Brenda J. Ernest, DVM, Dipl. ABVP - Veterinarian

              11816 N. 56th Street Temple Terrace, Fl. 33617

                                   813-985-2889  

                      close to I-75,  University of South Florida, and New Tampa  

                                              we speak pet

     board-certified specialist in dog and cat practice

special interest in ferrets, rabbits, small mammals, and birds

ASPCA Poison Control  Center   

 1-888-426-4435   

      ALWAYS Be Prepared !!!!

Your animal may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it. You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

FOOD ITEMS That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet

• Alcoholic beverages
• Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
• Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions, onion powder
• Fatty foods
• Salt
• Yeast dough
• Avocado (birds)
• Sugar (cats, birds), sugar substitutes especially xylitol
• Macadamia nuts (dogs)
• Grapes, raisins (dogs)

MEDICATIONS

Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer, drugs, antidepressants, vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages. One regular-strength ibuprofen (Advil) tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog.  

Never give your animal any medications unless directed by a veterinarian. Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately. Less than one regular strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablet (325mg) can kill a cat weighing 7lbs.

OTHER HAZARDS

• Antifreeze has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets. Automotive products such as gasoline, oil and antifreeze should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox™ brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.
• If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) right away!
• Liquid potpourris are popular household fragrances.  Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.
• Rat and mouse killers are used commonly. When using rat and mouse bait, place the products in areas that are inaccessible to your companion animals.

                   Poisonous Plants - Dogs and Cats

                                         * please note: this list is not all inclusive

  Copyright(c) 2004 Animal Diagnostic & Wellness Center. All rights reserved.
address questions and comments to info@animaldiagnosticcenter.com