MaxJack'sMom
02-18-2007, 03:58 PM
This article is from the March 2007 Prevention magazine. I'm just going to put some of the surprising household hazards that can be perilous to your pet if ingested.
1. Lilies
Poinsettias have a reputation for being poisonous, but most pets suffer only a little tummy trouble from taking a bite. The Easter lily is a real hazard: it can cause everything from a mild case of vomiting to serious kidney, liver, or cardiovascular problems. Beware of the entire lily family, all of them pose a danger.
2. Sweeteners
Sugarless products--don't share them with your pets: Xylitol, the substitute sweetener in many sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods-even toothpaste- can cause a sudden drop in a dog's blood sugar, leading to a loss of coordination and seizures within 30 minutes of consumption. Swallowing even a few pieces of sugarless gum and you'll need to see a vet right away.
3. Grapes and Raisins
A single ounce of raisins or about a half dozen of any type of grape can cause kidney damage in dogs. They are unsure if it affects cats, so to be safe, keep it away from them too.
4. Painkillers
Ibuprofen can quickly damage a pet's organs. Medicines for humans, including pain relievers, cold medicines, diet pills, and antidepressants are poisionous for dogs.
Ibuprofen overdose includes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst. Cats are thought to be twice as sensitive as dogs to the toxic effects of drug's.
5. Fabric Softeners
Within half an hour of gulping down even part of a dryer fabric-softener sheet, a pet can experience vomiting, muscle twitches, and excessive drooling. Cats react more severely to the sheets than dogs. The chemicals are found in the liquid fabric softeners too, so make sure you store them in a high cabinet.
Prevention March 2007.............Kathleen Doheny
1. Lilies
Poinsettias have a reputation for being poisonous, but most pets suffer only a little tummy trouble from taking a bite. The Easter lily is a real hazard: it can cause everything from a mild case of vomiting to serious kidney, liver, or cardiovascular problems. Beware of the entire lily family, all of them pose a danger.
2. Sweeteners
Sugarless products--don't share them with your pets: Xylitol, the substitute sweetener in many sugar-free gums, candies, baked goods-even toothpaste- can cause a sudden drop in a dog's blood sugar, leading to a loss of coordination and seizures within 30 minutes of consumption. Swallowing even a few pieces of sugarless gum and you'll need to see a vet right away.
3. Grapes and Raisins
A single ounce of raisins or about a half dozen of any type of grape can cause kidney damage in dogs. They are unsure if it affects cats, so to be safe, keep it away from them too.
4. Painkillers
Ibuprofen can quickly damage a pet's organs. Medicines for humans, including pain relievers, cold medicines, diet pills, and antidepressants are poisionous for dogs.
Ibuprofen overdose includes vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst. Cats are thought to be twice as sensitive as dogs to the toxic effects of drug's.
5. Fabric Softeners
Within half an hour of gulping down even part of a dryer fabric-softener sheet, a pet can experience vomiting, muscle twitches, and excessive drooling. Cats react more severely to the sheets than dogs. The chemicals are found in the liquid fabric softeners too, so make sure you store them in a high cabinet.
Prevention March 2007.............Kathleen Doheny