National Poison Prevention Week is a great time to find out more about the potential poisons and toxins your pet might get into – let’s keep our pets safe!
In March the ASPCA®’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) releases its findings about the Top Ten Poisons for the previous year. The top spot again for the most common toxin ingested by pets is over-the-counter medications and supplements. Prescriptions for human medications are in the second spot
The other toxins on the Top Ten list for 2020 are:
3. HUMAN FOODS – Approximately 13% of the calls involved food or ingredients such as xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic.
4. Chocolate – still in #4 spot with almost 76 cases per day of chocolate exposure.
5. Plants & bouquets – this group went from #8 in 2019 to #5 in just one year. One reason might be the increased interest in houseplants during the pandemic.
6. Household Items – cleaning, beauty and home repair products.
7. Rodenticides (Poisons for mice and rats)
8. Veterinary Medications
9. Insecticides
10. Lawn and Garden Products
It is important to poison-proof your home and educate yourself on items that are toxic to pets. Note also that there is an increase in calls in the spring and summer months because of increased outdoor activities and exposure to outside plants, herbicides, fertilizers, and pesticides.
https://www.aspca.org/news/official-top-10-pet-toxins-2020
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned seek veterinary attention immediately. You can also call the ASPCA Poison Center at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661. Both are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.