Beware Pet Poisons In Your Purse

By Nan Talleno

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Many dogs and some cats alike love to investigate so it's vitally important to keep many hazardous items out of reach. This includes items in your purse as there may be more in there that could poison your companion animal than you think.

These items include any medications or inhalers. Sometimes the round shape of the bottle or inhaler attracts them as these mimic a toy to roll and play. But, according to PetMD.com, anti-inflammatories, acetaminophen and anti-depressants pose a high risk of serious harm including tremors, seizures and neurological problems.

Inhalers, if punctured and inhaled can cause life threatening poisoning, heart arrythmias, collapse and even death.

Cigarettes and tobacco and even gum to help stop smoking which includes nicotine causes serious problems within 15 minutes if ingested by both dogs and cats. This can also be fatal. Hair spray and hand sanitizers as well contain alcohol and also pose a serious poisoning risk.

Candies and gum can be most deceptive. Xylitol, which is a sugar substitute, is in many varieties of sugarless gums that are popular on the market today! Check all labels! Xylitol can be extremely toxic to both dogs and cats! Even a small amount can cause problems ranging from liver failure to death.