How to Pet Proof Your Home

October is National Animal Safety and Protection Month. Providing a safe environment for your furry friends is important. Here are some ways you can keep your treasured family members safe from potential hazards in your home.

Keep wires out of reach

Keep any cords or wires out of reach from your pet. A curious puppy or kitten may chew on an electrical cord while playing. Check around your televisions, lamps and other items for any loose cords.

Avoid toxic foods

Many snacks that you may have in your pantry can be toxic to your pet. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins are dangerous and should be kept out of reach of our pet.

Lock up cleaning supplies

Place items such as cleaning supplies, detergents, and medications on high shelves. Keep vitamins and other pills off of kitchen counters and bedside tables.

Be aware of harmful plants

Many indoor plants can be toxic to your pet. Learn which plants are potentially poisonous. Place dangerous ones out of reach or choose nontoxic plants.  

Keep the toilet lid down

Bathrooms and toilets can be a dangerous area for your pet. If your dog or cat drinks out of the toilet, they could be ingesting harmful chemicals. Keep the toilet lid down and keep the bathroom door closed. 

Check the washer and dryer

Your pet may see the dryer as a warm and cozy place to take a nap. Be sure to check before turning your washer or dryer on, and keep appliance doors closed at all times.

Invest in a pet gate

Puppies and kittens especially like to investigate everything. To keep your pet from getting into any trouble, consider a child-safety or pet gate. This will allow you to keep an eye on them, as well as keep them out of any items or areas that are not safe.

Have a pet first aid kit on hand 

A pet first-aid kit is very helpful in case anything should happen to your pet. This should include items such as phone numbers for your veterinarian and a poison-control center, a nylon leash, gauze pads, and a blanket. Check out The Humane Society's full list of Pet first-aid kit supplies. 

Your pets health is a top priority at Morris Animal Inn. We constantly strive to be the safest, most comfortable and welcoming pet care facility for dogs and cats of all sizes and personalities.  Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with around the clock sanitation, climate control and air purification, 24-hour security and camera surveillance, and accredited staff that meet the standards set by the Outstanding Pet Care Learning Center. To learn more about the amenities we offer, or to tour our amazing facility, visit www.morrisanimalinn.com or call (973)-539-0377.

Source: Peteducation.com, ApartmentTherapy.com, RightAtHome.com, HumaneSociety.org, Houzz.com, AmericanHumane.org

Top 10 Cat Toxins

While there are well-known substances such as chocolate that are toxic to dogs, feline poisons are sometimes less-known.  Cats are curious and independent, so it is important to know what is toxic in your household in order to keep your cat safe and healthy. Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline created this list of items, presented in order of frequency, that caused the most emergency calls to the Helpline in 2013.

1) Lillies: Plants in the Lillum species, such as Easter, Tiger, Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats.  All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants!

2) Household cleaners:  Most general-purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. Other symptoms can include profuse drooling, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and even organ damage. After cleaning your home, make sure all excess liquid or residue is wiped up or eliminated as soon as possible.

3) Flea and tick-spot-on products for dogs:  Those that are pyrethroid or pyrethrins based (e.g. Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant's, etc.) cause tremors and seizures that can be deadly to cats. Even more “natural” or “holistic” flea medication can be very dangerous to cats.

4) Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped the medically prescribed antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications.  Beware, ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects

5) Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):  Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.  Even veterinary-specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution.

6) Prescription ADD/ADHD medications:  These amphetamines, such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexerdrine and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.

7) Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications:  Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularyly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.

8) Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals:  Common houseplants like the pace lily, philodendrom and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.

9) Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it's best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.

10) Glow sticks and glow jewelry:  Summer is a popular time for glow sticks, but don't become lazy by leaving them around the house. These irresistible "toys" contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate.  When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water.

All the detrimental effects can easily be avoided.  Keeping this list handy in your household will help all members refrain from leaving these toxins available for your cat to consume! 

Source: Pet Age and The Pet Poison Helpline

Top Pet Toxins - National Poison Prevention Week

March 16-22 is National Poison Prevention Week. This week serves as a reminder to all pet owners to watch for both natural and processed pet toxins, especially as we prepare for spring cleaning and as plants start to poke their way through the snow. 

The March 2014 issue of Pet Age Magazine, along with the Pet Poison Helpline, listed the top cat and dog toxins to watch out for. These toxins are listed by their commonality, so watch especially for those highest on the lists. Keep this list handy to help keep your pet healthy year round.

Top Ten Cat Toxins

1. Lilies: All plants in the lily family, if ingested, can cause kidney failure in cats. These plants are common, so be especially careful what types of plants you have accessible in your home.
2. Household cleaners: Watch especially for concentrated products like toilet or drain cleaners, which can cause chemical burns.
3. Flea and tick prevention products for dogs: Certain pyrethroid based products can cause tremors and seizures in cats and are potentially deadly if ingested.
4. Antidepressants: According to Pet Age, cats seem strangely drawn to these medications. Keep them tightly sealed and out of reach, as they can have damaging neurological and cardiac effects on cats.
5. NSAIDs: Drugs like Ibuprofen found in Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc are even more dangerous to cats than they are to dogs. Even those meant for pets should be used with caution.
6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medication: Can cause tremors, seizures or other cardiac problems that could be fatal to cats.
7. Over the counter cough, cold & allergy medicine: Those containing acetaminophen (like Tylenol) are particularly dangerous can do damage to red blood cells and cause liver failure.
8. Insoluble Oxalate Plants: Other common household plants like the philodendron and pothos can cause oral irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation.
9. Household Insecticides: Most sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it’s best to keep cats away until the product is fully dried or settled.
10. Glow Sticks: Though these may seem like cute toys to cats, if punctured, the chemicals inside can cause pain and foaming at the mouth. If exposed to these, food and water are a safe remedy.

Top Ten Dog Toxins

1. Chocolate: Dark and bakers chocolate are the worst, and milk chocolate in large amounts can also be dangerous.
2. Xylitol (sugarless gum sweetener): Also found in some candies, medications and nasal sprays, this sweetener causes a fast drop in blood sugar and possible liver failure in dogs.
3. NSAIDs: Drugs like Ibuprofen found in Advil, Motrin, Aleve, etc. Dogs are not good a digesting these and the continued exposure can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
4. Over the counter cough, cold & allergy medicine: Particularly those containing acetaminophen or decongestants.
5. Mouse and Rat Poison: Even small amounts may cause internal bleeding or swelling of the brain in dogs.
6. Grapes & Raisins: May cause kidney damage.
7. Insect bait stations: While these stations themselves are not poisonous to dogs, pets who are intrigued by the plastic casing and swallow it may experience obstruction in their bowels.
8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medication: Can cause tremors, seizures or other cardiac problems that could be fatal to dogs.
9. Glucosamine joint supplements: These can be extremely tasty for pets, and in excess can cause diarrhea or even liver failure in dogs.
10. Silica gel packets & oxygen absorbers: While the gel packets found in new shoes or purses do not pose a significant threat, oxygen absorbers found in food packages, even pet treats, can cause iron poisoning.

Pet Poison Helpline online is a resource available for pet owners to learn what other poisons are out there and how to respond if your pet is exposed to something harmful. Should your pet be exposed to any of these or other toxins that are cause for concern, contact your local vet or the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.