Why Pet Poison Prevention Matters to Me
- Bre Burge
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and this year I had the opportunity to share a piece of my story in PawPrints Magazine. The ad includes a list of common household toxins for cats and dogs that every pet owner should know about.
The reason this topic matters so much to me comes down to one experience.
In 2019, I lost my cat Witten after bringing lilies into my home without knowing how toxic they are to cats. Even small exposure to lilies can cause severe kidney failure in cats. At the time, I simply did not know the risk.
Losing her changed how I think about the everyday items we bring into our homes and the responsibility we have as pet owners to understand what could harm them.
Since then, I have tried to use every platform I have to help more people learn about common pet toxins so fewer families have to experience that kind of loss.
In THIS VIDEO, I share more about Witten and why Pet Poison Prevention Month is so important to me.
Sharing This Message Through PawPrints Magazine
This month, I partnered with PawPrints Magazine to place an ad focused on pet poison awareness. The goal was simple. Provide a quick, easy reference that pet owners could see and remember.
Many toxic exposures happen because people simply are not aware of the danger.
Something as common as a bouquet of flowers, a piece of sugar-free gum, or medication left on the counter can quickly become an emergency for a pet.
The lists in the ad are not exhaustive, but it highlights several of the most common household toxins veterinarians see.
Common Household Poisons for Cats
Cats are especially sensitive to certain toxins, and some exposures can be life-threatening even in small amounts.
Some of the most important ones to know include:
Lilies (Lilium species) Even small exposure can cause kidney failure in cats. This includes pollen, petals, leaves, and even water from the vase.
Onions and Garlic These can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
Dog Flea & Tick Medication Products designed for dogs can be extremely dangerous if used on cats.
Essential Oils Certain oils such as tea tree, cinnamon, and wintergreen can be toxic to cats.
Over-the-Counter Medications Common medications including anti-inflammatories, Vitamin D supplements, and some antidepressants can cause serious toxicity.
Mouse and Rat Poison
Household Cleaners
Common Household Poisons for Dogs
Dogs often encounter toxins through food or things they find around the house or yard.
Some common risks include:
Over-the-Counter Medications Anti-inflammatories, Vitamin D supplements, and antidepressants can all cause severe reactions.
Mouse and Rat Poison
Household Cleaners
Chocolate
Grapes and Raisins
Fertilizers
Xylitol This sweetener is found in many sugar-free products and can cause rapid drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Prevention Starts With Awareness
One of the hardest parts about pet poison exposure is how often it is preventable.
Many people simply have not been told which plants, foods, or household products are dangerous for pets. Once you know what to look for, it becomes much easier to make small adjustments that protect the animals we love.
Pet Poison Prevention Month is a reminder to take a look around your home and double-check what might be within reach.
If This Story Helps Even One Person
Losing Witten is something I will always carry with me. If sharing her story helps even one pet owner recognize a risk before it becomes an emergency, then it is worth telling.
If you have pets at home, consider taking a few minutes this week to look through the lists above and make sure your space is as safe as possible.
You can also share this post with another pet owner who might not know about these risks yet. A small piece of information at the right time can make a huge difference.
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