The ASPCA Poison Control Center has released its Top 10 list for reports of poisoning in pets during 2024. This list is a good guide for pet parents on safety.
The top items that are ingested are over-the-counter medications and supplements. Be careful when taking these items to ensure that any pills which are dropped on the floor are picked up immediately and that bottles are stored away from a dog’s reach.
Not all human foods are suitable for our dogs – notably things like grapes and raisins, xylitol-containing sweets and peanut butters are good examples. Be careful in the kitchen and pick up spills immediately. In my practice, I have seen a rise in incidents involving peanut butter that contains xylitol. It’s really important to read the label before giving your dog peanut butter and, if you share food, you must remember that not everyone bakes with xylitol-free peanut butter!
Chocolate is a well-known risk and ingestions of chocolate often occur over holidays like Christmas and Easter and during other family celebrations like birthdays. Your dog will follow its nose – so chocolates should not be kept in bags and jacket pockets.
Try to be gentle on the Earth and opt for more natural options instead of chemical pesticides; this will limit exposure risk in pets. And if using rodenticides, follow the instructions and use bait inside approved traps.
Let’s hope all my readers have a 2025 without incidents of poisoning!
Source: ASPCA
DoggyMom.com 