Our pets share our homes with us, and often share our beds, our furniture, and our food. In addition, pets are curious by nature and often “put their noses in” where they don’t belong. Sometimes, when our pets are not acting normally, we might think that they have some ailment that can be treated by a home remedy. Since dogs, cats, and other household pets have different anatomy and physiology than humans, sometimes this can result in unintended consequences, and even in an emergency visit to the veterinarian!

Pet insurance companies and pet poison control help lines keep statistics on pet poisonings and periodically release these lists. The items involved in accidental poisoning in pet animals are very similar between these groups. The most recent (2007) list from one American insurance company, based on just over six thousand insurance claims for poisoning, ranks the top household poisons as follows:

1. Drug reactions – the greatest proportion, making up more than 55% of the 6000 claims, was for adverse drug reactions, mostly to human medications such as over-the-counter analgesics. For example, acetaminophen is extremely toxic to cats, and a single tablet can be lethal!
2. Rodenticides (rat and mouse poison) – this category made up about 14% of the claims. Although most rodenticides are initially placed in non-accessible areas, rodents can carry them into areas that are more accessible to your pet. In some cases, the source of the rodenticide can be dead (poisoned) rodents.
3. Methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine, both ingredients in chocolate) – this category made up about 12.5% of the claims. The toxic dose of chocolate depends on the size of the animal as well as the type of chocolate and its quality. High quality dark chocolate is much more toxic than milk chocolate, and only a few squares of dark baking chocolate can be toxic to a small dog.
4. Plant poisoning – there are many plants (including some food items) that can be toxic to pets, including some palm trees, many spring bulbs, several members of the lily family, as well as onions, grapes, and raisins. This category accounted for just over 7% of claims.
5. Household chemicals – some household chemicals are poisons, while others are highly caustic and irritating. Making up about 5% of the claims, the majority of problems with household chemicals were caused by bleach, liquid potpourri, and toiletries.
6. Metaldehyde – this chemical is the main ingredient in “slug bait”, and these products appear to be very appetizing to both dogs and cats.
7. Organophosphates – these insecticides are commonly found in both home and garden products for “bug control”. Organophosphates toxicity may result when the pet eats insecticide, or insecticide-tainted items around the house or garden, or when organophosphate based pet sprays are used too liberally.
8. Toad poisoning – while most toads just secrete foul tasting substances when threatened by animals, some species are capable of secreting substances that are toxic when swallowed.

When combined, the last 3 categories made up just over 3% of claims.

If you are concerned that your pet may have been poisoned by any of these products, DO NOT delay in getting treatment. For more information about poisons and pets, please contact us.