This week educates pet owners on what can poison their pets, how to spot the signs of poisoning, and how to help pets if they exhibit such signs.
History of the day
In 1863, an American diplomat on assignment to Russia, Henry Bergh, prevented a carriage driver from beating his fallen horse. Upon returning to his hometown, New York, after his resignation, Bergh founded the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (A.S.P.C.A.). It became the first and only humane society in the Western Hemisphere.
Owners could not get information about pet care over the internet, so A.S.P.C.A. and other organizations’ pamphlets and articles came to the rescue.
By the 1990s, concern over animals had taken an upswing. People placed more value on the lives of animals. The next few decades saw organizations, even the Food and Drug Administration, taking more care to ensure every aspect of pet care — pet stores, pet food, and even pet toys — were safe.
The A.S.P.C.A., among other organizations, influenced legislation and legal proceedings, bringing to light animal suffering and highlighting our responsibilities in this regard. All these years later, we now view animal care very differently. National Animal Poison Prevention Week reflects our changing view of pet care and is a special event to protect our pet buddies from accidental harm.
Items that can poison your pets
Sweet food items
Many sweets contain a sweetener xylitol, which is toxic to animals.
Human drugs and medicine
Antidepressants, acetaminophen and many other drugs made for human consumption can cause serious health issues when ingested by pets. Make sure to ALWAYS check with your vet if your pet needs any medication.
Flowers
Some flowers may contain chemicals that are deadly, such as lilies to cats.
Chocolate
Chocolate made for human consumption is not safe to be eaten by any pets.