Dogs, Cats, and Their Poison Picks – In a revealing insight into pet health, the Pet Poison Helpline has just released its Top 10 Pet Poisons list for 2023, with dogs showing a peculiar penchant for marijuana, and cats steering clear of the “jazz cabbage.” This year’s list throws a spotlight on the varied, and sometimes surprising, toxins that attract our furry companions.
Pet Poison Helpline: Guarding All Species
As a beacon of toxicology advice for animals ranging from dogs and cats to birds and exotics, Pet Poison Helpline’s data reveals that dogs dominate their call logs, comprising 88% of incidents. This comprehensive list not only sheds light on the common dangers but also serves as a vital resource for pet owners in safeguarding their beloved animals.
Top 10 Toxins: A Cross-Species Concern
Chocolate reigns supreme as the top toxin for all species, says Dr. Renee Schmid, senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline.
“Chocolate is once again our top toxin for all species” explained Dr. Renee Schmid. He also mentioned “While chocolate consumption is the No. 1 toxin for dogs, it is the No. 2 poison on the feline list.”
Typical signs of chocolate poisoning in pets are noticeable through behaviors and symptoms such as increased activity, agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, a greater desire to drink water, a higher heart rate, raised blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, shaking, and elevated body temperature.
Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2023
- Chocolate: A well-known danger, yet the most common toxin for pets, especially dogs.
- Grapes/Raisins: Harmful to both dogs and cats, causing kidney damage.
- Ibuprofen: A common household medication that’s toxic to pets.
- Xylitol: Found in sugar-free products, highly dangerous to dogs.
- Bromethalin (Rat Poison): Deadly to pets, causing severe neurological damage.
- Marijuana: Increasingly common in dog poisonings, particularly as legalization spreads.
- Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium species): Toxic to both dogs and cats, causing blood cell damage.
- Anticoagulant Rat Poison: Causes internal bleeding in pets.
- Vitamin D3 (Supplement): Overdose leads to severe health issues in pets.
- Carprofen (Pain Medication): Safe for dogs at therapeutic levels, but toxic in high doses.
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Canine Culprits: Dogs’ Daring Tastes
2023’s canine-specific list includes usual suspects like chocolate and grapes, but also newcomers like marijuana and carprofen, reflecting changing societal trends and pet care practices. Dr. Schmid highlights the increased incidence of marijuana cases with growing legalization, underscoring the need for pet owner vigilance.
Feline Foes: Cats’ Plant Predicament
For cats, the allure of plants, especially lilies, poses a significant risk. Dr. Schmid added, “Three different varieties of lilies appear in our feline Top 10 list, which also includes tulips. Surprisingly, marijuana was not on our Top 10 feline list.”
This is a critical reminder of the importance of plant safety in homes with cats. Ingesting even a small part of these plants can lead to acute kidney failure in cats, a stark warning for pet owners.
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Prevention and Awareness: The Key to Pet Safety
While the Top 10 list is an eye-opener, it’s just the tip of the iceberg. Pet Poison Helpline offers extensive resources on their website, including a comprehensive poison list and symptoms guide. In cases of suspected poisoning, timely veterinary intervention is crucial, and the Helpline works closely with veterinarians to provide expert advice.
Toxin Tails: Stories of Hope and Awareness
Pet Poison Helpline’s educational campaign, Toxin Tails, serves as a beacon of hope and awareness, sharing stories of pets who have recovered from poisonings. These tales not only educate but also remind us of the resilience of our pets and the importance of being informed pet owners.
The Top 10 Pet Poisons list of 2023 from Pet Poison Helpline is more than a warning; it’s a call to action for pet owners to stay alert and informed, ensuring the safety and well-being of our beloved animal companions.
You can learn more about the Pet Poison Helpline here.
(Source: Pet Age)
