to cardiac failure in dogs and cats.
- Tulips – They cause vomiting and diarrhea, with the most toxins found in the bulb.
- Chrysanthemum – They cause vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, and neurologic issues.
- Sago Palm – They cause vomiting and increased thirst, liver failure, bruising, and possible death.
- Oleander – They cause drooling and diarrhea, to possible death.
Learn Pet CPR
How to Perform Pet CPR
Check for breathing and heartbeat: Ensure your pet is unresponsive by calling their name, checking for breathing, and feeling for a heartbeat. If there’s no response, proceed with CPR.
Position your pet: Lay your pet on its right side on a flat surface.
Clear airway: Gently open your pet’s mouth, pull out the tongue, and check for any obstructions. Remove anything blocking the airway.
Rescue breaths:
- For small pets: Cover both their nose and mouth with your mouth.
- For larger pets: Cover only their nose.
- Give two breaths, watching for the chest to rise. If it doesn’t, check for airway blockage again.
Chest compressions:
- For small pets (under 30 lbs): Use one hand to compress the chest, placing it over the heart.
- For larger pets: Use both hands (one on top of the other) over the broadest part of the chest.
- Compress about 1/3 to 1/2 of the chest width at 100-120 compressions per minute.
Perform cycles: Alternate between 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths.
Continue CPR until the pet breathes, shows a pulse, or professional help arrives.
Remember to stay calm and seek veterinary assistance immediately.
Keep a Pet First Aid Kit on Hand
A first aid kit should include essential items to manage common injuries or emergencies, including:
- Digital Thermometer
- Disposable Gloves
- Hydrogen Peroxide to induce vomiting
- Oral Syringes
- Scissors with Blunt Ends and Tweezers
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Benedryl for an allergic reaction
- Emergency Blanket
- Cotton Balls or Swabs
- Saline Solution (Saline Eyewash)
- Muzzle
- Gauze Pads, Bandages, & Medical Tape
Conclusion
CityPets614 Animal Hospital is here to help ensure your pet lives happily in a safe environment. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about your pet’s behavior or anything he or she may have come into contact with.
Full-service Veterinary Hospital, Boarding, Daycare, and Grooming in Columbus, Ohio, and Surrounding Areas
CityPets614 Animal Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, is a complete veterinary hospital and vet clinic serving your pet’s needs. We serve Victorian Village, Harrison West, Grandview Heights, and Downtown Columbus. Contact us to learn more about our pet care services in Columbus, OH, and schedule an appointment.