March is Poison Prevention Month – Keep Your Pets Safe!

March is Poison Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about dangerous substances that can harm our beloved pets. While we often think about keeping toxic products out of reach of children, it's just as important to safeguard our furry family members. Many everyday household items, foods, and plants can pose serious health risks to pets if ingested.


At Animal Health Center of Leawood, we want to help pet parents recognize these hazards and take preventive measures to keep their pets safe.
Common Household Toxins for Pets🐾 Human Foods

• Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats.
• Grapes & Raisins – Can cause kidney failure in dogs.
• Onions & Garlic – Damage red blood cells, leading to anemia.
• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum & peanut butter) – Causes a dangerous drop in blood sugar.
• Alcohol & Caffeine – Both are highly toxic to pets.

🐾 Household Chemicals

• Cleaning Products – Bleach, disinfectants, and detergents can cause severe burns if ingested.
• Rodenticides & Insecticides – Poisons for rodents or bugs can be fatal to pets if consumed.
• Antifreeze – Even a small amount is deadly to pets due to its ethylene glycol content.

🐾 Plants Toxic to Pets

• Lilies (toxic to cats!) – Even small exposures can cause kidney failure.
• Aloe Vera – Harmful if ingested by dogs and cats.
• Sago Palm – Extremely toxic, causing liver failure in dogs.
• Tulips & Daffodils – Can cause severe stomach upset and heart issues.

🐾 Medications

• Pain Relievers (Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen, Aspirin) – Even one pill can be dangerous.
• Antidepressants & ADHD Medications – Can cause seizures, heart problems, and more.

​How to Protect Your Pets
​✅ Store everything securely – Keep medications, chemicals, and food in pet-proof cabinets.
✅ Be cautious with houseplants – Check if your plants are pet-friendly before bringing them home.
✅ Dispose of trash properly – Pets can rummage through garbage and ingest harmful substances.
✅ Know the symptoms of poisoning – Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures, lethargy, or sudden behavior changes are red flags.
✅ Have emergency contacts ready – Save the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 and Animal Health Center numbers at 913-215-9611 numbers.
What to Do If Your Pet is PoisonedIf you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, act fast:
🚨 Call us immediately – Time is crucial in poison emergencies.
🚨 Do NOT induce vomiting unless advised – Some substances cause more harm when regurgitated.
🚨 Bring the product or label – This helps us or the ER vet to determine the best treatment.
March is the perfect time to pet-proof your home and educate yourself on potential dangers. Let's work together to keep our furry friends safe and healthy! If you have any concerns or need emergency care, call Animal Health Center of Leawood—we're here to help!
📞 Contact us today at 913-215-9611, or online, to schedule a wellness check for your pet.

---