How to prevent pet poisoning and what to do if it happens
Know which daily household products are not pet-safe and how to store them correctly to prevent the horror of a deadly poisoning incident.
You find them in the laundry room, in the cleaning cupboard or in the bathroom – our homes are full of everyday toxins that can be fatal if accidentally ingested or even inhaled by pets.
Make sure you are aware of the toxic products in your home and know how to react if there is a problem with these useful tips from Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company.
Prevention is the best cure
Go around your home and check that the following products are stored in a locked cupboard or on a high shelf to prevent your pet from accidentally coming into contact with these toxic, yet common household items:
- Antifreeze
- Bleach or bleach-based cleaners
- Carpet or rug cleaner/shampoo/deodorizer
- Essential oils
- Plant fertiliser
- Glue, other adhesives
- Laundry or dishwasher detergent
- Paint, solvents, spackle
- Rat/mouse/slug bait or other insecticides
- Vinegar (plain or mixed with water)
- Window cleaner
What can I do to prevent a poisoning incident?
- Allow your dogs to sleep inside at night, but not in the garage. If this is not possible, make sure their outside sleeping space cannot be accessed from the boundary wall to prevent criminals from poisoning your dogs.
- Do a regular perimeter check for any food that may have been tossed over your wall and dispose of it.
- Start training your puppy not to lick or eat anything that hasn’t been given to them by their owner.
- Check labels for poisonous ingredients such as chlorine bleach, ammonia and Benzalkonium Chloride.
- “Natural” products do not necessarily make them pet friendly.
How do I know if my pet has been poisoned?
If you suspect poisoning or find any evidence that your pet has ingested something toxic, such as chew marks on a product bottle containing toxins, go to the vet instead of waiting for symptoms to develop. If your pet collapses, loses consciousness, has a seizure or has difficulty breathing, treat it as an emergency and go to the vet immediately. Do not try to induce vomiting, unless you were advised to do so.
