Pet Vaccination Clinic

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Pet Poison Prevention

Elizabeth Leland

Do you know what to do if your pet accidentally eats chocolate? 

Do you know what plants are safe to keep with your pets? 

Do you know who to call for help? 

The third full week in March each year is National Poison Prevention Week (NPPW), a week dedicated to raising awareness to poison control centers and the poison help hotlines. At the Pet Vaccination Clinic, it is important to us that you have the information and help you need to keep your pet safe. We’ve compiled a list of advice and resources to help keep your dogs and cats safe in their environment. 

What to Avoid:

Foods/Drinks

See foods that ARE safe for your dogs here

Plants/Bouquets

Household Products

  • Human OTC Medications

    “Human over the counter (OTC) medications remain on top of ASPCA’s annual list of harmful toxins for pets” - ASPCA

    • Asprin

    • Ibuprofen

  • Rat Bait/Poison

  • Antifreeze

  • Essential Oils

    • Cinnamon, Citrus (d-limonene), Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pine, Sweet birch, Tea tree (melaleuca), Wintergreen, Ylang ylang, Anise, Clove, Thyme, Juniper, Yarrow, Garlic & more

    • These are toxic whether they are applied to the skin, used in diffusers, or consumed.

  • Yard insecticides. 

    • Avoid their use entirely or find the safest versions. And let commercially sprayed herbicides dry completely on your lawn before you allow your pet to run on it.

    See more household products to avoid here

How/Where to Get Help:

Be Prepared for an Emergency

  • And add the emergency phone numbers for your veterinarian, animal hospital, and a 24/7 pet poison helpline to your contacts list, just in case.

    1. Pet Vaccination Clinic

      • Dr. Leland

      • (210) 923-5721

    2. ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center

      • (888) 426-4435

      • Based on the information you provide, they’ll determine if your pet can be treated and monitored at home or if you need to get to a veterinarian.

      • Subject to a consultant fee

    3. Pet Poison Helpline

      • (800) 213-6680

      • There is a $35/per case consultation fee.

At-Home Solution:

If you witness your pet consume one of these toxins, you could induce vomiting by giving at least a 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Please consult your veterinarian or poison hotline for advice first.

Instructions from AKC to induce vomit: 

  1. If your dog hasn’t eaten within the last two hours, giving him a small meal can make it more likely that he will vomit.

  2. Make sure you have a 3-percent hydrogen peroxide solution. Higher concentrations are toxic and can cause serious damage.

  3. Administer the proper amount: the suggested dosage is 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds (One cc/ml per pound) of the dog’s body weight by mouth, with a maximum dose of 3 tablespoons (45 cc/ml) for dogs who weigh more than 45 pounds. But ask your veterinarian about the best dosage for your dog and only induce vomiting if your dog ate the substance within 2 hours.

  4.  Administer the dosage with a feeding syringe or turkey baster and squirt it from the side by pulling back his lips and squirting between his back teeth. You can also squirt from the front into the back of your dog’s tongue or mouth. Be careful not to let your dog inhale the substance, as this can lead to aspiration. If your dog doesn’t vomit within 15 minutes, you can give him a second dose.

  5. Stay with your dog while he vomits. Collect the vomit for your vet to analyze, and do not let your dog re-ingest the material.

Pet Vaccination Clinic provides efficient and professional care without losing the personal touch.

Dr. Stan Leland opened Pet Vaccination Clinic,  located at 1010 SW Military Drive in San Antonio, TX, on June 1, 1985. Since day one, Dr. Leland has provided compassionate care, taking the time to explain animal care thoroughly to clients so they can champion their pet’s health. Dr. Leland offers multiple services including, but not limited to, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, deworming, exams, health certificates, and heartworm preventative. Contact us here to make an appointment.