SOME
INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POISON HAZARDS FOR PETS
PLANTS:
All
members of the lily family; flowering plants with bulbs; azaleas, amaryllis,
autumn crocus, black walnuts, blue
bonnet, castor bean, cherry laurel, cyclamen, daffodil, dieffenbachia,
dumbcane, foxglove, holly, hollyhock, hyacinths, Jerusalem cherry, kalanchoe,
lupines, laurel, mistletoe, mother-in law’s tongue (sanseveria), oak acorns,
oleander, onions, philodendron, poinsettia, privet, rhododendron, nightshade,
sago palm, tulips.
FOODS:
Dogs
at risk from onions, green potato skins, raisins, chocolate, macadamia nuts,
xylitol sweetener in candy
and diet cookies, yellow-red natural food dye (Annatto from achiote tree) in
cheeses.
Cats
also at risk from garlic, and some dogs.
Parrots
at risk from avocado, (and all cage birds from fumes from Teflon coated
cookware).
All
animals at risk from moldy foods---aflatoxin poisoning most common.
MISCELLANEOUS
HAZARDS:
All
home and garden pesticides, cocoa garden mulch, many cleaning products, lead
fishing weights, copper pennies (contain toxic zinc), anti-freeze, Tylenol and
other over-the counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Toads and
venomous snakes. All cage birds from fumes from Teflon coated cookware.
Pthalates, Bisphenol A, and other endocrine-disrupting chemicals from plastic
food and water bowls and pet food containers/liners. Toxic algae ( green-blue
slime) in ponds and standing surface water.
For
a more comprehensive list of potential pet poisons, see the American Animal
Hospital Association’s listing at www.healthypet.com
EMERGENY POISON HELP LINES: Minneapolis-based
Pet Poison Helpline available 24/7 for veterinary professionals or pet owners
and can be reached at 1-800-213-6680. Another help-line is provided by the
American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 1-888-426-4435.
Go to www.alternet.org/story/123420/
for the report by M.B.Pell and J.Olsen, The Center for Public Integrity,
entitled Pesticides in Pet Products: Why
Your Dog and Cat May Be at Risk
