National Poison Prevention Week : March 15th-21st

Every year, the third week of March is recognized by U.S. public law as National Poison Prevention Week—a time dedicated to raising awareness about preventing accidental poisonings. While this initiative often focuses on human safety, it’s just as critical for our pets. Curious noses and hungry stomachs can easily lead dogs and cats into dangerous situations if toxins are within reach.

At The Bond Between Veterinary Center, your pet’s safety matters to us. A few minutes of prevention today can prevent an emergency tomorrow.

Many everyday household items can be harmful or even fatal to pets. Pets don’t know what’s safe—and just one small exposure can cause serious illness or even death. There are many different types of things that can be poisonous to dogs and cats. Some of the most common toxins we see include:

Human Medications

• Ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen (Tylenol – extremely toxic to cats).

• Antidepressants and ADHD medications.

  
  

Toxic Foods

• Chocolate and caffeine.

• Grapes and raisins.

• Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks.

• Xylitol (found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters).

• Alcohol and raw bread dough.

  
  

Plants

• Lilies (highly toxic to cats—even pollen can cause kidney failure)

• Sago palm

• Aloe vera

• Pothos and philodendron.

• Tulips and daffodils (especially bulbs).

  
  

Household & Outdoor Products

• Rodenticides (rat and mouse poison)

• Insecticides and ant bait

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)

• Cleaning products and disinfectants

• Fertilizers and pesticides

  
  

Pet Products (When Misused)

• Dog flea and tick products applied to cats

• Overdosing prescribed pet medications

  
  

Prevention is the best protection

Poison prevention is important because emergencies can happen fast—and treatment is often more successful when exposure is caught early. Being proactive can save you stress, costly vet visits, and most importantly, your pet’s life. Poison prevention starts with awareness. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep your pets safe, healthy, and out of harm’s way.

Here are a few simple steps to keep your pet safe:

• Store medications,

  chemicals, and cleaners in secure cabinets.

• Keep human food out of reach and never share unsafe table scraps.

• Use pet-safe pest control and cleaning products whenever possible.

• Know which plants are toxic before bringing them into your home or garden.

• Save the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control number in your phone.

  
  

A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your furry family members healthy, safe, and out of harm’s way.

If You Suspect a Toxin or Poison Exposure

Contact us at The Bond Between Vet Center or a pet poison hotline immediately. Quick action can be lifesaving. 

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to a toxin, be prepared to share what substance was involved, how much your pet may have ingested, and when it occurred. This information helps our veterinary team respond quickly and provide the safest and most effective care for your pet.

The Bond Between Veterinary Center: 952-855-8090

ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

At The Bond Between Veterinary Center, we care about your pet’s wellbeing. And we advocate preventive actions by pet owners to avoid any emergencies. Our team is always here to help you protect the bond between you and your pet.