Pet Poisoning - Ten Most Common Pet Poisons
ASPCA Poison Hotline Names Top Ten Poisons for 2008
Apr 8, 2009
Recently, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), which operates the Animal Poison Control Center revealed the top ten types of animal poisons they handled in 2008.
Human Medications Causing Poisoning in Pets
Often, pets mistakenly ingest medications which have been prescribed for their owner or which their owner has purchased over-the-counter (OTC) from a local pharmacy. These medications can frequently result in poisoning for the dog or cat involved.
Mistaken ingestion of human prescriptions or OTC medications can occur when an owner drops a pill and the pet snatches it or when a pet "steals" the bottle of pills.
Insecticides Which Cause Pet Poisoning
When flea and tick medications are applied improperly, these medications can poison a dog or cat.
- Flea and tick medications which are safe for dogs frequently are dangerous for cats.
- Many flea and tick medications are supplied in a variety of sizes. A medication which is marketed for a 75 pound dog may be too strong for a dog weighing ten pounds. When used in this fashion, these medications can cause poisoning.
Foods Which Cause Pet Poisoning
There are numerous foods which are dangerous for your pet to consume. One of the most common dangerous foods is chocolate. Chocolate is one of the most common food poisonings seen in pets.
Pet Poisoning May be Caused by Rodenticides
Poisons used to control rats and mice can also poison your pet. These types of poisons are not only dangerous if your pet eats the chemical itself, but can also cause poisoning if your pet ingests or chews on a rat or mouse which has ingested these chemicals.
Inappropriately Used Veterinary Medications May Cause Poisoning in Animals
Medications which are dispensed or marketed for animals can cause poisoning if not used according to label directions.
Pet owners may be well-meaning but may cause serious injury and illness to their pet when medications are not administered or applied appropriately. For instance, if a medication which is designed to be applied topically is administered orally instead, this medication may then be a poison.
Another example may occur when a medication labeled for a dog is used for a cat. This medication may act as a poison for the cat, even though it is safe for the dog.
Plants May be Toxic and May Cause Pet Poisoning
Many different types of plants are toxic. Some cause only mild symptoms while others may cause life-threatening disease. Some of the most frequently encountered plants which are poison for pets include:
- rhododendrons
- azaleas
- lilies
- sago palms
In addition to the plants named above, there are many other plants which can cause poisoning in pets as well.
Chemical Hazards Which Cause Pet Poisoning
Pets are often curious and chemicals may smell enticing or have a sweet taste, attracting pets to ingest these chemicals. Antifreeze is a commonly encountered poison in pets which is often ingested because of its taste. Other examples are paint thinners, drain cleaners, and chemicals used in pools and spas.
Household Cleaners and Pet Poisoning
Household cleaners can be ingested by pets in much the same manner that chemical hazards may be. Household cleaners which frequently cause poisoning in pets are bleach, disinfectants and detergents.
Heavy Metals Such as Lead May Result in Pet Poisoning
Lead is a heavy metal which often results in animal poisoning. Lead exposure may result from renovating a older home which contains lead based paint, chewing paint chips from around windows or mouldings in homes containing lead paint and ingesting items which are made of or which contain lead.
Other heavy metals which may be causes of animal poisoning are mercury and zinc.
Fertilizers Used for Lawns and Garden Cause Animal Poisoning
Commonly used lawn and garden fertilizers may act as a poison in pets which play on the lawn or ingest grass or other plants treated with the fertilizer.
Preventing Poisoning in Animals
Where possible, preventing an animal poisoning is better than treating.
- Handle all medications carefully and store all medications in a secure area.
- Read and follow label directions for any medication you are using for your pet.
- Store all chemical and household cleaners in a secure location away from your pet.
- Use pet safe products for controlling rat and mice populations as well as other pests in your home.
- Use pet friendly fertilizers on your lawn and garden or keep your pet out of fertilized areas.
