Practice Poison Prevention for Your Furkids Too

As pet parents, our hearts break when our furry loved ones get sick. While most instances of poison result in mild to moderate symptoms like discomfort, diarrhea or vomiting, some foods can cause major health issues and even death. National Poison Prevention Week is March 18-14th.  Humans need to understand the important steps to avoid harmful substances – our furkids need to be safe from poisons too.  Our friends at Petcurean have important tips for protecting your pet and avoiding hazardous materials. Poison prevention is important whether your kids have two legs or four.

Indoor and Outdoor Plants

 Many common plants can have negative effects on your beloved pet.   For good outdoor poison prevention, it’s really important to check your yard for mushrooms if your dog spends a lot of time outside. There are many species of mushroom that are toxic to pets, such as the Amanita phalloides or ‘Death Cap’ mushroom, a potent poison at only 3 grams. Since there’s a multitude of other species that can harm your pet, it’s best to keep your lawn clean of any mushrooms just to be safe. If you suspect your pet has ingested a poisonous mushroom, take them to the vet and bring the mushroom so the clinic can identify what type of toxin or poison they are dealing with. And check out this list of harmful plants to make sure you don’t have any in your home.

Foods to Avoid

• Chocolate – Most pet lovers know that chocolate is a big no-no for Fido. Chocolate is harmful because of a toxic agent called theobromine, which can make your pup extremely ill and even lead to death.
• Grapes – Grapes can lead to kidney failure in dogs. If you want to give your pup a fruity treat, opt for blueberries instead.
• Garlic – Onions, leeks, chives and garlic are part of the Allium family. Garlic, however, is five times more toxic to dogs than the rest of the Allium plants.
• Macadamia Nuts – These are perhaps one of the most poisonous foods for dogs. They can cause vomiting, increased body temperature, inability to walk, lethargy and even affect the nervous system.

If your pet is exhibiting unusual behavior, such as vomiting or diarrhea, they may be reacting to something poisonous and should be taken to a vet for immediate attention. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center 24/7 at 855-764-7661 for less urgent concerns or questions.

The AKC has a great list of human foods dogs can and cannot eat.  But for an easy, worry-free way to treat your pup with the delicious foods you know and love, why not try SPIKE treats? These treats are made with premium quality meat proteins, antioxidants and superfoods like chia, pomegranate and kale.