How to protect your pets from poisoning

It’s every pet owner’s worst nightmare. You come home and your pet is behaving out of character, lethargic or even struggling to get up. It’s often difficult to identify if an animal has been exposed to a poison until it’s too late, which is why prevention is so important.

“Unfortunately pets across South Africa are poisoned by criminals attempting to enter properties, so this is the first thing most pet owners worry about,” says Tarryn Dent, diagnostic and technical manager for Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company.

It’s a sobering thought and one that has caused much heartache for owners who have lost a muchloved fur-family member.

“Where possible, we advise that owners keep their dogs inside at night, or at the very least in an area that is inaccessible from the road or a boundary wall.”

Everyday toxins can be fatal

However, while deliberate poisonings are a sad reality, there are many accidental ways that pets can be exposed to toxins.

“Almost every home has products in it that can cause problems in dogs and cats, including vomiting and diarrhoea, or even more serious issues like seizures, liver or kidney failure,” says Dent.

“Unfortunately, many of these conditions can lead to death if they aren’t treated quickly.”

Here are some toxins and poisons found in most households that pets should be kept away from at all costs: anti-freeze; bleach; carpet or rug cleaner/ shampoo; essential oils; plant fertiliser; glue; detergent; paint; rat bait or other insecticides; vinegar; and window cleaner.

“There are also a few surprising things that are extremely bad for animals, including grapes, raisins and chocolate,” says Dent.

“Garlic and onions also aren’t good for dogs.”

Keeping pets safe from toxins

What’s important to remember is that pets can be exposed to toxic household products in several ways, from ingestion to inhalation. Dogs – and cats – have a tendency to lick first and think later.

“It’s also a good idea to always check labels, particularly for chlorine bleach, ammonia and Benzalkonium Chloride, which is found in household disinfectants. Pet owners also shouldn’t assume that a ‘natural’ label means something is safe for animals.”

Dent advises pet owners to keep household products stored in cupboards that are too high for pets to reach, and where possible, secured with a lock.

If pet owners do realise that their pet has ingested something toxic, the first question they should ask is how quickly they can reach their veterinarian.

“If an owner can get there in a few minutes, that’s the obvious choice,” says Dent. “It’s not a good idea to try an induce vomiting unless specifically advised to do so.”