HELP
YOUR PET SAY "NO!" TO DRUGS--IT'S NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION
WEEK!
Article taken from ASPCA News Alert
Those pills your doctor told you to take may be good for what ails
you, but they could prescribe disaster for your animal companions.
Last year alone, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled
more than 28,000 cases of pets who'd accidentally ingested human medications
including anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, flu medicines
and diet pills. For example, just one regular-strength, 200-milligram
ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. "Most
pet owners simply do not know that human medications can be dangerous
to pets," says Steven Hansen, D.V.M., Senior Vice President,
APCC. "While these medications can be helpful to humans, they
can pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to anima! ls."
To help get the word out about how to keep animal companions safe
from accidental poisoning, the ASPCA is stepping up educational efforts
during National Poison Prevention Week, March 21-27. If you share
your home with a pet, please exercise the following cautions:
Human medications are not formulated for pets; never give your animal
companions medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian.
Keep all drugs in closed cabinets out of your pets' reach. Even small
amounts can be lethal to pets. And keep in mind that cats have the
ability to jump onto tables and countertops, where medications can
easily be knocked over. Childproof containers do not deter dogs from
chewing open bottles and ingesting the contents. Remind your guests
to store their medications safely as well. If you suspect that your
pet has ingested human medication, or any potentially dangerous substance,
call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's
24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435. For more information, please visit
APCC
online. |
Lost
Pets Aided by Websites
Two websites that help owners find their lost pets have been
recently discovered by the staff at the Humane Society of the Tennessee
Valley. If you have recently lost a pet check out www.lostapet.org
or www.catsinthebag.org.
It may be the next step in helping you find your lost pet.
Snail/Slug
Bait
D E A D L Y !
Traditional snail/slug bait, which contains metaldehyde,
is deadly to animals. Even a few drops can cause an excruciating
death in a very short time. Please use one of the newer compounds
like Sluggo which contains only iron phosphate.
While very effective at controlling these garden pests, Sluggo
is harmless to other animals. Stanleys Greenhouse in South
Knoxville carries Sluggo. You can contact Stanleys
at 573-9591.
|
|