Hello!
St. Patty’s Day is coming, and lucky you, this month’s Astro specials below will help keep your pot o’ gold coins in your pocket!
Also this month, March 16-22 is Pet Poison Prevention week. Read this important information on preparing NOW in order to keep your furry family members safe, and what to do if they encounter poison. Accidents are never predicted, so make sure you’re ready in case luck ends up not on your side.
Calls to poison hotlines and emergency vets have increased as our pets face higher exposure risks. Hazardous substances can be found in many different areas of our lives.
Top Toxic Foods for Pets:
Alcohol
Caffeine
Chocolate
Chives, Garlic & Onions
Grapes & Raisins
Macadamia Nuts
Xylitol (found in gum, toothpaste, lotions, etc.)
Medications & Household Chemicals
Medications: Store securely, avoid loose pills/tubes, and dispose of expired meds properly. Call your local police department for disposal options.
Household Toxins: Cleaners, laundry soaps, antifreeze, pesticides, paint and fuels should be locked away or kept out of reach.
Preventative Measures
Mark your calendars every year during Pet Poison Prevention Week to schedule walk-throughs of your home, yard and other areas your pets visit to confirm they are free from potential hazards. Things can easily get left behind and become overlooked in our daily lives. We recommend scheduling these walk-throughs at least seasonally.
The following are guidelines to remember every day:
Store hazardous items per the manufacturer’s recommendations and securely.
Keep trash out of reach
Clean up spills quickly and thoroughly
Repair damaged goods and household areas including leaking pipes, insecure cabinetry or other storage areas for poisonous materials, even peeling paint, (pets may chew on it).
If your pet is exposed to a poison, be prepared to act!
1st: Identify
Identify the toxin and amount ingested/exposed if possible.
2nd: Call for Help (consultation fees may apply
ASPCA Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661
3rd: Provide First Aid Based on Exposure Type
Breathing: Move to fresh air, open windows
Skin Contact: Rinse affected area with water for 10 minutes, then wash with soap
Ingesting: Provide water (if safe) and call poison control before giving anything else. A professional may suggest to induce vomiting or to neutralize the toxin with activated charcoal.
Inducing Vomiting (Dogs only, under professional guidance!)
Use 3% hydrogen peroxide within 2 hours of ingestion.
NEVER induce vomiting if bleach, caustic chemicals or petroleum-based products were ingested, (can worsen damage).
Using Activated Charcoal
Helps absorb and flush toxins if used within 1 hour of ingestion
Dosage: 0.5-1.5g per pound of body weight, (or 5-15g per 10 lbs.)
NOT effective for alcohol, lithium, or iron poisoning.
Being informed helps you act calmly and quickly, which can make all the difference in an emergency. For more resources, we highly recommend learning more at ASPCA’s Poison Control website. You’ll find the link below.
As always, we thank you for being a loyal customer and a responsible pet parent! Here’s that link to the ASPCA’s Poison Control page. We think it’s very valuable information!
