Animals may be exposed to various hazards which can pose serious risks to their well being and may potentially be fatal. Becoming aware of these risks and actively decreasing the opportunities for exposure to the hazards are a way by which pet owners can keep their pets safe throughout the year.
The following foods and beverages are potential dangers to pets:
Alcoholic beverages, avocado, chocolate, coffee, fatty foods, garlic and garlic powder, grapes, raisins, hops, macadamia nuts, moldy or spoiled foods, onions and onion powder, salt, yeast dough
Liquid potpourris contain irritating detergents and essential oils which may cause oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal ulceration if oral exposure or ingestion occurs. Dermal (skin) exposure may cause significant irritation and potentially lead to oral exposure due to grooming.
Rodenticides can be extremely dangerous to pets if ingestion occurs. Symptoms may occur at varying times after exposure depending on the composition of the rodenticide. Exposure to anticoagulant rodenticides generally causes signs of hemorrhage 3 to 5 days later. Rodenticides containing neurotoxin bromethalin may cause neurologic signs within hours of exposure but may be delayed for a week or more when a low dose is ingested. Rodenticides containing cholecalciferol may show signs progressing to renal failure within 12 hours of exposure.
