FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LA Animal Services Media Contacts: 
Agnes Sibal-von Debschitz, (213) 482-9512 or agnes.sibal@lacity.org
Justin Khosrowabadi, (213) 482-9551 or justin.khosrowabadi@lacity.org
March is National Pet Poison
Prevention Month
LA Animal Services Reminds Pet Owners About the Dangers of Accidental Pet Poisonings and How to Prevent Them
Los Angeles, March 19, 2021 – March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month, and an important time to remind and educate pet owners on the dangers of accidental pet poisonings and how to prevent them. National Pet Poison Prevention Month was established to raise awareness to and prevent illnesses and injuries for pets. 

There are a number of common human foods that are considered toxic if ingested by our pets. Some of these foods include:

  • Alcohol 
  • Bones
  • Caffeine 
  • Chocolate
  • Grapes and raisins 

There are also common household plants that are known to be toxic to our animal companions, including:

  • Azalea
  • Cactus
  • Lilies
  • Ivy

It’s important to note that spring and summer can be particularly hazardous times for pets with many lawn and garden chemicals being used. Be sure to keep these supplies sealed tightly and out of reach from curious pets.
 
The ASPCA has a complete list on their website, which lists household cleaning products as well as health and beauty items that can be poisonous to our furry family members. Click on the following link to view the list of items. 
 
You may also download the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center’s (APCC) mobile app, which helps pet owners to identify more than 300 potential everyday hazards, from common people foods, to household cleaning supplies, to plants and flowers found in our homes or yards.

Certain poisons will result in an immediate reaction from pets, while other poisons may take several days for symptoms to develop. The following are some symptoms to look for if your pet accidentally ingests poison:

  • Drooling, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Excessive thirst or urination
  • Nervousness, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, and seizures  
 
If you believe your pet has eaten something they shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian or local emergency pet clinic immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consultation fee may apply. 
 
For more information on how to keep pets safe, visit:
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LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals and the people who love them, and is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States. With six Centers across the City, LA Animal Services serves approximately 60,000 animals annually and responds to 20,000 emergency calls involving animals or people in danger. LA Animal Services is part of the Human Animal Support Services (HASS) international coalition, joining 38 municipal shelters and animal welfare organizations across the country to reimagine and transform the way shelters care for animals and their families, by offering access to resources to help keep families together; getting lost pets home quickly without having to enter the shelter system; providing food and medical assistance; and continuing to build on a strong adoption and foster program so pets find their permanent homes or are placed in foster care. Visit our link.tree for helpful links to the services and resources available to you and your companion animals. Connect with LA Animal Services and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
LA Animal Services | 888-452-7381 | LAAnimalServices.com