Top Pet Poisons

by Stephanie Feldstein · 2010-01-21 16:00:00 UTC
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The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has compiled a list of the ten most common pet poisons. In 2009, the Center handled more than 140,000 cases of companion animals who were exposed to toxics, usually in their own homes.

At the top of the list were items that can be found in most households. It's no secret that insecticides, rodenticides, garden products, household cleaners, and chemicals such as drain cleaners and antifreeze are dangerous if ingested, but many people don't take enough precautions to keep the nasty stuff out of reach of their pets. These chemicals are often stored low to the ground. Don't wait until it's too late to discover that your pet will occasionally get into things that he shouldn't -- keep chemicals out of reach and secure. Or, better yet, look for non-toxic alternatives.

The list also covered medication, both human and veterinary, which were either left in an accessible place or improperly dispensed. Don't guess when it comes to treatment; always check with your vet before giving human medications for common ailments or changing a prescribed dosage.

Pet owners should also know which foods and plants are toxic to animals.

Last, but not least, over 3,000 cases of reported pet poisonings were attributed to heavy metals, such as lead, which can be found in all sorts of consumer products, including pet toys. Right now, there are no regulations for hazardous chemicals in pet products.

Hundreds of pet products were recently tested for toxic chemicals, but with thousands on the shelves, the only real solution is changing the way we deal with chemicals on the market. Write the Consumer Product Safety Commission asking them to regulate pet products.

Photo credit: seasideshe

Stephanie Feldstein is a Change.org Editor who has been part of the animal welfare and rescue community for over a decade, and most recently worked for an environmental organization.
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