Porky and Buddy Pet Health – Don’t Let Your Pet Fall Victim To Human Meds

Dear Readers,
We assume you are all clearing out your accumulated junk to get ready for the holidays so you can go buy more.

As long as you are doing that, take a look inside the dark recesses of your medicine cabinets.

In 2016, human prescription medications topped the list of pet toxins most commonly ingested by pets.

So it stands to reason that proper storage of current medications and then disposal of expired or unwanted medications is an important way to help keep pets safe.

We assume that you keep the medications you use now in a high cabinet not accessible to pets (or toddlers for that matter.)

Remember that big dogs can access stuff left on counters; curious cats can open unlocked cabinets.

So assume your pets are at least as smart as the average toddler and protect them accordingly.

But what about the ones you no longer use?

Local agencies sometimes have drug disposal days when you can bring your unwanted medications in to be disposed of by the agency.

These community events are the best way to get rid of them.

But if that is not available in your area, the second best way to dispose of expired or unwanted prescription medications is by throwing them away in your household trash.

There are some important steps to be sure to take before throwing your medications in the trash:

Take the medication out of the original containers and remove any identifying information on the label
Mix the drug with an undesirable substance such as cat litter (and we assume many of you have that available) or used coffee grounds.
Place the mixture in a sealable, disposable container or bag
Then place sealed container with the mixture inside in the trash.

Good riddance!

Flushing medications down the toilet is not a good idea.

Flushing medications can lead to the contamination of rivers, lakes, and even community water supplies.

Know that water treatment plants are not typically equipped to remove medicines from water.

We hope that you will take this time to clear out your medicine cabinets and ensure that you don’t have anything to worry about when it comes to your pets and prescription drugs.

Plus you’ll have extra space to fill up with toys and treats.

The Oswego County Humane Society provides spay/neuter services and assistance, fostering and adoption of animals in urgent need, humane education programs, and information and referrals to animal lovers throughout Oswego County.

Located at 29 W. Seneca St., Oswego, NY.

Phone: 315-207-1070.

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.oswegohumane.org

Because People and Pets Are Good for Each Other.

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