The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received more than 167,000 phone calls last year about pets being exposed to possibly poisonous substances. According to the APCC website, toxins can be found in common household items as well as in your backyard.
If you think your dog has ingested something toxic, immediately contact your veterinarian or call the APCC’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435.
From the APCC website, these were the top 10 pet toxins of 2010:
Human Medications – Human medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins. Almost 25 percent of the APCC’s calls concerned human medications being accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits included over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen and acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications.
Insecticides – About 20 percent of the calls to the APCC are about insecticides, which are commonly used on pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products were not labeled for use with cats, but were still applied to them. Be sure to always follow label directions.
Rodenticides – Baits used to kill mice and rats are mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it lures in dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.
People Food – Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
Veterinary Medications – Many medications made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.
Chocolate – Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate, muscle tremors, seizures and death.
Household Toxins – Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.
Plants – Both houseplants and outdoor plants can become ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep houseplants and bouquets away from your pets.
Herbicides – Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.
Outdoor Toxins – Antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them.
PHOTO: M.Verkerk
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