Pet Toxins to Look Out For!

The third full week of March is National Animal Poison Prevention Week, a week dedicated to raising awareness of the everyday items that can be dangerous to our furry friends! Do you know what pet toxins to look out for?

Here is a list of the most common pet toxins that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received calls about in 2020.

1. Over the Counter Medications

Almost 17% of all calls were regarding over-the-counter medications such as cold medications, vitamins and pain relievers.

2. Human Perscription Medications

Human medications such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and cardiac medications were almost 15% of all calls.

3. Human Food

While occasional snacks are great for humans, some foods can be toxic to our pets such as proteins, snack bars, grapes/raisins, xylitol (which can be found in certain peanut butter and gum) and onions/garlic.

4. Chocolate

There are over 76 exposures per day to chocolate and it is one of the top exposures every year.

5. Plants

Plant purchases went up during covid, leading to a rise in toxic plant-related ingestions in pets.

6. Household Toxicants

8.3% of toxins called in about were household items such as paint and spackle.

7. Rodenticide

It’s no surprise that rodenticides are harmful to pets and at 8% they are number seven in 2020 of most common toxins.

8. Veterinary Products

While not harmful normally, in large quantities chewable medications for pain, incontinence or anxiety, can be harmful for pets.

9. Insecticides

While decreasing, insecticide calls made up 4.7% of all calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

10. Garden Products

Finally, finishing up the list is gardening products making up 2.9% of cases.

One of the best ways to prevent these toxins or accidental ingesting is to do a routine check of your home. The ASCPA created an easy check-list to help you eliminate any toxins that may be available to your pet or better store them!

DOWNLOAD ASPCA’S HOUSE DANGERS CHECK-LIST HERE!

SOURCES: https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-10-pet-toxins-2020

For more pet ownership resources, like more information on contacting ASPCA’s Poison Control Center click HERE.