4473 Barton Orleans Road Orleans, VT 05860 802-754-2228

The American Veterinary Medical Association (www.avma.org) reminds us that March brings Poison Prevention Week, March 21 to 27.

While the focus is on raising awareness about household items that are poisonous to children, it’s important to remember that many things in the home are also poisonous to our pets – cats, dogs and yes, even birds and other pets. The AVMA advises that raisins and grapes can be fatal to our canine family members. Some plants, such as lilies are poisonous for our feline friends. Some kinds of nuts, such as macadamia nuts can cause paralysis in dogs and sadly, the most potent poisons for our pets are human medications. It’s important to know that many items commonly found in our homes can cause our loyal and beloved animal friends to become critically and perhaps even fatally ill. These items range from foods that they may enjoy eating, but shouldn’t, to cleaning chemicals and prescription drugs.
There are a number of reliable resources available to learn more about items commonly found in our homes that are poisonous to our pets.

• The following link lists and explains the top ten dog poisons: https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/top-10-dog-poisons#4
• The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) offers this information as a guide to become knowledgeable about pet poisons:
• https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
• Acknowledging that it’s always best to call your own veterinarian for advice if your pet has ingested something potentially harmful, that’s not always possible. The APCC also offers a pet poison hotline for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. Please take note that a consultation fee may apply.

It’s well worth your time to take a few minutes to review this information and make the changes needed in your own home to keep your animals safe from harmful products. Then give your furry friend a hug, knowing you’ve taken important steps to help him enjoy a long, happy and healthy life!