March is pet poison prevention awareness month. There are many things in your household that can be poisonous to your pets. These include:

  • Over the counter and prescribed medications
  • Food: Especially grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, chocolate, and cherries
  • Xylitol: Sweetener found in sugar-free and other foods, including some peanut butters
  • Rodenticides: Either in their pure form or from eating a poisoned rodent
  • Cleaners and chemicals: Including bathroom, kitchen, window, and car cleaners, antifreeze, paint thinner, pool and hot tub products, etc.
  • Flowers and plants: Especially deadly to cats are all forms of lilies, tulips, and daffodils, from bulb to bloom.
  • Mushrooms and berries: Many are non-toxic, but those that are can be very harmful, so it’s better to assume the worst and avoid them altogether.

Signs and symptoms of pet poisoning

You should call your vet immediately if you notice your pet having any of these signs/symptoms:

  • Vomiting or diarrhoea, particularly with blood present
  • Excessive drooling
  • Lack of appetite
  • Lethargy or restlessness
  • Pale gums
  • Seizure or tremors
  • Collapse