ASPCA Offers Information on Household Items Poisonous to Pets

If you share your home with a pet, you likely are interested in any information that helps keep your furry family member safe. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has declared March to be Poison Prevention Awareness Month and offers these tips on keeping your pet safe around commonly used household products.

Household bleach is commonly used as a general cleaning and disinfecting solution. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends a diluted solution of one tablespoon of household chlorine bleach to one gallon of clean hot water. The ASPCA suggests using this proper diluted strength when cleaning pet cages, liter boxes, and toys, and always following up with a thorough rinsing. Always properly dispose of used cleaning solutions so your pet won't be able to drink it and put away implements like mops and used cleaning rags.

Carpet fresheners and carpet shampoo are another household item to use carefully around pets. Contrary to rumors alleging the carpet/fabric freshener product Febreeze to be responsible for the illness and death of pets, veterinary toxicology experts at the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center found the product to be safe to use around pets, yet offers these suggestions. Always follow product direction on the label. Keep pets away from areas while freshening powders and sprays are still present or the area is damp with mist. Vacuum freshening powders up before allowing pets to be on the carpet. If exposed, the ASPCA says minor skin irritation or sneezing if powder is inhaled may be expected. You can wash your pet's paws if need be or allow them outdoors for fresh air. If ingested, these products are likely to produce only mild stomach upset. If shampooing your carpet, always let the carpet dry before allowing pets to enter the area.

Essential oils can be extremely dangerous to cats and there are variations of toxicity among specific oils. Effects include gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, and liver damage if essential oils are ingested. Inhaling essential oils could lead to aspiration pneumonia. The ASPCA does not recommend using essential oils anywhere your pet has access and may be exposed.

Fabric softener sheets, or dryer sheets contain cationic detergents and if chewed on by your pet, have the potential to cause drooling, vomiting, ulcers in the mouth and esophagus, and fever. Used dryer sheets have minimal detergents left in them but pose a hazard if your pet chews on or ingest them, which can cause intestinal blockage. Always dispose of used dryer sheet promptly.

Adderall and other medications used for ADD contain amphetamines which stimulate the central nervous and cardiovascular systems. Such drugs can be extremely harmful and even deadly to pets if ingested in large quantities. Effects include hyperactivity, tremors or seizures, fever, abnormal heart rate, coma, and even death.

Pain medicines including aspirin, baby aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen can be deadly if ingested by your pet. Depending on how much is ingested, effects can range from stomach upset to kidney failure. Always keep all medications, even those you store in a pill box in a place your pet will not gain access to them.

Breath mints used by humans are not safe to freshen your pet's breath. Some contain menthol which can irritate your pet's mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Some breath freshening products contain the sweetener xylitol which can cause a drop in your dog's blood sugar leading to depression, loss of coordination, even death. If you wish to freshen your pet's breath, speak to your veterinarian about safe options.

Mosquito repellent is not recommended by the ASPCA to use on your pet. Many repellents contain DEET which can cause neurological problems such as tremors and seizures, and even death. If you use mosquito repellent yourself, make certain your pet does not lick your skin.

The best source of information regarding health issues and your pet is always your veterinarian. If you need more information or suspect your pet may have ingested something harmful, you can reach the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435. Find out more about keeping your pet safe at http://www.aspca.org.