Staff at the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) are familiar with how different species respond to poisons and how to properly manage these poisonings. The staff is on call 24/7 and they have extensive knowledge of over 600,000 cases involving exposure to toxins in our companion animals. The staff are capable of making specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations. There may be a consultation fee, billed to your credit card, for APCC services.

Animal poisoning happens all too frequently and if not treated in a timely manner, may result in severe injury or even death. The effects of ingesting toxic plants and/or common household chemicals (cleaning solutions, drugs, cigarettes, etc.) will vary based on the size of the animal, what and how much it ate and drank previous to the ingestion, its metabolic rate, relative hydration and nutritional status, and general health

Watch for any changes in color (skin and in mouth) and respiration, excessive salivation or dryness, diarrhea, heaving, vomiting, extreme restlessness or lethargy. Do not try to induce vomiting or ingestion without first consulting a veterinarian or poison control center.

Always have the number and address of an emergency veterinarian in your area handy at all times. It is important to know the current weight of your dog and to keep it handy. Many times, treatment administered depends on the weight of the dog.

Protect Your Pet From The Following:

Foods
Alcoholic beverages
Avocado
Chocolate (all forms)
Coffee (all forms)
Fatty foods
Macadamia nuts
Moldy or spoiled foods
Onions, onion powder
Raisins and grapes
Salt
Yeast dough
Garlic
Products sweetened with xylitol

Warm Weather Hazards
Animal toxins—toads, insects, spiders, snakes and scorpions
Blue-green algae in ponds
Citronella candles
Cocoa mulch
Compost piles Fertilizers
Flea products
Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
Swimming-pool treatment supplies
Fly baits containing methomyl
Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde

Medication
Common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:
Pain killers
Cold medicines
Anti-cancer drugs
Antidepressants
Vitamins
Diet Pills

Cold Weather Hazards
Antifreeze
Liquid potpourri
Ice melting products
Rat and mouse bait

Common Household Hazards
Fabric softener sheets
Mothballs
Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

Holiday Hazards
Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
Electrical cords
Ribbons or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction—most often occurs with kittens!)
Batteries
Glass ornaments