National Poison Prevention Week, March 20-26, 2022

Pet Toxicology Experts Identify Top 10 Toxins Commonly Found in a Pantry

In honor of National Poison Prevention Week, March 20-26, the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline reviewed their case data and developed a list of the top 10 potential pet poisons commonly found in your pantry. To help visualize the dangers, Pet Poison Helpline has released an infographic.

When you think of your pantry, images of household staples, cooking supplies, snacks and other food items come to mind. In reality, what you may find is a pantry full of potential pet poisons.

 

	Pantry Poisons “Most people don’t realize that common household foods for human consumption can be toxic to pets, especially if they consume them in large quantities” said Dr. Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. “Hidden inside that pantry are a number of items that are either dangerous on their own or contain ingredients that can be toxic to pets.”
	Chocolate The darker the chocolate, the higher the amount of methylxanthines, increasing the risk of poisoning. Keep away to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation.  Large ingestions can result in heart rhythm changes and even seizures. Xylitol/Birch sugar (gum, mints, sugar-free products, protein bars, specialty peanut butters) Xylitol/birch sugar and dogs are not a good combination. Beware of seizures from low blood sugar as well as possible liver failure – this is not a sweet treat!
	Coffee beans/grounds Caffeine is a stimulant for everyone – too much can cause tremors and a racing heart. Keep your pet off of the ceiling and out of the hospital. Garlic and onion Garlic and onion can cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as anemia and other red blood cell changes depending on the amount ingested due to sulfur containing oxidants. Salt Pets should never be given salt. Too much salt can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures.
	Alcohol Animals are at a high risk for developing alcohol poisoning even with small amounts of alcohol. Low blood sugar, lethargy and seizures can occur.

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About Pet Poison Helpline 

Pet Poison Helpline, your trusted source for toxicology and pet health advice, is available 24 hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance treating a potentially poisoned pet. The veterinarians and board-certified toxicology experts provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal poison control and pet health care, Pet Poison Helpline’s fee of $75 per incident includes follow-up consultations for the duration of the case. Based in Minneapolis, Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.

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Additional extended list of household pet toxins from the American Animal Hospital Association [Link]