National Poison Prevention Month: Spring Hazards to Watch For

March is National Poison Prevention Month, and at Napa Humane, we want to ensure you’re aware of the springtime hazards that can pose a risk to your pets. As the weather warms and the season changes, dangerous substances—from toxic plants to household chemicals—become more common. Keeping your pets safe during these months is vital, and we’ve put together this guide to help you recognize the top springtime hazards and poisonous substances for pets.

Spring Plants That Are Dangerous to Pets

Spring is full of beautiful flowers, but some common plants can be harmful to your pets. Many of these spring plants can cause mild symptoms, but there are a few that can lead to more severe illness. Here are the most common toxic plants for dogs and cats you should be aware of this spring:

Lilies

Lilies are extremely toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even grooming lily pollen off their fur can result in harmful effects like vomiting and weakness. These beautiful flowers may seem harmless, but they’re deadly to felines.

Daffodils

All parts of the daffodil plant—bulb, flower, and stem—are toxic to cats and dogs. Even the water in a vase of daffodils can cause symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, and more serious effects.

Rhododendrons

These popular garden shrubs can cause severe illness in both cats and dogs, even in small amounts. Poisoning symptoms include vomiting, drooling, tremors, and difficulty breathing.

Other Spring Plants: Other flowers and bulbs like tulips, hyacinths, and bluebells can also be harmful to pets. The bulbs, in particular, contain the highest concentration of toxins. If your pet ingests these plants, they may experience mild symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

If your pet comes into contact with any of these plants, contact your vet immediately to discuss potential exposure.

Dangerous Foods to Avoid This Spring

Springtime is filled with seasonal foods and celebrations, but many common foods can be toxic to your pets. Here’s a list of dangerous foods for pets that should be kept out of reach this season:

Raisins and Grapes

Found in treats like fruitcakes, hot cross buns, and other baked goods, raisins, sultanas, grapes, and currants are toxic to pets. Even a small amount can lead to kidney failure, so keep these foods far away from your pets.

Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most common poisonous substances for pets and is especially dangerous to dogs. Dark chocolate contains theobromine, which can cause symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death in pets.

Fatty Foods

Foods like roast lamb and fatty trimmings can cause gastrointestinal upset or even pancreatitis in pets. Watch out for foods that are rich in fats and oils, especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach.

Garlic and Onions

Members of the Allium family, including garlic and onions, are poisonous to pets—particularly to cats. Ingesting even small amounts can lead to gastrointestinal issues and anemia in pets.

Xylitol

This artificial sweetener, often found in candies, baked goods, and peanut butter, is highly toxic to dogs and cats. It can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, liver failure, and even death.

Make sure to keep these foods out of reach and avoid sharing your springtime treats with your pets.

Household and Outdoor Dangers

Spring cleaning and gardening are common activities, but they bring their own set of dangers. Many common cleaning products and gardening supplies can pose a risk to your pets. Here are some spring cleaning hazards for pets:

Cleaning Products

Household cleaners like bleach, ammonia, and oven cleaners can cause severe gastrointestinal distress and skin irritation in pets. Keep these products out of your pet’s reach, and clean up any spills immediately.

Slug and Snail Bait

Metaldehyde, the active ingredient in slug and snail baits, is extremely toxic to pets. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to serious symptoms like tremors and seizures. If your pet has eaten any slug bait, take them to the vet immediately for treatment.

Rodenticides

Rat and mouse poisons are another dangerous product during spring. These poisonous substances for pets can cause internal bleeding, liver failure, and other life-threatening conditions. If your pet ingests rodent poison, contact your vet right away.

Hops

Used in brewing and in some supplements, hops can cause malignant hyperthermia in dogs, a potentially fatal condition where the body temperature rises to dangerous levels.

Medications and Supplements to Watch Out For

Certain medications and supplements are also a threat to pets, even in small doses. Keep these in mind as you go about your spring routine:

5-Fluorouracil

Often used in topical skin cancer treatments, 5-fluorouracil is extremely toxic to pets if ingested. It can cause gastrointestinal distress, seizures, and even death. Keep this product out of reach of curious pets.

Amphetamines

Commonly used for ADHD or weight loss, amphetamines (including methamphetamine and MDMA) are highly dangerous to pets. These substances can cause dangerous elevations in heart rate and body temperature, leading to tremors and seizures.

Baclofen

A muscle relaxant commonly prescribed to humans, baclofen can be deadly to dogs. Symptoms of toxicity include salivation, disorientation, and muscle paralysis.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

This over-the-counter supplement, often used for mood regulation and sleep, can cause serotonin syndrome in pets. This condition leads to high body temperature, seizures, and other dangerous symptoms.

How to Keep Your Pets Safe This Spring

To protect your pets from these springtime hazards, here are a few important safety tips:

• Supervise your pet: Always keep an eye on your pets, especially when you’re cleaning, cooking, or spending time outside.
• Lock away harmful products: Keep cleaning products, medications, and hazardous plants in secure, pet-proof locations.
• Choose pet-safe gardening products: Use pet-safe fertilizers and pest control products, and ensure that slug bait and rodenticides are out of reach.
• Watch your pet on walks: Don’t let your pet roam freely, especially in areas where they might encounter harmful plants or ingest something toxic.

For more information on this topic visit Napa Humane’s Pet Poison Control Resource page. Another excellent resource is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.  The operate  24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

By staying informed and vigilant, you can keep your pets safe from these common spring pet safety hazards. If you ever suspect your pet has been exposed to something dangerous, don’t wait—contact your full service veterinarian immediately for help.