Keeping Pets Safe
For more than 50 years and since it’s inception by Congress in 1961, the third week in March has been designated as National Poison Prevention Week. This year it falls on March 17 – 23 and serves as a reminder to all pet owners to watch for both natural and processed pet toxins, especially as we prepare for spring cleaning and as plants start to poke their way through the snow.
Unfortunately, each year thousands of dogs and cats suffer from accidental ingestion of household poisons. As a pet parent, are you aware of the common toxins that can poison your pet?
These toxins are listed by the commonality, so watch especially for those highest on the lists.
Top 10 Dog Toxins
- Chocolate
Dark and bakers chocolate is the worst, and milk chocolate in large amounts can also be dangerous.
- Xylitol
This sugarless gum sweetener causes a fast drop in blood sugar and possible liver failure.
- NSAID’s
Drugs like Ibuprofen found in Advil, Motrin, Aleve, are very difficult for dogs to digest, therefore, continued exposure can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
- Over the Counter Cough, Cold and Allergy Medicine
Particularly those containing acetaminophen or decongestants.
- Mouse and Rat Poison
Even small amounts may cause internal bleeding or swelling of the brain in dogs.
- Grapes and Raisins
May cause kidney damage.
- Insect Bait Stations
While these stations themselves are not poisonous to dogs, pets who are intrigued by the plastic casing and swallow it may experience obstruction in their bowels.
- Prescription ADD / ADHD Medication
These can cause tremors, seizures or other cardiac problems that could be fatal to dogs.
- Glucosamine Joint Supplements
These can be extremely tasty and in excess, can cause diarrhea and even liver failure.
- Silica Gel Packets and Oxygen Absorbers
While the gel packets found in new shoes or purses don’t pose a significant threat, oxygen absorbers found in food packages, even pet treats…can cause iron poisoning.
Awareness is the key to preventing poisoning emergencies. Almost 91 percent of calls to Pet Poison Helpline in 2017 involved dogs – a testament to dogs’ curious nature and indifference to eating just about anything. Of these calls, nearly half were for dogs that ingested human medications.
Top Ten Cat Toxins
- Lilies
All plants in the lily family, if ingested, can cause kidney failure in cats. These plants are common, so be especially careful what types of plants you have accessible in your home.
- Household Cleaners
Watch especially for concentrated products like toilet or drain cleaners, which can cause chemical burns.
- Flea and Tick Prevention Products for Dogs
Certain pyrethroid-based products can cause tremors and seizures in cats and are potentially deadly if ingested.
- Antidepressants
Cats are strangely drawn to these medications. Keep them tightly sealed and out of reach, as they can have damaging neurological and cardiac effects on cats.
- NSAID’s
Drugs like Ibuprofen found in Advil, Motrin, and Aleve are even more dangerous to cats than they are to dogs. Even those meant for pets should be used with caution.
- Prescription ADD / ADHD Medication
These can cause tremors, seizures, or other cardiac problems that could be fatal to cats.
- Over the Counter Cough, Cold and Allergy Medicine
Those containing acetaminophen (like Tylenol) are particularly dangerous and can do damage to red blood cells and cause liver failure.
- Insoluble Oxalate Plants
Other common household plants like the philodendron and pathos can cause oral irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation.
- Household Insecticides
Most sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it’s best to keep cats away until the product is fully dried or settled.
- Glow Sticks
Though these may seem like cute toys to cats, if punctured, the chemicals inside can cause pain and foaming at the mouth If exposed to these, food and water are a safe remedy.
What to Do in Case of an Emergency
If you think your pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately. Contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.