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Healthy-Pet Checklist

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET HAS INGESTED POISON:

Call the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center's hotline at
1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435).

Be ready to provide:

Your name, address and phone number
Information concerning the poison your pet was exposed to, such as the amount ingested, if known, and the time since exposure
Your pet's species, breed, age, sex and weight
The problems your pet is experiencing

If your pet is having seizures, unconscious or losing consciousness, or having difficulty breathing, contact your vet immediately!

Top 10 household items poisonous to pets

Human medications including painkillers, cold medicine, dietary supplements and antidepressants.
Insecticides, especially misuse of flea and tick products (such as applying a product to a cat when it was meant for a dog)
People food such as chocolate, avocado, raisins and grapes and products containing the sweetener xylitol (often found in gum)
Plants including lilies (very toxic to cats), azalea, rhododendron and sago palm
Veterinary medications that are improperly dispensed or misapplied. Antibiotics, de-wormers, anti-inflammatory drugs and others can cause problems if misused.
Rodenticides that use bait to attract rats and mice can be attractive to pets too, and can cause seizures, bleeding or kidney damage.
Household cleaners such as detergents, bleaches and disinfectants can cause problems if inhaled by pets.
Heavy metals, especially lead, which is in paint chips, linoleum and consumer products.
Garden products, especially certain types of fertilizer
Chemical hazards found in products such as antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool chemicals

17 common household plants that can be poisonous to pets

11 common human foods that can be poisonous to pets

HOT WEATHER PET FIRST AID
If you think your pet is overheated, call your vet immediately!

Signs of heat stroke:

What to do if your pet is overheated:

*Source: The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health Home ed., PP 1052

COLD WEATHER PET FIRST AID
If you think your pet has frostbite or hypothermia, call your vet immediately!

Signs of frostbite and hypothermia:

Frostbite: skin is pale or red, swollen and painful or numb
Frostbite typically affects poorly insulated body parts such as the tips of the ears
Hypothermia: slow pulse, shallow breathing, disorientation, collapse, unconsciousness

What to do if your pet is affected:

For frostbite, warm the affected area slowly. Do NOT rub it or apply snow or hot water.
For hypothermia, if the animal is wet, dry him thoroughly, then place wrapped, warm (NOT hot) water bottles around the body.

*Source: The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health Home ed., PP 1052

PET DENTAL-CARE BASICS

Dog Dental Care:

Use caution not to be inadvertently bitten
Daily brushing (ideally - every 2-3 days if that's not possible) with toothpaste and a toothbrush made for dogs
Professional cleaning by your vet annually or as recommended
When routine brushing is not possible, use barrier sealant, which you can purchase from your vet, at home once a week to prevent buildup of plaque and calculus
Feed your dog high-quality food
Offer teeth-cleaning chew toys or treats
Watch out for red, puffy gums; discomfort while eating; drooling; and very bad breath

Cat Dental Care:

Use caution not to be inadvertently bitten
Daily brushing (ideally - every 2-3 days if that's not possible) with toothpaste and a toothbrush made for cats or a gauze-wrapped finger
Professional cleaning by your vet annually or as recommended
Feed your cat high-quality food (and not exclusively wet food)
Offer teeth-cleaning chew toys or treats
Watch out for red, puffy gums; discomfort while eating; drooling; and very bad breath

*Vet-dispensed; MDI data

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