Try as we might to avoid chemicals, they are a part of our lives. They’re frequently used for routine household cleaning or to rid your home of pests such as ants, mice or fleas. Accidents can occur with these chemicals if we use too much product or leave it where Pets and children may be exposed. Veterinary hospitals often treat Pets who have come in contact with household chemicals and while many Pets recover, some of these accidents are fatal to our beloved Pets.
Below are a few tips to help avoid disaster when using chemicals around your Pets. If your Pet has already been exposed seek veterinary care immediately.
- Flea products for Pets — follow directions on the label for appropriate use by weight, age and health — if you use more than one product at a time consult with your veterinarian on safety to avoid product interactions or overdose. Some products safe for dogs can be very harmful to cats, so it’s important to read labels closely.
- Ant and insect control products— store securely away from areas Pets can access, keep Pets from using yard areas treated with the pesticide for the duration of time listed on label
- Slug bait — store away from Pets, keep Pets from using yard area treated for duration of time listed on the label. There are several Pet friendly products for control of slugs and snails
- Rat/mice poison — store away from Pets, do not allow Pets in areas treated with this product. If you have any suspicion your Pet may have ingested even a little, contact your veterinarian immediately even if your Pet seems to be okay. Some products don’t produce signs of illness right away.
- Used motor oil — keep lid on the container to avoid spillage other situations where Pets can step or fall into oil. If your Pet does get contaminated by oil, do not let the Pet lick himself. You should also call your veterinarian immediately.
- Weed killer or fertilizers — store away from Pets, keep Pets from using treated yard area for duration of time listed on label
- Antifreeze drips, puddles and containers — keep lid securely on container and store away from Pets; clean up drips or puddles so Pets do not drink or step in product or ingest it during normal grooming. Antifreeze, even in very small quantities can quickly cause life threatening kidney problems. If you suspect any exposure take your Pet immediately to your veterinarian or an emergency facility.
- Wet paint, stain or similar product — keep lid securely on container; keep Pet away from surfaces not yet dried, clean or wash away product dripped on grass or ground and allow to dry completely so Pet does not drink or step in product
- Deck & concrete cleaning solutions — keep Pets away from area until surface and any surrounding ground area are completely dry
When it comes to using chemicals, a little safety first will go a long way. It’s important to read labels and consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions.
