(1/2021) Last month I wrote about holiday hazards dogs and cats can get into. Here are some everyday dangerous products our pets can get into.

Over-the-counter medications are the #1 reason pet parents contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. #2 on the list is prescription medications.

Here is the top 10 list from Pet Poison Helpline for dog toxins: 1) chocolate, 2) mouse and rat bait, 3) anti-inflammatory medications, 4) xylitol, 5) grapes and raisins, 6) anti-depressants, 7) acetaminophen, 8) vitamin d overdose, 9) stimulant medications, 10) fertilizers.

Here is the top 10 list for cat toxins: 1) lilies (lilium species), 2) spot-on flea/tick, medications for dogs, 3) household cleaners, 4) human anti-depressant medications, 5) essential oils, 6) anti-inflammatory medications, 7) mouse and rat poisons, 8) stimulant medications (for ADD/ADHD), 9) onions and garlic, 10) vitamin D overdose.

The following products are dangerous to eat and some can irritate skin and eyes.: ibuprofen(i.e. advil) and aspirin, bleach, acetaminophen (i.e. tylenol), potpourri of any kind(liquid, dried leaves), cold and flu medicines, lime/scale remover, anti-depressants, lead, vitamins, paint thinner, diet pills, topical flea and tick medications, anti-cancer drugs, rodent baits, tobacco products, fly baits, detergents, moth balls

Fabric softener, antifreeze/coolant, drain cleaners, gasoline, oven cleaner sprays, motor oil, disinfectants, insecticides, fertilizer, pesticides, cocoa mulch, compost, non-pet safe de-icing salts, lighter fluid

All human and pet medicines should be ‘kept out of reach’ of pets. This means in a drawer or in cabinets. Child proof (pet-proof) door latches may be a necessity. Remember pets can chew through bottles and packaging.

Here is a list of harmful foods-the extent of harm to your pet is based on the amount ingested and underlying health problems:

• Chocolate-no chocolate at all is advisable, but the severity of the poisoning increases from chocolate flavored cakes and cookies to milk chocolate to dark and semi-sweet chocolate with baking chocolate being the worst because it has the most chocolate liquor therefore containing the most theobromine (the toxic compound). The symptoms are the same as ingesting caffeine. There are toxicity calculators readily available that take into account the size of the pet, the type and amount of chocolate.
• Coffee, and tea leaves-the caffeine is a stimulant, which can cause agitation, vomit, diarrhea, high heart rate, tremors, seizures.
• Grapes and raisins-they cause kidney failure and potential death although we don’t know exactly how, no number of these is theoretically safe.
• Macadamia nuts-these can cause vomit, diarrhea, hind-limb weakness, tremors.
• Raw yeast dough-can cause vomit, Fatty foods-can cause pancreatitis with vomit and diarrhea. Spoiled foods/garbage. Raw foods-can carry many different bacteria that are toxic to people as well as their pets (i.e. e. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and more) - please don’t feed it.
• Artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) found in sugar-free gum, candy and some peanut butter-can cause low blood sugar, lethargy, drunkenness, tremors, seizures, sorbitol, stevia, aspartame-very mild symptoms with vomit and diarrhea.
• Alcohol, avocados, onion and garlic, salt.

Hazardous objects: batteries, plastic wrap, buttons, razors, coins, rocks/pebbles, cotton swabs, rugs, dental floss, rubber bands, electric cords, silverware and dishes, eye glasses, socks, hair pins, towels, jewelry, twist ties, nylons, underwear, paper clips, yarn/thread/needles.

Costs to care for the effects of ingestion of some hazardous materials: surgical removal of swallowed foreign object(s): up to about $6,000. Chocolate ingestion: up to about $2,000. Fractured tooth from chewing on hard bones, antlers, chew hooves: up to about $2,000

If you think your pet ingested something it should not have, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian and/or poison control center. These centers have professionals who can access data bases that have all the information and risks and treatments. There are fees for this so these centers can assist pets and their parents as well as veterinarians. Call: ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 888-426-4435 or the Pet Poison Help-line at 800-213-6680.

A word about health insurance for your pets. There are multiple companies that cover medical and surgical care for pets. Some offer wellness plans. The time to get insurance is before abnormalities are found by your vet and before accidents and illness happen. Research and compare policies. Some companies that offer pet insurance are: Nationwide, Trupanion, ASPCA Pet Health, Figo, Healthy Paws, Pumpkin, Pets Best, Embrace, and there are more. Unlike health insurance for people, pet insurance reimburses the owner directly, not the veterinarian.