National Animal Poison Prevention Week during the third week in March focuses on educating owners on what can poison their pets, identifying the signs they’ve been poisoned, and how to prevent poisoning. The week is tied to National Poison Prevention Week.
The National Safety Council first began promoting National Poison Prevention Week in 1961. National Animal Poison Prevention Week is a natural extension of the preventative observance to protect both our families, furry members, and livestock, too.
Spring is a good time to remind pet owners of springtime dangers of poisonous material such as plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides.
Take a look around your home, both inside and out, and identify any potential dangers for your pet.
- Secure chemicals in a location your pets can’t access.
- Keep medicines secure.
- Dispose of harmful food or keep them out of your pet’s reach.
- Explore your yard for poisonous plants and bulbs.
- Remind guests that you don’t feed your pet table scraps.
Protecting our pets takes more than regular walks and visits to the veterinarian. It includes knowing what can make them ill or worse kill them.
Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control (APCC) website for more information on how to protect your pet and who to contact in case of an emergency. Pet-proof your home both indoors and out. If you’re moving into a new home, check the landscape for plants that may be poisonous to your pet. If you aren’t sure, contact your veterinarian to confirm.
Use #AnimalPoisonPreventionWeek to follow on social media.
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