Let’s talk Pets! Keeping your Pet Safe!

 

 

Happy Holidays to All

We hope you had a delightful season/ winter break!

 Let’s talk Pets! Keeping your Pet Safe! 

Anti-freeze:

Hazard: Ethylene glycol in antifreeze is highly toxic to pets.

Symptoms: Vomiting, lethargy, difficulty walking, increased thirst, and rapid breathing.

Safety Tip: Prevention: Keep all antifreeze containers tightly sealed and store them out of reach. Clean up spills immediately.

 

Plants & Flowers:

Hazard: Some plants, like lilies, poinsettias, and mistletoe, can be toxic to pets if ingested.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and sometimes difficulty breathing.

Safety Tip: Identify pet-safe plants and ensure potentially toxic ones are out of reach or not present in the home.

 

Chocolate:

Hazard: Theobromine in chocolate is toxic to pets, especially dark chocolate.

Symptoms: Restlessness, increased heart rate, tremors, vomiting, and in severe cases, seizures.

Safety Tip: Keep all chocolate products away from pets, and educate family members about the dangers.

 

Human Medications:

Hazard: Many medications, including pain relievers, can be harmful to pets.

Symptoms: Vary depending on the medication but may include vomiting, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and seizures.

Safety Tip: Store medications securely, and never give human medications to pets without veterinary guidance.

 

Wild Mushrooms:

Hazard: Ingesting certain wild mushrooms can be toxic to pets.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, liver, or kidney failure.

Safety Tip: Keep pets away from areas where wild mushrooms may grow, and promptly remove any mushrooms in your yard.

 

Foods:

Hazard: Moldy foods, such as bread, fruits, and certain dairy products, can produce mycotoxins that are harmful to pets.

Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures.

Safety Tip: Ensure that pet food is stored properly to prevent mold growth. Keep human foods out of reach, especially if they are prone to mold, and promptly discard any moldy items.

Keeping a vigilant eye on your pets, securing potentially harmful items, and being aware of common hazards can contribute to a safer environment for your furry friends.

 

Note: Always have your parent or guardian contact your veterinarian if you suspect your pet has ingested something harmful. It's important to act quickly in case of poisoning. Providing your veterinarian with information on the ingested substance and observing any symptoms can aid in timely and effective treatment.

 

Kids, - By you and your parents educating yourself about these common hazards, you're helping to become a responsible pet owner who can provide a safe and loving environment for furry friends.

Also, regular veterinary check-ups also play a key role in maintaining your pet's health and addressing any concerns promptly.

Wishing you, your family, friends, and teachers

A Good, Safe and Healthy Year!

 

Learn something New Every Day! 😊