Here’s To Pet Health: Ring In The New Year Toxin Free!

Just like a lot of you, my mouth can sometimes get me in trouble.  Licking myself (and sometimes everything else in sight) can set me up for problems–especially if I’ve trampled through something I shouldn’t have.  Now, I’m not talking about the occasional fur ball, but that toxic stuff that can be found right around the house–gadzooks!

So, now that we’re starting a new year, let’s make good dog and cat health our number one resolution by saying goodbye to common pet poisons…because it’s not the big stuff that seems to get most pets in trouble, but the things that kind of fly under the radar.  To help make sure that you and your parents keep an eye out, here’s a list of the Top 10 Pet Poisons for 2010, according the ASPCA:

Human Medications

It goes without saying that swiping them off counter tops and nightstands is a no-no.  But, that’s not the only way we get them.  We sometimes gobble them up off the floor when they fall and can’t be found by our parents.  It’s amazing how our keen eyes can see them!  And, just like that–you have another pet in danger.  That’s why year after year, human medications have topped the ASPCA’s list of common hazards, with over 45,000 calls related to prescription and over-the-counter drugs.  Please, for pet’s sake, tell your parents to keep meds tucked away in hard-to-reach cabinets and pick them up off the floor when they fall.

Insecticides

Surprisingly, one of the most common incidents last year involved the misuse of flea and tick products.  Yep…the thing that’s supposed to help us can actually hurt us!  The problem arises when the wrong product is used to treat the wrong species.   So, parents, if you’re not sure what’s bugging us, talk to your veterinarian before applying any flea and tick formulas.

People Food

Although this stuff tastes good to people (and it might even taste good to some of us pets), it’s really not good for us at all.  Foods like grapes, raisins, avocado and products containing xylitol, like gum, can cause serious problems.  Accounting for more than 17,453 cases last year,  it’s obvious that people food is not pet food.  And what’s the biggest offender?  Chocolate!  It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in severe cases, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and seizures in pets.  Yikes!

Plants

Ah, plants…they’re everywhere.  While they are good to look at, they’re not good to eat.  Fascinating little foliage, like azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, kalanchoe and schefflera, is often found in homes and can be harmful to us. Lilies are especially toxic to cats, causing life-threatening kidney failure.  Best advice:  Be sure the plants are off the floor and out of reach.

Veterinary Medications

I know you’re saying, how did this make the list?!  But, the truth is that even though veterinary medications are intended for pets, they’re often misapplied or improperly dispensed.  Common culprits are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.  As a pet, you really don’t have much say in the application of the medication, so remind your Mom and Dad to read the instructions and call the vet if there are any questions.  Your health depends on it.

Well, that’s the top 5.  Rodenticides, household cleaners, heavy metals (like lead found in paint chips and linoleum), garden products and chemical hazards round out the list.  To get the full info and how to prevent toxic exposures, visit the ASPCA website at http://www.aspca.org/news/national/01-15-10.html.

Just doing my part to keep pets safe!

-Mittens