Sometimes we forget that what’s safe for people to consume or use can be deadly to pets. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) reminds us of this important fact every March during National Poison Prevention Week.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications intended for people led the recently released ASPCA list of The Top 10 Toxins of 2023, with human food and drinks in second place and human prescription medications coming in third. Together, these three categories accounted for more than half the calls the APCC received last year. Recreational drugs, new on the list in 2022, remained in the #10 spot. If you think your pet may have eaten or come into contact with any of the toxins listed here, our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team is standing by 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to provide emergency care.
The Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2023
Last year, the APCC helped more than 400,000 pets from all 50 states. Dr. Tina Wismer, the center’s senior director of toxicology, says, “Veterinary experts at the ASPCA Poison Control Center see a steady increase in call volume each year, which reflects an increased recognition of items that pose a potential risk to pets.” Prevent your pet from becoming a 2024 poisoning statistic by ensuring they do not ingest or come in contact with any of the following toxins:
- #1. OTC medications — These include ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold and flu remedies, vitamins, and dietary supplements.
- #2. Human food and drinks — The main hazards in this category are protein drinks and bars, chewing gums with the artificial sweetener xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic.
- #3. Human prescription medications — Heart medications, inhalers, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications are the most commonly prescribed drugs that are therapeutic for people but harmful to pets.
- #4. Chocolate — This tempting confection occupies a toxic category all its own, accounting for 13% of the calls the APCC received last year. Chocolate is highly toxic to dogs because two of its components, caffeine and theobromine, are central nervous system and cardiac stimulants as well as diuretics that can cause dehydration. Generally, the darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more harmful to dogs. Since cats don’t have a sweet tooth, they rarely eat enough chocolate to cause harm.
- #5. Veterinary products — This category rose from seventh to fifth place as tasty chewable tablets or soft chews, including calming chews, attracted more and more pets. Dogs and cats find these chews delicious, so once they get a taste, they may try to grab the whole container.
- #6. Plants and fungi — Plants can harm cats and dogs inside or outside your home. Always check the ASPCA’s Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants list before bringing new greenery into your house or garden. Keep in mind that even plants deemed safe can cause dogs and cats to vomit or experience digestive distress.
- #7. Household products — The most commonly ingested household toxins last year were deoxidizing packets and batteries. A range of other items, including paint, adhesives, Gorilla Glue, and cleaning chemicals, can pose problems for pets, too.
- #8. Rodenticides — Unfortunately, these poisons tempt cats and dogs as well as the critters they target. When pets consume these products, they can experience bleeding, kidney failure, seizures, or even death.
- #9. Insecticides — These include ant baits, bug sprays, and other yard products that attract pets as well as pests. Follow directions on these products’ labels to dilute them properly, or use substances that repel insects but pose no risk to cats and dogs.
- #10. Recreational drugs — These toxins include marijuana and, increasingly, the psilocybin and muscarine in psychedelic mushrooms. Dogs are sensitive to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the ingredient that gives cannabis its high, and if a pet ingests their owner’s marijuana, they can be harmed. As for therapeutic uses, although THC has been known to calm some stressed and anxious zoo animals, the substance is not safe for pets.
Protecting your pet from toxins
We may joke about how if given opposable thumbs, our cats and dogs would rule the world—and probably do a better job of it than we misguided humans have done. However, pets don’t need thumbs to make mischief. Never underestimate the power of their paws, claws, and jaws to steal your food, wreak havoc on your trash cans, raid your purses and pockets, and pry open anything within reach that looks interesting.
To keep your pet safe from harm, lock cabinets, boxes, and bins that contain toxins, or place them on high shelves that pets can’t reach. Don’t turn your back, even for a second, on pills, treats, or small objects, such as batteries, that your dog or cat could swallow. Don’t let anything distract you when you’re cooking or snacking. Let your pets outside only when you can supervise them. Keep a close eye on them when you’re indoors, too. Your four-legged buddy may be cute and sweet, but they’re also sneaky.
If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center’s 24-hour hotline at 888-426-4435. To learn more about toxins that could be particularly harmful to your cat or dog, contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team.
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