Pet Poisons

While visiting with my dad today he informed me that his Jack Russel Terrier Rocky ate all of the good Lindt, Ferrero Rocher and Ghirardelli chocolates I had given him for Christmas. OH MY Dad, don't you know dogs are allergic to chocolate? He knew it. Told me the dog stole them off the table in the middle of the night and he actually thought his diabetic girlfriend had snuck them all until he started finding torn wrappers over the floor during the course of the day. His girlfriend then told me about the dog liking onions as well. Grrr. I've had friends who had dogs that have died or became very sick from eating these things. So, now I'm posting this for everyone who reads this blog to see, as well as printing this and taking it to my dad!


ASPCA's Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2009
Sometimes it seems like our trouble-making pets will eat anything. Their hoovering ability comes in handy when you spill chicken soup on the floor (tongues being just as good as mops). But unfortunately, it's all too easy for our pets to get into substances that can harm them.

The ASPCA Poison Control Center recently released a list of the top 10 poisons that affected cats and dogs in 2009. So take note, and be sure keep these toxic substances far away from your pets in 2010!

Human Medicines
Human drugs were the top cause of pet poisoning in 2009, the ASPCA reported. Last year, the Poison Control Center managed more than 45,000 calls from people whose pets had swallowed pills such as pain relievers, cold meds and antidepressants.

Insecticides
One of the most common insecticide problems was misuse of flea and tick products. Make sure to talk to your vet about how to properly use these products.

Human Food
Most people know chocolate is dangerous to dogs. But did you know that grapes, raisins, avocados and products containing xylitol (like sugar-free gum and candy) can also be harmful to your pets?

Plants
Dozens of common houseplants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, sago palm and kalanchoe are dangerous for pets. Lilies are particularly toxic for cats, and can cause deadly kidney failure.

Vet Medicines
Almost 8,000 cases of pet poisonings in 2009 involved pets that were given medicines incorrectly. Make sure you follow instructions and talk to your vet about how to safely apply over-the-counter and prescription medicines for your cat or dog.

Rodent Killer
Poisons that are attractive to mice and rats can also smell tempting to dogs and cats. Be sure to keep your pets away from potentially deadly rodent poisons.

Household Cleaners
Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants can cause serious gastrointestinal and respiratory problems. Keep cabinets locked to prevent your pets from swallowing or sniffing the harmful substances.

Heavy Metals
You know lead poisoning is bad for babies, but it's just as dangerous for your furry friends. Keep your pets away from paint chips, linoleum, and the dust produced when you sand the walls in older homes.

Garden Products
Fertilizers and other garden chemicals can cause severe stomach upset in dogs and cats. So let your dog stop to sniff the roses, but not the fertilizer, please.

Household Chemicals
Our homes often contain a lot of chemical substances, from antifreeze to paint thinner to drain cleaner. Such substances can cause stomach upset, respiratory problems and chemical burns in dogs and cats.

Another Printable List
Dangerous if not fatal to your dog
DPCA.org

These lists do not include everything any certain pet may be allergic to, like how spinach can be toxic to iguanas and aloe can kill your rabbit. If you are wondering about anything compromising your pet's health please, please do some research before giving it to them.