It’s been reported that Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) looked at their collection of claims and put together a list of what they’ve seen as the most common claims for pet toxins. To be honest, I’m a bit surprised by the top one, but then again, if you don’t ask your veterinarian, you won’t know! And I’m one of those hyper-vigilant pet owners, which might be another term for hyper-paranoid… but any way!
I thought I’d share with you folks … maybe learn something new, maybe not. Check it out…
Toxic Substances for Pets
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Pain Killers
According to the report the biggest toxin to pets are over-the-counter pain relievers that human care-givers try to administer to their pets. Pets can’t process those meds the same way we do and then they react poorly to the meds given them.
Rat Poison
Rodent poisons are also on the list… not because pet owners leave them out, but because rodents can carry the pellets and leave them behind in places.
Methylxanthine … Chocolate
Methylxanthine is the chemical compound in chocolate that can act like a toxic poison. Don’t feed Fido chocolate.
Toxic Plants and Fruits
Believe it or not, onions, grapes and raisins are toxic to pets. You can also add the following plants to this list:
- amaryllis.
- azaleas,
- hyacinths,
- lilies,
- oleander,
- poinsettias,
- sago palms and
- tulips.
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The Obvious
Of course, don’t forget to secure household chemicals, snail bait, insecticides which can also be ingested via skin absorption. In the gulf coast region they touch on some toads that excrete a poison that can be fatal, so you even have to watch where you walk your dog!
I’ve even seen some warnings locally about decorative yard wood chips that have been made from some chocolate base… and to not let your dogs eat the wood chips! Sheesh.
So keeping track of, or more to the point, protecting your pet, is a duty for those who care enough to take an inventory and see what’s up, what’s around and do the best you can to try and prevent the furry family member from doing something harmful to itself.
A Tad Bit of Advice, an After-Thought
As it sometimes seems to be, things do happen, no matter what you do… and you have to deal with it.
If that’s the case, then the next best thing is to know where your closest 24-hr Emergency Vet is located and have their contact info on a magnet, on the fridge or somewhere that you don’t have to try and remember in case you need it. I like spelling out my emergency directions because when you’re under trauma, sometimes thinking straight is not always the available option.
Food for thought!
[ petinsurance.com ]
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