Numerous unfortunate pets in the United States are exposed to a wide range of harmful household items and foods every year. As a pet owner, you may take certain crucial precautions to avoid poison exposure, even though accidents sometimes happen. Being ready is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment of your pet in the event of poisoning. If you need help right away, having the Pet Poison Helpline and emergency phone numbers on hand might help expedite this process.

I've included a few of the most prevalent poisons here, but there are too many to mention them all. It might be challenging for owners to determine whether an item is harmful or not at times. The Pet Poison Helpline might be helpful in this situation, particularly if exposure is after work hours. A lot of inaccurate information can be found on the internet. In cases like this where time is of the essence, it is essential to be sure and consult the specialists.

According to the Pet Poison Helpline, the most common calls about poisons pets have ingested include the following for dogs and cats:

Dogs

  1. Chocolate

  2. Mouse and Rat Poisons

  3. Anti-inflammatory Medications

  4. Xylitol

  5. Grapes and Raisins

  6. Antidepressant Medications

  7. Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol)

  8. Vitamin D Overdose

  9. Stimulant Medications

  10. Fertilizers

Cats

  1. Lilies

  2. Spot-on flea/tick medication for dogs

  3. Household Cleaners

  4. Antidepressant Medications

  5. Essential Oils

  6. Anti-Inflammatory Medications

  7. Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)

  8. Stimulant Medications

  9. Onions and Garlic

  10. Vitamin D Overdose

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET EATS SOMETHING POISONOUS

If you suspect your pet has ingested something that is poisonous, there are a few steps you should take. First, call the ASPCA pet poison hotline. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, call (888) 426-4435. It’s not a free service, but it’s likely cheaper than an unnecessary trip to the veterinarian, and they can give you guidance on the next best steps.