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Vail Pet Talk column: Protect your cat or dog from these top 10 pet poisons

Here is a look at the top 10 pet poisons.

Prescription human medications:-

Medications like: Heart medications, pain relievers, anti-depressants, and amphetamines top the list of most frequently exposed toxins for the last five years.-



Insecticides:-

Most homes have various insecticides that can be very toxic to our pets such as: ant and roach bates, Organophosphates, Pyrethrins (especially cats), Carbamates, and many more. The most reported insecticide related poisons are associated with accidental application of dog flea and tick medications to the household cat.

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Over-the-counter human medications:

Ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Naproxen, nutraceuticals (fish oil, joint supplements), and fat soluble vitamins.-

Veterinary products and medications:

Veterinary medications are commonly flavored to increase a pets compliance, unfortunately this also leads to over indulgence. In some cases pets have been found to eat an entire bottle of medications, which can prove to be very toxic.

Household products:-

Paints, Varnishes, cleaners, and random objects that may become ingested and cause stomach or intestinal obstructions.-

People food:-

Raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, Xylitol (sugar substitute), onions, garlic and avocados can all be toxic to animals. Foods that are high in fat and protein can also cause life threatening pancreatitis.

Chocolate:-

Chocolate continues to hold the No. 1 spot for the most common food toxicity causing: diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, heart abnormalities, and even death.

Plants:-

Some common household plants that can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and even organ failure are: Lilies, Daffodils, Sago palm, Chrysanthemums, Oleander, and holiday plants such as: Mistletoe and Holly.-

Rodenticides:-

Common over-the-counter baits/rodenticides that are designed to kill rodents like: rats, mice, moles, voles, etc are tempting treats for pets and account for more than 4 percent of national calls to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. These poisons can cause internal bleeding, organ failure and death.-

Lawn and garden products:-

Fertilizers, weed killers, and herbicides. In a 1991 study published in The Journal of the National Cancer Institute a direct link was found between malignant lymphoma in dogs and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and the herbicide, 2,4-D.-

Sources: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Top 10 Pet Poisons, 2012.

Have a pet question? Email charlie@vailvalleyanimalhospital.com. Veterinarians Charlie Meynier and Tom Suplizio practice at the Vail Valley Animal Hospital and ER, with locations in Eagle-Vail and Edwards. On-call vets are available after hours, and an emergency hospital in Edwards is open 24 hours a day. For more information, call 970-926-3496 or visit http://www.vailvalleyanimalhospital.com.


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