The entire month of March is dedicated to poison prevention, but the third week—the 20th-26th—is set aside for an extra dose of education and information regarding pet poison prevention. This week of awareness is in its 54th year, which may lead one to the conclusion that accidental pet poisoning must be a long standing and prominent problem to have maintained an awareness week for so long. We’ve published general posts on poison prevention in the past but this year we’re going to break our information down into four categories: human foods and medications, indoor and outdoor plants, rodenticides and insecticides, and fertilizers. Spring is nearly here and three out of four of these topics are particularly important around this time of year.

The Veterinary Pet Insurance website recently listed the most common calls received by Pet Poison Helpline:

Dogs:

1. Chocolate
2. Insect Bait Stations
3. Rodenticides
4. Fertilizers
5. Xylitol-containing products such as sugar-free gums and candies
6. Ibuprofren (Advil or Motrin in brand name or generic)
7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol in brand name or generic)
8. Silica gel packs
9. Amphetamines, such as ADD/ADHD drugs
10. Household cleaners

Cats:

1. Lilies
2. Canine permethrin insecticides (topical flea and tick medicine for dogs)
3. Household cleaners
4. Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison)
5. Paints and varnishes
6. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary medications such as Meloxicam, Rimadyl, and Deramaxx.
7. Glow sticks/glow jewelry
8. Amphetamines, such as ADD/ADHD drugs
9. Acetaminophen (Tylenol in brand or generic form)
10. Ibuprofren (Advil or Motrin in band or generic form)

So after you go wild with your dark chocolate and glow sticks, make sure you store them up and away from your pets! We’ll be bringing you more information on Poison Prevention throughout the month, so stay tuned!