Miami's furriest residents are getting a spotlight for their safety this National Pet Poison Prevention Week, and Miami-Dade County Animal Services is leading the charge with a slew of tips to keep pets out of harm's way. With the dedicated week kicking off on March 17th, pet lovers are called to pet-proof their pads against common household hazards that could spell disaster for our four-legged buddies.
From March 17th to March 23rd, pet owners are advised by Animal Services to hide away medications, cleaning supplies, and any toxic chow such as chocolate and grapes – which, along with onions, caffeine, and anything with xylitol, can be a recipe for an emergency vet visit if your pooch or kitty gets their paws on them.
Hallmarks of a pet poisoning, like throw-up sessions, bouts of diarrhea, crashing energy levels, and even trouble breathing, are red flags that mean a trip to the vet shouldn't be delayed, Animal Services emphasizes. "During National Pet Poison Prevention Week, we remind our county’s pet owners that it’s essential for pet owners to be vigilant in identifying and eliminating potential toxins from their homes," Annette Jose, Animal Services Director, said in a statement in terms of educating the public.
While showing off their services for the welfare of pets might seem like a given for Animal Services, which ushers in roughly 30,000 to 36,000 lost or forsaken dogs and cats into their fold each year, their push during National Pet Poison Prevention Week is also a nudge to owners to stay on their toes all year round. So for those aiming to keep their furry family members in fine fettle, mark your calendars for National Pet Poison Prevention Week and let's keep our homes hazard-free for the tail-wagging tenants that rely on us.
