Pet Toxins

Pet Toxins

Protect Your Pet from Toxic Substances

As a pet owner, keeping your pet safe is a 24/7 job. Staying informed about your pet’s diet, their medications, and potential hazards they could be exposed to requires ongoing effort. There are seemingly countless potential pet toxins, but our veterinarians at Heartland Veterinary Clinic can help your pet avoid them. We serve clients in Harrisonburg, VA and the surrounding areas.

Learn more about the hazards of various pet toxins by calling us at (540) 208-5415.

Toxic Foods

Generally speaking, you should limit the non-pet food that your pet eats. Before giving your pet food that is not specifically intended for animals, discuss it with your veterinarian or pet nutritionist.

The following food may be dangerous to your pet:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Apple seeds
  • Avocados
  • Cherry, apricot, and peach pits
  • Candy
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee grounds and beans
  • Garlic
  • Grapes
  • Gum
  • Macadamia nuts and walnuts
  • Mushrooms
  • Mustard seeds
  • Onions and onion powder
  • Potato leaves and stems
  • Raisins
  • Rhubarb leaves
  • Salt
  • Tomato leaves and stems
  • Xylitol (an artificial sweetener)
  • Yeast dough

Toxic Medications

No one wants to see their furry friend suffering from illness or pain. Though your inclination may be to treat them with medication, keep in mind that medicines designed for adults and even children can be extremely toxic to your pet. Consult with a Harrisonburg veterinarian at Heartland Veterinary Clinic before giving your pet any medications. We can recommend and prescribe safe, non-toxic medications.

Never give your pet:

  • Tylenol
  • Aspirin
  • Ibuprofen

Toxic Plants

Whether you have a large backyard garden or a few houseplants, it’s vital that you make sure they are not toxic to your pet. There are more than 700 plants that have been identified as potentially toxic and dangerous to pets. A pet that comes in contact with a toxic plant can suffer anything from mild nausea to death.

Plant species that may be toxic to pets include:

  • Autumn crocus
  • Azalea
  • Calla lily
  • Day lily
  • Easter lily
  • Elephant's ear
  • Foxglove
  • Hyacinth
  • Hydrangea
  • Japanese pieris
  • Larkspur
  • Lupine
  • Morning glory
  • Oleander
  • Rhododendron
  • Tiger lily
  • Yew

Pesticides & Rodenticides

Many pet owners use pesticides in the garden and rodenticides around the house to keep unwanted pests and rodents away – but inadvertently affect their pets. If you are using any type of pesticide or rodenticide, be sure to check the ingredients and determine if any of the substances in the product are potentially toxic to pets. Safe usage and proper storage of these products can help protect your pet.

The symptoms from ingesting or absorbing toxic pesticides or rodenticides can include:

  • Death
  • Diarrhea
  • Excessive salivation
  • Pin-point pupils
  • Seizures
  • Tremors
  • Vomiting

At Heartland Veterinary Clinic, we are passionate about educating clients on the impacts of pet toxins and helping them protect their furry friends from potential toxins.

Discuss your questions or concerns with us today by calling (540) 208-5415.

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Why Trust Us?

  • Advocates of Reduced Fear Vet Visits
    Heartland has launched a "Reduced Fear Initiative" to minimize the stress and fear that comes with a looming visit to the vet. This not only increases your pet's overall health but minimizes your stress as well.
  • Quality Veterinary Care
    Our state-of-the-art facility has a full in-house laboratory, pharmacy, surgery and laser technology that allows our dedicated staff to practice a wide variety of services for your pet family.
  • Convenient Medication Delivery
    Spend more time with pets and family! ​You can shop our online store to have your medication mailed. Orders generally ship directly to you within 3-5 business days.
  • Supporter of Preventative and Wellness Care
    We want to prevent your pets from any major setbacks in life. It is important that they routinely get checked and cared for to avoid any surprises. We will help educate you on how to make this happen!
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