Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Many substances found in every day surroundings can be poisonous to our pets. Chemicals, plants, or foods might prove dangerous or even fatal to them. Accidental poisoning can happen very quickly; keeping these things out of reach is the best way to prevent poisoning. Put together a poison safety kit to use in case of emergencies. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any treatment following ingestion.

Your safety kit should include:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3%)
• Saline eye solution
• Rubber gloves
• Pet carrier
• Can of soft pet food
• Dish soap (to wash skin)
• Muzzle

Toxic Plants

Amaryllis, caladium, and mistletoe are just a few of the many plants that are known to be toxic to pets. Even the water in a vase can be toxic in some cases, so extreme care must be taken. Below is a list of some of the other plants that are toxic to pets:

Cardiotoxic Plants (affect the heart):

• Lily of the valley
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Azalea
• Yew
• Foxglove
• Kalanchoe
• Cyclamen

Plants That Affect the Kidneys:

• Rhubard leaves
• Shamrocks
• Lilies (dangerous to cats only)

Plants That Can Result in Multiple Symptoms:

• Dracaena species
• Corn plant
• Ribbon plant
• Autumn crocus
• Daffodils

Toxic Foods

• Coffee grounds (can increase heart rate)
• Grapes and raisins (can cause kidney failure)
• Xylitol (sweetener found in gum, candy, and some peanut butters)
• Chocolate
• Yeast dough
• Avocado
• Alcoholic beverages
• Onions
• Macadamia nuts
• Tea
• Fatty foods (can cause inflammation of the pancreas)

To be safe, only feed your pet food, or foods approved by your veterinarian.

Human Medication

Many medications for people are deadly for pets. Never give your pet any medication unless directed by your veterinarian.

Flea Products

Always read the label on topical flea products. Many of the products designed for dogs are toxic to cats.


There are many other substances that can be toxic to our pets. The best prevention is to be ever vigilant to what is in our pets’ environment. If ever in doubt, call your veterinarian or ASPCA Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 to learn if something is toxic and what your next step should be.

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

The Holiday season, from Thanksgiving until New Year's, can be a very busy time. Taking extra time to plan for the pets in our lives can make everyone's Holiday safe and enjoyable.

Having visitors can be fun but it can also be stressful and our pets feel the same way. Keep to routines as much as possible. Walks and feeding for dogs should stay the same. Having a quiet zone set aside for both dogs and cats is a good idea. With doors opening and closing make sure that indoor cats are safe. House guests should know who is allowed outside and who is not.

All of that extra food can be tempting, keep in mind the pets in the family. Do not leave food on kitchen counters or tables unsupervised. Keep the garbage container in a cabinet or securely closed. Let house guests know whether or not it is okay to feed table scraps. If you do allow feeding from the table make sure it's only a small amount. Ingesting food they are not accustomed to, or fatty foods, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or even pancreatitis. Holiday beverages can also be a hazard; don't leave drinks unattended or where they can be sampled.

Holiday plants can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and lilies should be out of reach or not used at all.

Putting up a tree is part of the Holidays in many households, but planning can make a big difference. Secure the tree to the ceiling or a railing to avoid it falling or being pulled over. Tape down or cover all cords to avoid electric shock. Unplug the tree when you are not home to supervise. If you use a live tree do not let the pet drink the water. If using tinsel, hang it high and securely, tinsel can pose a serious problem with intestinal blockage. Hang non-breakable ornaments on lower branches and keep breakable ornaments up high away from curious pets.

Many people want to give pets as Holiday gifts; a better idea is making an adoption kit. Include toys, a bed and if a dog is intended, a collar and leash. Make a certificate to include in the kit, detailing how the pet will be chosen (Shelter vs. Breeder). Then bring your new pet home when you have more time to spend with them.

Have a safe and Happy Holiday!

August is Adopt a Homeless Pet Month

Did you know that August is Adopt a Homeless Pet Month! This day was created to help raise awareness about the large number of homeless animals in the world.

Below are a list of area shelters. The facilities in RED are local shelters. We urge you to adopt a pet in need. 

ASPCA
http://www.aspca.org/

ROAR- Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue
https://www.google.com/#q=ROAR+ridgfield+

Animal Welfare Society (NEW MILFORD) 
http://aws-shelter.org/

New Fairfield/Sherman Animal Welfare Society
http://www.nfsaw.org/ 

Danbury Animal Welfare Society
http://www.daws.org/

Second Chance Rescue
http://www.nycsecondchancerescue.org/

ARF-Animal Rescue Fund of the Hamptons
http://www.arfhamptons.org/site/c.inKMINNjEkG/b.5495835/k.BE80/Home.htm

Stratford Cat Project
http://stratfordcatproject.org/

Animals R Family
http://animalsrfamily.org/

Adopt A Dog
http://adopt-a-dog.org/

Free the Chi (Chihuahua Liberation Front)
https://instagram.com/freethechi/?hl=en

Labs 4 Rescue
http://labs4rescue.com/index.shtml

CT Greyhound Adoption
http://ctgreyhounds.org/

Please contact the Quarry Ridge Animal Hospital at (203) 438-8878 with any questions you may have.