March is Pet Poison Prevention Month – Here’s How to Keep Your Furry Family Members Safe

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March is Pet Poison Prevention Month, and understanding what potential harmful poisons exist in your home and yard is the first step to keeping your pet safe.  Some of them are very obvious and others might be new to you.   

Below is the Top Ten Pet Poison List for dogs and cats from the Pet Poison Helpline.  Based on the Pet Poison Helpline call volume and extensive database, these are the top 10 most common toxins that Pet Poison Helpline gets called about.

Now keep in mind that some of these listed are very toxic, while some are minimally toxic (like ant baits and silica packs). When in doubt, call your vet or Pet Poison Helpline (they do charge a consultation fee) to make sure there won’t be a problem. As always, take special care to keep these toxins out of your pet’s reach and pet-proof your house!   

Top Ten Dog Poisons  

  1. Chocolate   
  2. Mouse and Rat Poisons (rodenticides)   
  3. Vitamins and Minerals (e.g., Vitamin D3, iron, etc.)   
  4. NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.)   
  5. Cardiac Medications (e.g., calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, etc.)   
  6. Cold and Allergy Medications (e.g., pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, etc.)   
  7. Antidepressants (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)   
  8. Xylitol (common in toothpaste and chewing gum – read your labels to ensure your pet is safe!)   
  9. Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol)   
  10. Caffeine Pills   

Top Ten Cat Poisons

  1. Topical spot-on insecticides   
  2. Household Cleaners   
  3. Antidepressants   
  4. Lilies   
  5. Insoluble Oxalate Plants (e.g., Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, etc.)   
  6. Human and Veterinary NSAIDs   
  7. Cold and Flu Medication (e.g., Tylenol)   
  8. Glow Sticks   
  9. ADD/ADHD Medications/Amphetamines   
  10. Mouse and Rat Poison   

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) or your veterinarian for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.   

For more information, you can check out the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for even more helpful tips to keep your pets safe.   

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