In 2013, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center responded to 180,000 calls about pets exposed to potentially poisonous substances. Of these calls, 15 percent were due to insecticide exposure, 10 percent to household products, 5.5 percent to rodenticides, and more than 2 percent to lawn and garden products. More than 90 percent of pet poisonings occur in our homes, so it’s important to become familiar with these common household items.
- Acids
- Alkalis
- Carbamates/Organophosphates
- Firestarter logs
- Glow sticks or jewelry
- Glue
- Liquid potpourri
- Mothballs
- Tea tree oil
- Methanol
- Theobromine
- Ethylene glycol
- Mouse and rat poisons
If you think your pet has been poisoned, it’s important to contact your veterinarian or call a pet poison helpline immediately. The ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) and the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) are available 24/7, year round (consultation fees may apply). Save these potentially life-saving phone numbers in your contacts so you’re ready in case of an emergency. Always have the following information available when you call about your pet’s potential poisoning:
- Species, breed, age, sex, weight
- Symptoms/signs of your pet’s poisoning
- Name, strength, and amount ingested (have the product container or packaging available for reference)
- The time elapsed since the time of the exposure
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