March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month, and the perfect time to learn how to keep our furry friends safe from toxic substances in our homes, yards, and out and about in the neighbourhood.  Every year, countless pets accidentally ingest something they shouldn’t - something harmful. This is why it’s important to spread pet poison awareness. If your pet is anything like many of the dogs and cats we know, they love to chow down on anything in sight. You might want to consider protecting them with pet health insurance to prepare for unexpected accidents!  

Common Household Poisons to Watch Out For

From your favourite late-night snacks to household cleaning products, many items commonly found in our homes can be toxic to our dogs and cats. Here are some of the top offenders to keep somewhere safe and out of their paws: 


Human Foods

Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and xylitol (found in sugar-free gum).


Cleaning Supplies

Bleach, ammonia, and drain cleaners.


Plants

Many plants  are toxic to pets like lilies (especially toxic to cats), tulips, sago palms, and azaleas.


Medications

Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be highly toxic to pets and should always be out of reach.
 

Outdoor Dangers to Consider

Certain plants and chemicals can pose serious health risks. If your pet is prone to wandering outside,  watch for these threats in your yard or on walks:


Pesticides & Fertilizers

Ingesting treated grass or plants can lead to severe poisoning.


Garden Plants

Certain flowers and plants, like daffodils, lilies, and oleander,  are toxic to pets if ingested.


Standing Water

Be mindful of antifreeze spills, oil leaks, or other contaminated puddles that may attract your curious pet.

Signs of Poisoning

Symptoms of pet poisoning will vary depending on the substance, pet size, and amount ingested. Here are some tell-tale signs to watch out for:
  • Vomiting or diarrhea
  • Lethargy or restlessness
  • Drooling or foaming at the mouth
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Seizures or muscle tremors
If you notice any of these signs and suspect poisoning, contact your vet immediately.
 

Steps to Take in a Poison Emergency

If you believe your pet has ingested something toxic, quick action is crucial. 
  • Step 1: Contact your vet or an animal poison control center (1-800-213-6680) immediately. They will advise you of what you can do to help your pet immediately.
  • Step 2: Gather any remaining substance, packaging, or labels of what you think they ingested. 
  • Step 3: Comfort your pet and avoid attempting home remedies unless advised directly by your vet. 


Why Pet Insurance Helps

While we all hope to avoid poison emergencies in pets, it’s important to be prepared for the unexpected. Emergency vet bills can be costly, especially in poisoning cases. Here’s how Petsecure pet health insurance can help:

Covering emergency and hospitalization costs if your pet ingests a toxic substance
Providing you with peace of mind from financial stress by covering up to 80% of vet bills

Helping you feel better prepared for unexpected accidents or illnesses 

No matter how careful we are, accidents can happen. Our promise at Petsecure is to be there for you when you need us most. 

Learn what’s covered by Petsecure and get a free quote today!

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