Dangerous Medications

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Bird - Safety

Dangerous Medications

Many substances that are beneficial to humans are harmful or toxic to our pets. Birds, with their small body size, are particularly susceptible to poisoning by human medications. Most household medications come in pill form, which is just the right size for your bird to put in her mouth - a bird's usual method of exploring a new object. She will probably bite on the pill, and then your bird could be in trouble. Be especially wary of the following common medications:

Aspirin
Cold and allergy remedies
Ibuprofen
Acetaminophen
Sleeping pills
Laxatives
Stimulants
Diet pills

These products are life-threatening accidents waiting to happen. Take measures to safeguard your bird from these dangerous substances wherever they may be found in your house.

Garbage Cans

Garbage cans are a treasure trove for a bored pet looking for something fun to do. This is one of the last places you want your pet to explore. Cover all your trash cans or be careful to dispose of any empty medicine containers, cleaning containers, dental floss, deodorant containers, glass and spilled medications into a covered garbage can.

Cabinets

The best way to keep curious pets out of an area you don't want them in is to take the same measures you would with a child - lock them out. Install child-proof latches on cabinets and keep them locked at all times.

Dropped Medicine

As a concerned pet owner, you need to be especially aware of any medicine that drops or splashes out of your hands. Although it's hard to be alert all the time, a capsule could easily fall out and roll somewhere unnoticed, but not by your bird. Your inquisitive pet with her sharp eyes will spot that capsule in a flash. The capsule most likely has a sugar coating that makes it even more attractive to your bird. If you have been taking medicine, do a quick floor check before leaving the bathroom open to your pets.

Container Lids

Container lids are your last line of defense against your pet becoming poisoned. If the lid is firmly attached to the medicine bottle, your pet should not be able to get the container open or bite through it, although there are no guarantees. You just have to hope your bird is not smart enough to figure out the child-proof cap! Always take all precautions necessary to prevent your bird's access to medicine containers.

First Aid

Your pet may display numerous signs if she has consumed a toxic substance. These include:

Vomiting, sometimes blood stained
Diarrhea
Falling off perch
Difficulty breathing
Loss of appetite
Unkempt feathers

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, first determine what substance is responsible. Read the product's label for the list of ingredients and for any instructions on accidental ingestion; most of these substances will require induced vomiting. Immediately call your veterinarian, the nearest animal emergency clinic, or the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 4-ANI-HELP (426-4435). There is a fee for the call, but the hotline is staffed 24 hours a day by veterinarians. If you take your pet to the veterinarian, bring along a sample of the substance you think poisoned her to help your veterinarian decide on the method of treatment. Also, before any such poisoning problem occurs, create a first aid kit and familiarize yourself with first aid techniques for pets.