March is Poison Prevention Month

March marks an essential time for pet owners – Pet Poison Prevention Month. As responsible dog guardians, it's crucial to be aware of potential hazards lurking in our homes that could harm our furry friends. From seemingly harmless household items to toxic foods, the risks are real. In this blog post, we'll explore common household hazards, poisonous foods, signs of poisoning, and steps to take if your dog ingests something harmful.

At Bully Sticks Direct, we prioritize the health and safety of your beloved pets as if they were our own. We uphold this value by offering customers all-natural dog treats of all shapes and sizes. View our large catalog online.

Identifying Common Household Hazards

Our homes are filled with everyday items that could pose a threat to our canine companions. Some of these hazards include household chemicals, plants, medications, and small objects that can be ingested. Cleaning products containing bleach, ammonia, or other toxic chemicals should be stored securely out of reach of pets. Similarly, certain plants like lilies, azaleas, and philodendrons can be toxic to dogs if ingested. It's essential to research and ensure that any indoor plants you have are safe for pets.

Medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, should be stored in cabinets or drawers inaccessible to pets. Even a seemingly harmless pill dropped on the floor could be ingested by a curious dog, leading to potential poisoning. Additionally, small objects such as coins, batteries, or toys with small parts should be kept out of reach to prevent accidental ingestion, which can lead to choking or intestinal blockages.

Household Hazards

• Household Cleaning Supplies
• Human food
• Some plants
• Medications (prescription and OTC)
• Marijuana (medical and recreational)
• Small toys and objects

Human Foods that are Poisonous to Dogs

While some human foods are safe for dogs, many can be toxic and even life-threatening. It's crucial to be aware of these foods and ensure they are kept out of your dog's reach. Common foods that are poisonous to dogs include:

Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, seizures, and even death.

Grapes and raisins: Can cause kidney failure in dogs, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and decreased appetite.

Xylitol: Found in sugar-free gum, candies, and a dog’s favorite peanut butter, xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure.

Onions and garlic: These foods can cause damage to a dog's red blood cells, leading to anemia, weakness, and collapse.

Avocado: This may come as a surprise but avocado contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. If too much is consumed, persin can lead to gastrointestinal upset and pancreatitis in your pet.

Alcohol: Even small amounts of alcohol can cause intoxication, leading to vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, tremors, and even coma or death. When you’re enjoying a “cold one”, make sure it is not left unattended both for the safety of your dog and children in the home.

If you find it hard to say no to the “puppy dog eyes” looking up at you from the kitchen table, treat your dog instead to healthy dog treats that they’ll happily enjoy! Bully Sticks Direct has a variety of safe dog treats that are all-natural, preservative and hormone free. Choose from our smaller 6” Braided Bullys or our larger 12” Collagen Sticks!

Signs Your Dog Has Been Poisoned

Dogs will be dogs. Curious noses often get into things they shouldn’t. An important part of accident prevention is proper training of your dog. It is crucial to train your dog to stay out of the trash, not beg for table scraps, keep off of tables and furniture, and play with dog toys not human household objects, just to name a few.

Still, accidents happen! Recognizing the signs of poisoning in dogs is crucial for prompt intervention and treatment. Symptoms may vary depending on the type of toxin ingested, but common signs of poisoning include:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Drooling or excessive salivation
• Lethargy or weakness
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures or tremors
• Pale gums
• Loss of appetite
• Uncoordinated movements
• Collapse or coma

If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, it's essential to act quickly and seek local veterinary attention immediately. In the paragraph below, we will go through a step-by-step plan of action in case your dog has ingested something poisonous.

What to Do If Your Dog Has Ingested Something Poisonous

If you suspect that your dog has ingested something poisonous, it's crucial to remain calm and take swift action. Follow these steps:

1. Remove your dog from the source of the poison.
2. Check their mouths for any remains of the food or object.
3. Contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) for guidance. Be prepared to provide information about the suspected toxin, the amount ingested, and your dog's symptoms.
4. Follow any instructions given by the veterinarian or poison control center, which may include inducing vomiting (only if instructed to do so by a professional), administering activated charcoal, or seeking immediate veterinary care.
5. Transport your dog to the nearest veterinary clinic or emergency animal hospital for evaluation and treatment. Bring any packaging or containers of the suspected toxin with you to assist the veterinarian in diagnosis and treatment.

The important thing is to act swiftly and remain calm. Dog’s are highly sensitive to human emotions and body language. The safety of your pet is often in your hands. The more knowledgeable you are about topics such as this, the better!

Prevent Poisonous Accidents

Taking proactive measures to prevent pet poisoning is essential for the safety and well-being of your dog. Some preventive measures you can control at home include:

• Keep household chemicals, medications, and toxic substances securely stored out of reach and out of sight of pets.
• Be mindful of the plants you have in your home and ensure they are safe for pets.
• Keep human foods that are toxic to dogs stored safely away and never feed them to your dog intentionally. It is best to avoid table scraps entirely.
• Supervise your dog when they are outdoors to prevent them from ingesting harmful substances such as pesticides, fertilizers, or toxic plants.
• Be conscious of the treats you are feeding your dog. Opt for an all-natural treat that is preservative, hormone, and antibiotic-free like those at Bully Sticks Direct.

FREE! Poison Prevention Guide

The ASPCA has created a guide for responsible pet owners to identify potential hazards in the home. This guide includes a room-by-room checklist of items to keep out of your furry friends' reach. Download it here!

Safety First with Bully Sticks Direct

Pet Poison Prevention Month serves as an important reminder for dog owners to be vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their pets against potential hazards. By being aware of common household dangers, toxic foods, and the signs of poisoning, you can take steps to protect your furry friend from harm.

At Bully Sticks Direct, we care deeply about the health and safety of your pets, and we hope this guide has empowered you with the knowledge to keep your canine companion safe and healthy year-round. The best part about Bully Sticks Direct? Bully Sticks Direct is…

• A family-owned company operating out of Michigan, USA
• A single-source supplier
• Preservative-free
• Hormone-free
• Antibiotic-free
• Single-ingredient dog treats
• 100% protein dog treats

Learn more about us on our website and follow along with our furry-friendly community online!