Paw’s Corner: Keeping pets safe from poisons

Dear Paw’s Corner: We had a scary incident a few weeks ago. Our puppy Terah got into the cabinet under the kitchen sink and chewed on a plastic spray bottle with cleaning solution in it. When the plastic cracked liquid went everywhere, and she licked up quite a bit of it. I caught her just after it happened and rushed her to the emergency vet. By the time we got there, she was shaking, drooling and vomiting.

Terah stayed there for two days, getting IV fluids, and she was still weak and not very hungry when we brought her home. She’s doing very well now, and I am putting child-safe locks on all the cabinets! Please warn your readers to keep pets away from cleaning products and other poisons. I never thought my puppy would chew through a spray bottle. – Billy in Asheville, NC

Dear Billy: Thank you for this important reminder. Puppies are curious and love to chew on just about everything. The best way to keep them safe is to use “exclusion” measures like cabinet locks, high shelves and baby gates to prevent them from accessing cleaning products.

Cleaning products aren’t the only danger to dogs, cats and other mammals in the house. Foods like avocados, onions, garlic, chocolate and grapes (including raisins) can be deadly. Xylitol, a sweetener used in sugar-free candies but also in unexpected places like peanut butter, is especially dangerous.

Some plants are deadly to cats and dogs and should be kept out of the house or well out of reach. And medications are another huge danger if left out where a pet can reach.

You can find a list of substances to keep away from your pets at fairfaxvet.com/pet-poison-control-foods-and-substances-to-keep-away-from-your-dog-or-cat.

Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.

by Sam Mazotta

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