As a pet owner, you understand the importance of keeping your furry family member safe from toxins. However, it's easy to overlook potential toxins that can cause seizures, organ failure, or even death. Knowing what household items are toxic to pets can prevent your pet from needing emergency veterinarian care in Toledo. Nevertheless, if that time ever comes, we're happy to help at Trilby Animal Hospital.

Common Household Toxins for Pets

While certain foods may not be harmful to you, they could be toxic to your pets. That's one reason you should avoid giving your pets people food. Take extra care with food that contains the following ingredients:

• Dark chocolate
• Xylitol (a sweetener in gum)
• Caffeine
• Onions
• Garlic
• Raisins
• Macadamia nuts
• Alcohol
• Raw yeast

Just because a food isn't on this list doesn't mean it's safe, however. Research any human food before giving it to your pet.

Medication can also be toxic to pets. Lock away any medicines or supplements, whether they're for people or pets. Make sure to follow prescription guidelines closely to avoid a toxic overdose. Finally, only use medicine intended for your pet's breed to avoid sickness. This is especially crucial with cats and flea preventatives intended for dogs.

Household chemicals are what pet owners commonly think of when controlling household toxins. Keep cleaning products away from your pets. Insecticides and other poisons intended to kill certain creatures can similarly be toxic to your furry family member. Make sure your four-legged friend isn't exposed to fertilizers and other chemicals used in the yard.

Finally, both indoor and outdoor plants can potentially be toxic to pets. Lily of the valley, oleander, sago plum, tulips, hyacinth, autumn crocus, daffodils, azaleas can also be poison to pets. However, other plants may be toxic, too. For example, poinsettias are mildly toxic to cats and dogs.

When seeking veterinarian care for household toxins, bring a sample of the toxin to the animal hospital if possible.

Get Help in Toledo

Call us at Trilby Animal Hospital ASAP if you think your pet has come into contact with a household toxin.