Pet Poison Helpline

The holidays are right around the corner, most of us have guests over, decorate for the seasons, prepare large meals and get in the festive mood which means your pets may be exposed to additional items that are toxic and/or deadly hence the reason for this blog. The Pet Poison Helpline can be a life saver if you feel that your pet has eaten or been exposed to something that may be toxic. For a fee you can call them and get expert advice and help. They also have a very helpful website with an alphabetical list of items that are toxic to pets. The list is long and worth taking a look at, I didn't even realize that some of the items on there were dangerous. For more information their 24 hour phone number is (855) 764-7661 and their website is:
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/poisons/

This is just a small list of common items/ingredients that are toxic to pets, please check your ingredients and do your research on what your pet should/shouldn't be exposed to:

Xylitol- A sugar substitute that can be found in peanut butter, sugar free gum/candy, toothpaste, etc. It is deadly so please check your ingredients list to be sure you're not putting peanut butter in their Kong that contains this!

Essential Oils- There are many essential oils that you can put in a diffuser that are toxic to dogs including Tea Tree Oil (and others) so please do your research before exposing your pet to them.

Amaryliiss- A very common flower given as gifts during the holiday season.

Chocolate- Obviously there's lots of chocolate around during the holidays and some can also contain Xylitol.

Eucalyptus- A common essential oil put in diffusers, especially during the Winter months.

Lilly- A common plant given out or used to decorate during the holiday season, many types are toxic to pets.

Holly- Often used during the holiday season.

Marijuana- States that have made this legal are seeing more and more cases of animals being poisoned by this.

Mistletoe- Again often used during the holiday season.

Nicotine- Don't smoke but having guests over that do? Check where they put their cigs.

Poinsettia- Another common holiday plant.

Tea Tree Oil- Often used in diffusers.

Windshield Wiper Fluid- Careful about what is open or leaking in the garage.

Antifreeze- This is appealing to animals and they will drink it.


If you think your pet has ingested or been exposed to something toxic please do not hesitate to contact your vet or the Poison Helpline, time is of the essence with some of these items.