Common Pet Poisons In and Around Your Home

By Lauren Lee

 

As a pet owner, you want the very best for your furry friend.  After all, we are our pets’ guardians and protectors.  One thing that is easy to forget is that animals explore the world around them with their mouths, and this can lead to danger.  Even the savviest pet-owners may be unaware of pet poisons lurking in plain sight.

March is designated Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month.  We thought it fitting to point out some less known household items that could turn dangerous if they ended up in our furry friends’ paws.

10 Most Commonly Reported Pet Toxins

Each year the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC) releases a list of the 10 most common pet toxins based on reports it received the previous year.  The most recent list indicates the 10  most common items ingested by pets are as follows:

1. Prescription Medications
Exposure to prescription medication is usually accidental.  However, it is not surprising, as reports indicated that the medications pets were exposed to were those commonly taken by humans.

According to a Consumer Reports article, the drugs most frequently seen in pet poisoning cases are those most commonly prescribed for humans:

●     Antidepressants

●     ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) medications

●     Heart medications

2. Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are number two on the list of toxins reported to the  ASPCA APCC. 

Common causes of poisoning include over-the-counter pain medications including:

●     Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

●     Ibuprofen (Advil)

●     Naproxen (Aleve)

 Talk with your veterinarian before giving your pet any over-the-counter medications or herbal supplements.

3. Human Food
Many of the foods you keep around the house for human consumption can cause your furry friends to become ill.  Sometimes pet owners unknowingly share table scraps or wandering paws find their way into human foods.

Here are a few to watch out for:

Sugar-free gum or sugar-free candy

Sugar-free gum and sugar-free candy or breath mints contain a sweetener called Xylitol.

Xylitol is a naturally occurring sugar alcohol and is currently widely used as a sugar substitute. It is not dangerous to humans because it does not stimulate the pancreas to release insulin in a human.  However, when a dog eats something containing xylitol, it causes the rapid release of insulin. 

This release of insulin leads to a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, otherwise known as hypoglycemia.  If untreated, hypoglycemia can lead to death.

Apple seeds

While apple slices are a healthy snack for dogs, make sure to remove the core and all apple seeds.

Apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide which, over time, can build up in a dog’s system and become toxic.

Grapes and raisins

Even a small number of grapes or raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Onions

While onions and onion powder add a dash of flavor to many human recipes, make sure none of these table scraps end up in your dog’s dish.

In dogs, onions lead to a breakdown in red blood cells, ultimately causing anemia.

Tea and coffee

Tea and coffee, like chocolate, are toxic to pets because they contain caffeine.

4. Veterinary Products
While veterinary medications are intended for use by pets, many are flavored to make them desirable for pets.  All veterinary products should be kept safely out of paw’s reach to prevent pets from ingesting medications exceeding prescribed doses.

5. Chocolate

Although chocolate is a well-known danger to pets, the ASPCA APCC receives enough reports on chocolate toxicity that it believes it warrants its own category separate from other food-related toxins.

6. Household Items

Household items are a broad category, comprising nearly 10 percent of pet toxicity cases.  Double-check to make sure the following items are kept securely out of reach of curious pets.

●     Cleaning products
Ammonia
Chlorine
Glycol Ethers
Formaldehyde
●     Laundry detergent

●     Glue

●     Dishwashing detergent

●     Garbage

●     Marijuana

●     Dryer sheets

●     Batteries

7. Insecticides

Insecticides are commonly used in homes to kill ants, spiders, and other seasonal insects.  However, if not used carefully, many insecticides can also seriously affect your pet.

You should always read labels when buying insecticide.  Avoid buying products with the ingredients listed below:

●      Amitraz

●      Acephate

●      Carbofuran

●      Chlorpyrifos

●      Diazinon

●      Disulfoton

●      Fenoxycarb

●      Fonofos

●      Malathion

●      Methomyl

●      Parathion

●      Permethrin (don’t use around cats)

●      Propoxur

●      Terbufos

●      Tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP)

8. Rodenticides

Changing weather patterns has caused an increase in rodents seeking shelter and food inside homes and consequently, an increase in the use of rodenticides.  Pet Poison Hotlines get numerous calls each year from pet owners who think their pets may have eaten mouse or rat poison.

There are 4 common active ingredients in most rat and mouse poisons:

●     Long-acting anticoagulants (LAACs)

●     Cholecalciferol (VITAMIN D3)

●     Bromethalin

●     Zinc and Aluminum Phosphides

 Make sure any rodenticide you purchase has the ingredients clearly listed. 

If you believe your pet has ingested rat or mouse poison, accurate identification of the active ingredient is crucial as this will determine the risk of poisoning and the need for treatment.  If your pet ingests any of these poisons, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline immediately. Rapid action can often save a pet’s life and prevent the need for costly medical care.

9. Plants

Several indoor and outdoor plants can pose a risk to pets.

The Humane Society of the United States offers a printable pdf of all toxic plants.  It is a good idea to download this sheet and keep it on hand for easy reference.

10. Garden Products

Fertilizers and other products used for gardening should be kept in sealed containers out of reach of pets. 

Most fertilizers are safe for pets however those that contain blood meal and bone meal can be dangerous to dogs.

Other garden products that can be toxic to pets include:

●     Slug and Snail Baits - Many of these contain the active ingredient Metaldehyde.
●     Cocoa Bean Mulch - This is made of the discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean, both of which are by-products of chocolate production.
●     Compost - This is because as organic matter decomposes, molds commonly grow.  Some of these produce hazardous toxins.

Signs of Pet Poisoning

Signs of poisoning differ depending on the toxin and the amount ingested.  Some common symptoms include:

●     Vomiting

●     Diarrhea

●     Seizures

●     Loss of appetite

●     Lethargy

●     Increased thirst

●     Increased urination

If you think your pet may have ingested something poisonous, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

 
Jade Green