Keeping Your Furry Friends Safe

By: Emma Riedlinger, Creative Director

Protecting our pets from harm is a top priority for any loving pet owner. One of the most common ways pets get into trouble is by ingesting something toxic. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) has released its annual list of the top 10 pet poisons for 2024, and it's a good reminder for all of us to be extra vigilant.

Here are the top 10 pet poisons to watch out for:

1. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications: These include pain relievers, cold and flu medications, vitamins, and supplements. Keep these items out of reach of your pets, as they can be very dangerous if ingested.

2. Human food and drinks: Many common foods, such as chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins, are toxic to pets. Be careful about what you leave out, and make sure your pet doesn't have access to your garbage.

3. Human prescription medications: These can be just as dangerous as OTC medications. Keep all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter, in a secure location where your pet cannot reach them.

4. Chocolate: This sweet treat is a favorite among humans, but it can be deadly for dogs. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of chocolate can be dangerous for small dogs.

5. Veterinary products: These include flea and tick medications, heartworm preventatives, and other medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Keep these products out of reach of your pets, as they can be dangerous if ingested.

6. Plants and fungi: Many common houseplants and garden plants are toxic to pets. If you're not sure whether a plant is safe, it's best to keep it out of reach of your pet.

7. Rodenticides: These products are used to kill rodents, but they can also be deadly to pets. If you use rodenticides, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pets.

8. Household products: Many common household products, such as cleaning products, laundry detergent, and pesticides, can be dangerous if ingested by pets. Keep these products out of reach and properly labeled.

9. Insecticides: These products are used to kill insects, but they can also be dangerous to pets. Be sure to follow the directions on the label carefully when using insecticides.

10. Recreational drugs: These include marijuana, cocaine, and other illegal drugs. Keep these drugs out of reach of your pets, as they can be very dangerous if ingested.

What to do if you think your pet has ingested something toxic:

If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

Here are some other tips for keeping your pet safe:

• Be aware of the dangers of common household items.

• Keep medications and other dangerous substances out of reach of your pet.

• Supervise your pet around plants and other potential hazards.

• If you use rodenticides, be sure to keep them out of reach of your pet.

• If you think your pet has ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately.

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By following these tips, you can help keep your pet safe and healthy.