Your pets are like children. While this statement is truer for some people than others, both pets and children require vigilance when it comes to what they can and cannot get into. Medications are one of the first things that should be hidden and locked away. There are measures you can take to protect your pets, so here’s a few places to start.
Poison Control: 4 Ways to Keep Your Pet away from Medication
Avoid Easily-Opened Containers
Weekly pill-calendars should always be avoided when you have pets or children. They are easily opened, and even one pill can harm your pet. Child-proof bottles are often pet-proof too, but if you have a big or persistent dog, it may be best to just keep the medication somewhere else.
Stay Vigilant
Always keep an eye on your pet’s health. If they seem to be acting out of the ordinary, keep an eye on them and look up their symptoms. If you think they might have ingested something dangerous, look around for the original container or source. Call poison control once you know what they’ve eaten, and give them all the information you have. Don’t throw away the bottle, tube, or label. If you think your pet’s life may be in serious danger (they’re seizing/experiencing incontinence), go to a pet clinic immediately. Emergency care is available at most clinics.
Don’t Put Your Pets in the Bathroom
Your bathroom is one of the most medication-heavy areas in your home. Chances are, you keep lots of pet-sensitive items in there, including toothpaste and medical creams. Make sure all of these items are locked away, and don’t leave the door open if your pet is a wanderer. While it may seem smart to lock a wet, messy, or potty-problem pet inside the bathroom, make sure all cabinets are locked if it’s completely necessary.
Keep Items out of Reach
Pets can be particularly sneaky. Many animals can nudge open drawers or cabinets if they’re left ajar, and some pets can climb up onto refrigerators or dressers. Big, tall pets might be able to knock down items that are left in high spaces, so keep all of your medications in a designated cabinet. Lock this cabinet, and don’t leave medications lying around where your pet can get them.
Both prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications can seriously harm a pet if they’re ingested. Even painkiller creams can kill a cat if they’re exposed, so it’s important to remove all medical items from a room before letting your pet wander about. If you’re unsure about something, look up the brand or active ingredient. If you’re still unsure, remove it to be safe.
michelle Combs
Sunday 24th of May 2020
thank you
What Common Plants are Poisonous for Dogs? - Miss Molly Says
Tuesday 7th of April 2020
[…] and so it is incredibly important to ensure that is well out of the reach of a dog. Then, there is human medication, all kinds of cleaning solutions, chocolate, antifreeze, and yard […]
Mia E.
Saturday 28th of March 2020
Helpful information to stay vigilant and think about how curious our pets can be and things that can be very dangerous to them.
Calvin
Wednesday 11th of April 2018
My cat almost ate my med once, I spilled on the floor without noticing, thankfully I got to it before he swallowed it. He took a bite but didn't puncture the capsule
Charles
Saturday 17th of March 2018
I will keep all of this info in a good place thank you for make us pet owner aware