The top reasons why people call pet poison control
2014 list from ASPCA hotline
1. Human Prescription Medications
Human medications topped the list of calls the APCC received in 2014, and the types of medications closely reflect the most common human prescriptions. Cardiac medications (especially antihypertensives) led the list, closely followed by antidepressants and pain medications.
2. OTC Medications
Over-the-counter products had a huge increase in volume, perhaps due to the popularity of herbal and other natural supplements. This category included more than 6,900 different products.
3. Insecticides
Insecticides dropped to third place with 9.1% of the call volume.
4. Household Items (see list below)
Household items such as cleaning products, expandable glues, and paints are often accessible for pets and remain a significant concern, accounting for 8.1% of calls.
5. Human Food (the list for pigs is slightly different, but this is their list posted)
Dogs love to ingest xylitol, grapes, raisins and onion and garlic. Unfortunately, they don't know that the bite of hamburger bun that was given to them last night was a great treat, but the two-pound bag of grapes on the counter will probably land them in the ER.
6. Veterinary Medications
All the hard work that has been done to make medications more palatable is generally a great thing – except, of course, when pets get into their tasty chewables and eat them all. Ingestions such as NSAIDS, heartworm medications, phenylpropanolamine and joint supplements are still common and accounted for 7.3% of calls.
7. Chocolate (NOT an issue for pigs, may cause upset belly, thats all)
Chocolate ingestion accounts on average for over 26 calls a day! Easter, Halloween, Valentine's Day and Christmas are particularly high-volume chocolate call days for the APCC and for veterinary hospitals.
8. Plants (many plants are also toxic to pigs)
These calls mainly involve houseplants, and accounted for 4.8% of call volume. And while there are plenty of dogs looking to chew on plants, they are even more popular with cats.
9. Rodenticides (NEVER good for any animal to ingest these rat/mice poisons)
The category dropped one spot to number nine, with anticoagulants still causing the most concern.
10. Lawn and Garden Products
This category rounds out the top 10 at 2.7% of calls. Many exposures were because products weren't stored out of the reach of pets, or pets were allowed onto lawns before treatments were completely dry.
Source: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-10-pet-toxins-2014
1. Human Prescription Medications
Human medications topped the list of calls the APCC received in 2014, and the types of medications closely reflect the most common human prescriptions. Cardiac medications (especially antihypertensives) led the list, closely followed by antidepressants and pain medications.
2. OTC Medications
Over-the-counter products had a huge increase in volume, perhaps due to the popularity of herbal and other natural supplements. This category included more than 6,900 different products.
3. Insecticides
Insecticides dropped to third place with 9.1% of the call volume.
4. Household Items (see list below)
Household items such as cleaning products, expandable glues, and paints are often accessible for pets and remain a significant concern, accounting for 8.1% of calls.
5. Human Food (the list for pigs is slightly different, but this is their list posted)
Dogs love to ingest xylitol, grapes, raisins and onion and garlic. Unfortunately, they don't know that the bite of hamburger bun that was given to them last night was a great treat, but the two-pound bag of grapes on the counter will probably land them in the ER.
6. Veterinary Medications
All the hard work that has been done to make medications more palatable is generally a great thing – except, of course, when pets get into their tasty chewables and eat them all. Ingestions such as NSAIDS, heartworm medications, phenylpropanolamine and joint supplements are still common and accounted for 7.3% of calls.
7. Chocolate (NOT an issue for pigs, may cause upset belly, thats all)
Chocolate ingestion accounts on average for over 26 calls a day! Easter, Halloween, Valentine's Day and Christmas are particularly high-volume chocolate call days for the APCC and for veterinary hospitals.
8. Plants (many plants are also toxic to pigs)
These calls mainly involve houseplants, and accounted for 4.8% of call volume. And while there are plenty of dogs looking to chew on plants, they are even more popular with cats.
9. Rodenticides (NEVER good for any animal to ingest these rat/mice poisons)
The category dropped one spot to number nine, with anticoagulants still causing the most concern.
10. Lawn and Garden Products
This category rounds out the top 10 at 2.7% of calls. Many exposures were because products weren't stored out of the reach of pets, or pets were allowed onto lawns before treatments were completely dry.
Source: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-10-pet-toxins-2014
Top household agents that affect pets who have called ASCPA for help
Bleach
Pet parents are often curious about the risks associated with cleaning their pets’ cages and toys with bleach. The bottom line is this: cleaning your pet’s cage or toy with a properly diluted bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing and airing out, is not expected to cause harm. If the odor of bleach seems overwhelming, open windows and use fans to air the room.
There are many cleaning products on the market, with a variety of different ingredients for cleaners, with varying degrees of safety. Always follow label directions for usage. After cleaning, please dispose of unused or dirty solutions, and clean and put away cleaning implements like mops. If you have questions about the appropriate selection or application of a product, please contact your veterinarian or the manufacturer before cleaning.
Carpet Fresheners
Proper use of carpet deodorizing products should not cause significant harm or injury to pets. Should your pet accidentally come in contact with the freshly applied powder, we recommend washing the paws with mild soap and water to avoid minor skin irritation.
Minor ingestions of carpet freshener powder generally results in a mild stomach upset. If a small amount is inhaled, minor respiratory irritation may occur, resulting in sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose. Because of this, it is a good idea to continue to keep your dog out of the room until after you have vacuumed up the powder.
Carpet Shampoo
Most carpet cleaning products can be used in pet households. Allow the carpet to dry before allowing pets into the area. This will help to prevent the risk of skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset.
Essential Oils
Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, and effects such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage could occur if ingested in significant quantities. Inhalation of the oils could lead to aspiration pneumonia. There are significant variations in toxicity among specific oils. Based on this, we would not recommend using essential oils in areas where your pets have access, unless pets are supervised or the use of the oil is approved by your veterinarian.
Fabric Softener Sheets
Fabric softeners contain cationic detergents. These detergents have the potential to cause significant signs like drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers and fever. These clinical signs do require treatment by a veterinarian. Oral ulcers can develop if a pet chews on a new, unused dryer sheet. Used sheets have minimal amounts of detergent. If an animal ingests enough sheets, used or dry, an intestinal blockage may occur.
Febreze
Contrary to rumors alleging that Febreze causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at APCC regard Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with pets.
As with any product, it is important that you always follow label instructions for use. However, should your pet accidentally come into contact with Febreze when it is still wet, we would not anticipate problems beyond mild skin irritation (which can occur with any product in animals with sensitive skin) or minor stomach upset, if it is ingested.
Grout
Gout sealers vary widely in toxicity, from non-toxic to alkaline corrosive. Alkaline products, like cationic detergents, can cause drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers. Confirm the ingredients in the brand you are using, and call the APCC or your veterinarian if your pet ingests some of the sealer. Dried, or cured, sealer generally only causes a mild upset stomach if ingested.
Swiffer Wet Jet
Swiffer Wet Jet products do not contain cleaning agents in large enough quantities to present serious health risks to pets. An internet rumor once alleged that these products contained anti-freeze and were responsible for the death of a dog. Our toxicology experts evaluated the product and determined it doesn't contain ethylene glycol from antifreeze, and is appropriate to use in homes with pets.
Like any product, however, it's important to read and follow label instructions to avoid unnecessary exposure. As with any number of cleaning products, mild skin irritation or stomach upset may occur if pets walk through a still-wet floor or lick any spilled solution.
Toilet Cleaning Tablets
Most toilet bowl cleaning tablets would not be expected to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset, should a dog take a drink of the diluted water in the toilet bowl. Bacterial-related gastrointestinal problems could occur from drinking stagnant toilet water, however, so it is still a good idea to discourage your dog from imbibing from the commode.
Vinegar and Water
A solution of vinegar and water is used as an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaning agents. Vinegar is typically acidic, and vinegar (depending on the solution concentration) acts as an irritant. Ingesting concentrated, or undiluted, vinegar can cause vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation and pain.
Most cleaning agents can be used safely in homes, as long as label recommendations are followed
source: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-10-pet-toxins-2014
Bleach
Pet parents are often curious about the risks associated with cleaning their pets’ cages and toys with bleach. The bottom line is this: cleaning your pet’s cage or toy with a properly diluted bleach solution, followed by a thorough rinsing and airing out, is not expected to cause harm. If the odor of bleach seems overwhelming, open windows and use fans to air the room.
There are many cleaning products on the market, with a variety of different ingredients for cleaners, with varying degrees of safety. Always follow label directions for usage. After cleaning, please dispose of unused or dirty solutions, and clean and put away cleaning implements like mops. If you have questions about the appropriate selection or application of a product, please contact your veterinarian or the manufacturer before cleaning.
Carpet Fresheners
Proper use of carpet deodorizing products should not cause significant harm or injury to pets. Should your pet accidentally come in contact with the freshly applied powder, we recommend washing the paws with mild soap and water to avoid minor skin irritation.
Minor ingestions of carpet freshener powder generally results in a mild stomach upset. If a small amount is inhaled, minor respiratory irritation may occur, resulting in sneezing, coughing, or a runny nose. Because of this, it is a good idea to continue to keep your dog out of the room until after you have vacuumed up the powder.
Carpet Shampoo
Most carpet cleaning products can be used in pet households. Allow the carpet to dry before allowing pets into the area. This will help to prevent the risk of skin irritation or gastrointestinal upset.
Essential Oils
Cats are especially sensitive to essential oils, and effects such as gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression and even liver damage could occur if ingested in significant quantities. Inhalation of the oils could lead to aspiration pneumonia. There are significant variations in toxicity among specific oils. Based on this, we would not recommend using essential oils in areas where your pets have access, unless pets are supervised or the use of the oil is approved by your veterinarian.
Fabric Softener Sheets
Fabric softeners contain cationic detergents. These detergents have the potential to cause significant signs like drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers and fever. These clinical signs do require treatment by a veterinarian. Oral ulcers can develop if a pet chews on a new, unused dryer sheet. Used sheets have minimal amounts of detergent. If an animal ingests enough sheets, used or dry, an intestinal blockage may occur.
Febreze
Contrary to rumors alleging that Febreze causes serious illness or death in pets, our veterinary toxicology experts at APCC regard Febreze fabric freshener products to be safe for use in households with pets.
As with any product, it is important that you always follow label instructions for use. However, should your pet accidentally come into contact with Febreze when it is still wet, we would not anticipate problems beyond mild skin irritation (which can occur with any product in animals with sensitive skin) or minor stomach upset, if it is ingested.
Grout
Gout sealers vary widely in toxicity, from non-toxic to alkaline corrosive. Alkaline products, like cationic detergents, can cause drooling, vomiting, oral and esophageal ulcers. Confirm the ingredients in the brand you are using, and call the APCC or your veterinarian if your pet ingests some of the sealer. Dried, or cured, sealer generally only causes a mild upset stomach if ingested.
Swiffer Wet Jet
Swiffer Wet Jet products do not contain cleaning agents in large enough quantities to present serious health risks to pets. An internet rumor once alleged that these products contained anti-freeze and were responsible for the death of a dog. Our toxicology experts evaluated the product and determined it doesn't contain ethylene glycol from antifreeze, and is appropriate to use in homes with pets.
Like any product, however, it's important to read and follow label instructions to avoid unnecessary exposure. As with any number of cleaning products, mild skin irritation or stomach upset may occur if pets walk through a still-wet floor or lick any spilled solution.
Toilet Cleaning Tablets
Most toilet bowl cleaning tablets would not be expected to cause problems beyond minor stomach upset, should a dog take a drink of the diluted water in the toilet bowl. Bacterial-related gastrointestinal problems could occur from drinking stagnant toilet water, however, so it is still a good idea to discourage your dog from imbibing from the commode.
Vinegar and Water
A solution of vinegar and water is used as an inexpensive alternative to commercial cleaning agents. Vinegar is typically acidic, and vinegar (depending on the solution concentration) acts as an irritant. Ingesting concentrated, or undiluted, vinegar can cause vomiting, diarrhea, oral irritation and pain.
Most cleaning agents can be used safely in homes, as long as label recommendations are followed
source: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/top-10-pet-toxins-2014
2013 List as reported by ASPCA (not all these will be applicable to pet pigs)
Insecticide and laundry detergent led the list of top 10 toxins during 2013, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported. In order, the exposures that caused the most reported deaths* during the year were:
1: Permethrin
Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical that is widely used as an insecticide, acaricide, and insect repellent. Despite the fact that APCC did not get reports of dog deaths attributed to permethrin in the past year, it is the overall leading cause of death because so many cat deaths were connected with the chemical. The deaths were mostly because of exposure to dog products.
2: Laundry Detergent
Large exposures to liquid laundry detergent or the new individual detergent packs can cause GI signs and aspiration in dogs and cats. Death is typically due to the severity of the respiratory signs.
3: 5-FU
Exposure to the topically-applied chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) can cause severe GI upset, seizures, cardiac arrest and bone marrow suppression. Seizures are the most common cause of death, and they are refractory to even aggressive treatment.
4: 'Hot' Carbamates
These insecticides include aldicarb and methomyl. Aldicarb is illegal in the United States, but we will see individuals who illegal import it from other countries. Many cases die acutely, and it is common to see these cases die on the way to the vet hospital.
5: Ivermectin
Severe cases involving this antiparasitic medication typically involve inappropriate use of large animal products in cats and dogs.
6: Hops
Severe hyperthermia and then death can be seen very quickly after ingestion of hops, or humulus lupulus. Hops, commonly used in beer brewing, is a flowering plant native to North America.
7: NSAIDs
Deaths from these exposures are typically seen when pet owners wait to seek treatment until the pet is already in acute renal failure – or if there is a large exposure to ibuprofen and the CNS signs (depression, coma, etc.) that can't be reversed with naloxone.
8: Caffeine
Products containing caffeine, such as caffeine pills, can cause severe CNS and CV stimulation and hyperthemia that can be very difficult to treat, even with aggressive care.
9: Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Death is common when owners don't seek treatment until the pet is already showing advanced signs of coagulopathy.
10: Alpha Lipoic Acid & Fluoroquinolones
The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid has gained popularity for human use, but ingestion of the supplement by animals can lead to hepatotoxicity, hypoglycemia, and CNS signs. High doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics fluoroquinolones can cause severe CNS signs, such as seizures.
*This list is based on reported deaths to APCC; sometimes a pet death, especially at home, may go unreported. The APCC does follow-up calls about some products, such as permethrin or methomyl products, so there may be a reporting bias.
Insecticide and laundry detergent led the list of top 10 toxins during 2013, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reported. In order, the exposures that caused the most reported deaths* during the year were:
1: Permethrin
Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical that is widely used as an insecticide, acaricide, and insect repellent. Despite the fact that APCC did not get reports of dog deaths attributed to permethrin in the past year, it is the overall leading cause of death because so many cat deaths were connected with the chemical. The deaths were mostly because of exposure to dog products.
2: Laundry Detergent
Large exposures to liquid laundry detergent or the new individual detergent packs can cause GI signs and aspiration in dogs and cats. Death is typically due to the severity of the respiratory signs.
3: 5-FU
Exposure to the topically-applied chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) can cause severe GI upset, seizures, cardiac arrest and bone marrow suppression. Seizures are the most common cause of death, and they are refractory to even aggressive treatment.
4: 'Hot' Carbamates
These insecticides include aldicarb and methomyl. Aldicarb is illegal in the United States, but we will see individuals who illegal import it from other countries. Many cases die acutely, and it is common to see these cases die on the way to the vet hospital.
5: Ivermectin
Severe cases involving this antiparasitic medication typically involve inappropriate use of large animal products in cats and dogs.
6: Hops
Severe hyperthermia and then death can be seen very quickly after ingestion of hops, or humulus lupulus. Hops, commonly used in beer brewing, is a flowering plant native to North America.
7: NSAIDs
Deaths from these exposures are typically seen when pet owners wait to seek treatment until the pet is already in acute renal failure – or if there is a large exposure to ibuprofen and the CNS signs (depression, coma, etc.) that can't be reversed with naloxone.
8: Caffeine
Products containing caffeine, such as caffeine pills, can cause severe CNS and CV stimulation and hyperthemia that can be very difficult to treat, even with aggressive care.
9: Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Death is common when owners don't seek treatment until the pet is already showing advanced signs of coagulopathy.
10: Alpha Lipoic Acid & Fluoroquinolones
The antioxidant alpha lipoic acid has gained popularity for human use, but ingestion of the supplement by animals can lead to hepatotoxicity, hypoglycemia, and CNS signs. High doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics fluoroquinolones can cause severe CNS signs, such as seizures.
*This list is based on reported deaths to APCC; sometimes a pet death, especially at home, may go unreported. The APCC does follow-up calls about some products, such as permethrin or methomyl products, so there may be a reporting bias.
2012 list as published by ASPCA
For the fifth year in a row, prescription meds for humans top the toxins list. Bookmark this page as a handy resource for shelter workers who field questions about toxins, and share the page with your adopters and community!
For the fifth year in a row, prescription meds for humans top the toxins list. Bookmark this page as a handy resource for shelter workers who field questions about toxins, and share the page with your adopters and community!
- Prescription Human Medications
The APCC handled 25,000 cases regarding human prescription medications in 2012. The top three types of medications that animals were exposed to include: heart medications (blood pressure pills), antidepressants and pain medications (opioids and prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Many of these exposures were due to people dropping their medication when preparing to take it – and before they knew it their pet had gobbled the pill off the floor. - Insecticides
While only 11% of all calls to the APCC are about insecticides, over 50% of the calls to the APCC involving cats pertain to felines exposed to insecticides. - Over-the-Counter Human Medications
More than 18,000 cases that the APCC fielded in 2012 involved over-the-counter human products. This group contains acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen as well as herbal and nutraceutical products (fish oil, joint supplements). - Veterinary Products and Medications
Veterinary products made up nearly 6% of the APCC's case volume for 2012. Both OTC and prescription veterinary products are included in this group. - Household Products
There were more than 10,000 calls to the APCC about household products in 2012. Household toxins can range from fire logs to cleaning products. Some items can be corrosive, while other can cause obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract requiring surgical intervention. - People Food
More than 5% of our cases in 2012 were related to the ingestion of people food. One particularly common food accidentally ingested by pets is xylitol, which can cause seizures and liver failure in dogs. - Chocolate
Chocolate is still the number one people food that pets ingest (we received over 8,500 calls last year). - Plants
More than 7,000 cases in 2012 were about pets eating plants. This is one category in which cats lead dogs in the number of exposures. - Rodenticides
Nearly 4% of calls to the APCC in 2012 were related to baits. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure or seizures. - Lawn and Garden Products
Fertilizers, which can be made of dried blood, poultry manure and bone meal, are very attractive to pets, so it is not surprising that we get many calls (almost 3,600 in 2012) on lawn and garden items.
Human medication toxicity possibilities
Your pig ate Sudafed? http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/pseudoephedrine-toxicity-pets
Seizures and antibiotics. http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/antibiotics-and-seizures-pets
Phenylbutazone: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/phenylbutazone-pain-bute
Dextromethorphan ingestion in pets: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/dextromethorphan-ingestion-pets
Topical creams and the dangers they pose to pets: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/topical-creams-and-pets-dangerous-combination
For a complete ASPCA list of human medications/treatments, click here
Seizures and antibiotics. http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/antibiotics-and-seizures-pets
Phenylbutazone: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/phenylbutazone-pain-bute
Dextromethorphan ingestion in pets: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/dextromethorphan-ingestion-pets
Topical creams and the dangers they pose to pets: http://www.aspcapro.org/resource/shelter-health-poison-control/topical-creams-and-pets-dangerous-combination
For a complete ASPCA list of human medications/treatments, click here