In this week of poisoning prevention in animals, it is appropriate to ask this question: what are the toxic products most commonly implicated in poisonings in pets?
The Pet Poison Helpline is one of the most recognized pet poison control centers in North America. Open at all times, it responds to calls from pet owners and attending veterinarians. This center offers a wealth of information and expertise in veterinary toxicology.
However, the Pet Poison Helpline has published a very interesting interactive table online of the trends observed in terms of poisonings in animals in North America, listing the 20 most frequent sources of poisoning.
And this is where it gets interesting because the answer to the original question (which toxins are most commonly implicated in pet poisonings?) comes down differently depending on your location. It varies from state to state, to our neighbors to the south, and from province to province in Canada.
The answer also varies according to the animal species involved (cat, dog, birds or other exotic animals) in the intoxication and also according to the period consulted.
Since five years
So there’s more than one chart depending on which angle you choose.
I have chosen to present to you here the five products most frequently implicated in poisonings in dogs in Quebec over the past five years, according to statistics collected by Pet Poison Helpline, presented in their interactive table. I will introduce you to those of cats in a future column.
1. Chocolate
Humans love it but it is harmful in animals because it is not metabolized in the same way in them. It causes nerve and heart problems and can be fatal in high doses.
2. Grapes
Whether green or red, dry or fresh, they can cause kidney failure in some dogs, even in small amounts.
3. Antidepressant and anxiolytic drugs
Like children, dogs can accidentally ingest human medications left unattended. In these cases, it is not uncommon for the animal to ingest several tablets or pills at the same time, hence the seriousness of these poisonings.
4. Rat poisons
There are different types of rat poison. The vast majority of them can also be fatal for pets that ingest them. With the marked increase in rats in the city, we will have to be more and more vigilant with our pets.
5. Xylitol
This sugar substitute is popular with diabetics, weight watchers and the food industry, among others, and is used in a multitude of human products. However, it is particularly toxic to dogs. Depending on the dose, it can create severe hypoglycemia and liver problems. Keep away from big muzzles.