March has finally arrived, which means Springtime is just within reach. Spring is a lovely time for blooming flowers, fresh spring air, Spring cleaning, and a renewed sense of being. March means Spring is on the way and winter is over, but do you know what else March brings? Awareness. Did you know that March is Pet Poison Awareness Month?
Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month was designated to bring about awareness of the toxins and dangers in and around your home that can cause harm to your pet. Some common household items, food, and medications we use every day can actually harm your pet.
So, with this in mind, I’m sure you are curious to know “How can I keep my furry family member safe?”
March is Pet Poison Awareness Month!
Take a look at this short video clip courtesy of the ASPCA.
According to the ASPCA website, here is a list of common household items that can be harmful to your pet. You can learn more in detail by visiting their site here.
Beware of these common toxic items in and around your home. The following lists are just a few items to be aware of however the entire list of toxins is much longer.
Feel free to look more in detail at the full list of potential dangers by clicking on the corresponding hyperlinks.
Poisonous Plants toxic to pets
(just a short sample of a few items toxic to cats and dogs)
- Aloe
- American Holly
- Lilies
- Rhubarb
- Shamrock Plant
- Spring Parsley
- Johns Wart
- Tomato plant
- Tulips
- Yucca
Human foods/ingredients toxic to Pets
(just a short sample of a few items toxic to cats and dogs)
- Xylitol
- Yeast Dough
- Nuts
- Chocolate
- Coffee/Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Citrus
Household Items Toxic to pets
(just a short sample of a few items toxic to cats and dogs)
- Bleach
- Toilet Cleaning Tablets
- Essential oils
- Carpet Fresheners
- Mosquito Repellant
- Aspirin
- Water & Vinegar
- Breath fresheners
- Topical Ointments/Creams
- Cigarettes/Nicotine Patches
Keep your pets safe with a phone call or click away
Aside from calling your veterinarian, I would write down these phone numbers just in case you have a potential poison emergency.
1. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
“The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435.”
OR
2. Pet Poison Helpline
“Pet Poison Helpline is a 24/7 animal poison control service available for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet. We are available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean, and have the ability to help every poisoned pet, with all types of poisonings, 24 hours a day You can contact Pet Poison Helpline at 844-568-8127.”
3. Free ASPCA Pet Poison Prevention App
Did you know ASPCA offers an app for your phone to help prevent poison accidents with your pet? How cool is that!
As per the ASPCA website, “The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) free mobile app provides a wealth of knowledge in the palm of your hand. With quick access to potentially life-saving information and our hotline 24/7/365, the ASPCA APCC app helps keep your pet safe year-round. “
To check out the information and download the free app, visit the ASPCA site here.
Share your thoughts
Did you know there were so many potential toxins lying around your home? Comment and share your thoughts below. Don’t forget to pin and share this post with a friend!
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Post updated March 2, 2022
40 Comments
Lambam
Whao! This is another master piece post from you as always. It’s a good awareness as I was not aware of most things that was ok this post . Your contents are highly educative . Keep it going dear
Demi
Nice! I didnt know chocolate, nuts and citrus were toxic. Really?
Maggie from Stillness at Cherith
Yikes! Water and vinegar 🙁
I didn’t realize.
thanks for the info.
Sonja of Montecristo Travels
The one for dogs most people don’t know is grapes/raisins. I see people giving their dogs grapes in the summer and I just shudder! Also essential oils … careful with those defusers!
Kelly
I’m always paranoid about having products or items in and around the house that are potential poisons for my pets. And I am always learning with post like this, even after years of being a pet parent we are always learning, such as I didn’t know that the shamrock plant was poisonous! Thanks for the great post!
Kitty Cat Chronicles
It’s really scary how many toxins and poisons we have in our home! It is all too easy to accidentally leave something harmful out for our pets to get into. Thank you for this great reminder!
Nichole
This is a great post – and a great reminder, even for those who think they know. I’ve always found there are more things added to the lists each year to be aware of. Thanks for spreading the info!
Kamira Gayle
Nichole,
Absolutely!
Monika
This is so important to know. I see many posts about using essential oils for pets but I always want be extremely caucious and not use any essential oil on my pets unless a vet has approved it or recommended it.
Seville at Nerissa's Life
I wonder what spring parsley is. I don’t think it can be regular parsley. I’m gonna get the peep to check this out so that she can keep us safe. PURRS.
Lola The Rescued cat
This is such an important topic and thanks for posting about it. It’s also very scary that there are so many things pet owners need to be mindful of. I need to get a post together about this.
The Dash Kitten Crew
People often have no real idea what can hurt a pet. This is not always their fault, we either discover or never really know what is in many of the processed foods eaten in western society.
In some parts of the world the quality of the vegetables is so poor you are not surprised people risk growing their own like tomatoes. I must confess that we grow tomato plants in our garden and the cats don’t notice them. They have better things to do with their time (like enjoy the sunshine!)
Joely Smith
Even having been a cautious pet parent for decades and writing about this topic myself I had no idea that vinegar and water were toxic to pets!
Ruth Epstein
I am such a paranoid Mom LOL and double check myself all the time in the house especially as I live in a tiny studio and this month is such an important awareness month – great post
Christine AnimalHealer
Excellent article. I’m curious about water and vinegar, though. Is it a certain type of vinegar or a large amount. Apple Cider Vinegar is actually very good for pets in proper doses.
I’m so glad you included the pet poison hotline information. Don’t forget to add anti-freeze to the list!
Kamira Gayle
Christine,
Anti freeze for sure! There are so many toxins the post would be a book. As for water and vinegar it’s definitely the amounts and type like you mentioned. ACV is normally good for you, however check the ASPCA website/app or dial the hotline for the most accurate information. 😉
Jana Rade
Great roundup of poisonous things and a reminder. So many things everywhere that can harm our pets; even in our pantries. It is vital to know about them.
Kamira Gayle
Jana,
So true!
Sandy Kubillus
Thank you for your detailed and informative post. I’ll have to look up nuts, since I didn’t think these were poisonous. I also posted on how easy it is to accidentally poison your dog with overdosing on drugs. There are just so many poisons that we need to always think about our pet’s safety. Great post.
Kamira Gayle
Thanks Sandy!
Sadie
Even out walking, we must be aware of what our dogs can get into. Cats and dogs off-leash is an even bigger concern at dog parks and along paths. At least in our own gardens we know what we have planted (and choose pet friendly plants). Thanks for sharing this great information about all types of poisons!
Kamira Gayle
Sadie,
Sure, you’re welcome!
Amelia Johnson
I never would have considered water and vinegar as toxic to pets. Many people use it as a natural fly/flea repellant. Thanks for the heads up!
Kamira Gayle
Amelia,
Absolutely!
Beth
Pets are like toddlers, you always have to store things with them in mind! Most of the pet websites I’ve seen recommend water and vinegar. Perhaps it is like water, too much of anything will cause problems?
Kamira Gayle
Beth,
You are right. So true. Yes it’s anything in excess and the type of vinegar. You can get details in the hyperlinks.
Enele Ogah
Thanks for this new info.
I never some of these could be quite poisonous to them.
I’ll be watching for such for both humans and pets
Kamira Gayle
Enele,
Yes, it was surprising to me too. Many things we think are harmless are actually toxic.
Rachel
I am definitely going to share the app with many people! I used to work in veterinary medicine, but even most professionals can’t remember all of the plants that are poisonous to pets!
Kamira Gayle
Rachel,
Great! Thanks for sharing!
Jesse Lester
The pet toxicant avoidance month is the spell of the year when the veterinary experts put an additional elbow grease to inflate the sensitivity to much poisonous stuff prowling in and around the place of residence that may be unwholesome or even death-dealing for the adorable four-legged family member. From my perspective, pet poisoning is a breathtaking issue that can be addressed through the consciousness of the pet parent. Thus, I would suggest that every pet owner should be informed about the toxins that can put their furry and feline companion’s life in danger.
Kamira Gayle
Jesse,
Yes, Agree. As pet parents we have to be their voice and protectors. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
Missy Zane
I didn’t know about water and vinegar either. Yikes!! I thought it was safe to clean with that. Maybe I missed them. But if they’re not there, could you add onions to the list. They’re very dangerous for cats.
Kamira Gayle
Oh I didn’t know about onions. Thanks for the tip!
Holly/Emilia
Can you share your source for the vinegar and water being toxic? I’ve not been able to find anything except recommendations to use it for cleaning, and as bug repellent and even as a supplement.
Kamira Gayle
Holly,
You are right. I think in tiny amounts it’s safe however in excess it’s toxic to pets. Here’s one source that explains it more in detail. https://www.catological.com/apple-cider-vinegar-cats/
Noelle
This is a really informative post. I have to say there were a few points that I wasn’t aware of as a cat owner (and to think I have been a cat mom for a long time). I came across this post and it’s saying it’s ok to use apple cider vinegar as a topical spray? https://catnapstore.com/apple-cider-vinegar-for-cats/ Any thoughts?
Kamira Gayle
Thanks I’m glad you enjoyed this post. I’d always say check with your veterinarian first however yes, if diluted with water, it is possible to use topically. ACV has so many benefits for humans as well. Thanks for your input.
jana rade
Great reminder. It’s essential that pet parents know what things could harm their pets. Quite often such things seem harmless if you don’t get your learn on.
Admin
Jana,
Yes. Well said! It’s very sad when a tragedy happens due to not knowing. I know it happens to some people and it’s truly devastating knowing that had one learned or educated themselves, potential outcomes could have been different.