March is National Poison Prevention Month, which is a nationwide campaign to educate people on preventing this common threat.
Every year, tens of thousands of pets fall victim to accidental poisonings. In 2021, ASPCA’s National Poison Control Center handled over 400,000 cases, and numbers are rising.
Most pet poisonings are accidental, meaning awareness and preparation should be an essential part of pet ownership. Read on to learn how you can help protect your pets.
Common Poisons
Knowledge of common pet poisons is the first step to protecting our furry family members for harm.
Most common pet poisons:
Pet Medication Overdose: Including taking other pets’ medications or overdose of their own medication.
Human Medications: Pet and Human dosing of medications can vary wildly, while some human medications are simply toxic to pets.
Human Supplements: Like prescription medications, some human supplements can be dangerous to pets. Human formulations may also contain dangerous inactive ingredients. Remember, just because something says it is “natural” does not mean it is safe or effective!
Poisonous Plants: Many household and outdoor plants are toxic to pets. Pet owners can make safe plant choices by referring to the ASPCA plant database (see below).
Human Foods: Common food toxins include, Grapes, Chocolate, Some Nuts, and Allium plants such as Onions and Garlic
Products Containing Xylitol: Xylitol is an alcohol sugar used as an artificial sweetener. It is most commonly found in toothpaste, gum, human vitamins/supplements, and even in some food products. Xylitol can be very dangerous, even deadly, to pets. Other names for Xylitol include: Birch Sugar, Sucre de Bouleau, Meso-Xylitol, Xylite, European Code E967, and Xylopentane–1,2,3,4,5.
Cleaning Products, Including “Natural” Options.
Pesticides (Rat Bait, Snail Bait, Gopher Bait, Insecticides, etc.)
Herbicides/Fertilizers
Signs of Pet Poisoning
Signs of toxicity can vary based on the species of pet, type and quantity of the toxin, and how it contacted the pet (ingested, inhales, skin contact).
Common signs of poisoning include (but are not limited to):
- Lethargy
- Behavioral changes like depression, hyperactivity, lack of coordination
- GI Upset such as: vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, or diarrhea
- Labored breathing
- Foaming at the mouth
- Seizures, muscle spasms, twitching, or similar neurological signs
- Skin burns
Many signs of poisoning come on very quickly, while others can have a slower onset or a more chronic duration. Regardless of type and duration, poisons can be very damaging or even fatal, so it is important to quickly contact your veterinarian and/or poison control hotline.
If your pet ingests a suspected poison, the following can be helpful information for your veterinarian:
What your pet ingested/contacted: bring the packaging if you can
When and how much your pet ingested/contacted
Any other medications/supplements your pet is taking
Start a call to an Animal Poison Control if possible: Poison Control can give important information on the best course of action for your pet and can save vital time in the care of your pet
Helpful Links and Phone Numbers
ASPCA Poison Control*: (888) 426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline*: (855) 764-7661
*incident fees apply
If you are concerned about pet poisons, or if you have any questions or concerns about your pet, we are here to help! Please feel free to contact us at (760) 736.3636.
1691 Melrose Dr. Suite # 110
San Marcos, CA 92078
760-736-3636
www.sanelijovet.com
