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Beware - Poisons are Everywhere!!!! In the interest of kitties, puppies and pets everywhere, we are compelled to write a few words about an ugly subject – POISON!!! Our dear devoted friends at the ASPCA have set up an Animal Poison Control Center (ok they did it in 1978 before we were born, but I know they must have been concerned about OUR welfare) complete with a 24 hour, 365 day per year hotline for help. Be advised, however – there IS a fee for this service –you will need to have a credit card ready and they usual charge is $55.00. The number is 888-426-4435. Veterinary toxicologists are available for consultation at any time; indeed, if you have veterinary pet insurance, the fee MAY be covered – you will have to check with your insurance carrier. In the meantime, we have compiled a list of household hazards to be aware of….these seemingly innocent objects can lead to a very serious illness or even death for us pets. Cleaners containing bleach can cause upset stomach, drooling, vomiting or diarrhea when ingested. As with children, ALL chemicals should be kept out of pet’s reach. When using household cleaners, our mom always kept us away from the area being cleaned until it dried – and then she’d wash the whole area again with water, and let THAT dry – only THEN could we go back on it!!! Mom always worried that we would walk through the chemical and then lick our paws and get sick. Cleaners with concentrated amounts of bleach can cause severe oral burns and even irritate the respiratory system, causing wheezing, coughing, choking and difficulty breathing if the fumes are inhaled. Other items to be included in this category are disinfectants, pine oils, phenols, bleaches. Let us not forget toilet bowl cleaners, (remember to close your t-bowl lid – especially if it is chemically treated water inside!!!) and drain openers. Most soap can cause stomach irritation, vomiting or diarrhea, and large pieces can become obstructions. Certain detergents can lead to drooling, foaming at the mouth, oral burns, pain and anorexia, especially in cats. This includes dishwasher detergent; make sure to keep your dishwasher door closed when you are not in the room to supervise! We like nothing better than to explore a new exciting area! And you know those dogs will lick ANYTHING! Ant and Roach Bait – these often contain sweet or fatty ingredients like peanut butter, lard or jelly and amounts of insecticide, which can cause stomach upset or even obstructions if the entire bait is swallowed. Batteries: ingesting batteries can cause oral burns, abdominal pain and perforation of the intestines. They can also become an obstruction if swallowed completely. Cigarettes and tobacco products: Nicotine is poisonous, causing dizziness, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, weakness, drooling and abnormal heartbeat. And we abhor the idea of smelling like ashes!
Mothballs can lead to vomiting, lethargy, red blood cell changes and seizures. Medication – human medication may have a sweet coating that can attract pets (especially dogs, as we cats are not as attracted to sweet flavors) and can be deadly, causing ulcers, renal failure. Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen. We must also be careful with the pet’s own medications – some, such as rimadyl, are available in a great-tasting liver chewable – the dog will eat all they can, as it tastes like a treat to them!!! Plants: The list of toxic house and garden plants is HUGE! Your vet will have a comprehensive list. All species of lily are poisonous to cats! Many plants are toxic to dogs, cats and other pets – please be sure you know what is in range of your family pet! As the holidays approach, remember to keep the mistletoe, holly and poinsettia FAR out of their reach! Signs of plant poisoning may include drooling, vomiting, anorexia, renal damage and death. Antifreeze: ethylene glycol can be deadly, even in small doses for all animal species. Symptoms may include drunkenness, staggering, weakness, depression, renal failure and death. Clean spills immediately, and if your pet has come into contact with it (i.e. walked through a spill)l clean them thoroughly!!!!!!!!! Just by licking their paws, they can ingest enough to become ill. Also, there are new claims surfacing that the swiffer wet jet chemical is close to the chemical composition of antifreeze. The ASPCA has done some research and DOES NOT support the claim that it is as toxic – but ALL chemicals should be kept well out of pet’s reach!!! Similar products to keep away from us all are brake fluid, power steering and transmission fluid, and windshield washer fluid generally contains methanol. All motor vehicles oils and products (including gasoline) can be dangerous and/or deadly. Fertilizers – Always read all labels before using any type of fertilizer, insecticide or herbicide in an area that exposes your pet to them. Snail and Slug bait can be deadly. There are some organic products available, but organic does not necessarily mean pet-safe. Contact you’re the manufacturer, vet or the Animal Poison Control Center, or the Humane Society if you have any doubts The powder forms of cement, over time, can cause burn to the mouth and or skin. It is generally very alkaline.
What is the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center?
For over 25 years, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has been the
premier animal poison control center in North America. The center, an allied
agency of the University of Illinois, is the only facility of its kind
staffed by 25 veterinarians including 9 board-certified veterinary
toxicologists and 13 certified veterinary technicians. Located in Urbana,
Illinois, the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners and
specific analysis and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining
to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. In addition, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of
subjects including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability,
regulatory reporting and bio surveillance.
What makes the ASPCA APCC different from other poison control centers?
The professional veterinary staff of the ASPCA APCC are familiar with how
different species respond to poisons and how to properly manage these
poisonings. At their fingertips, they have a wide range of information
specific to animal poisoning. They also have an extensive collection of
individual cases- more than 850,000- involving pesticide, drug, plant,
metal, and other exposures in food-producing and companion animals. This
specialized information lets the experienced ASPCA APCC staff make specific
diagnostic and treatment recommendations.
What is the cost of this service?
The charge is $55 per case. The charge can be billed to the caller’s VISA,
MasterCard, Discover, or American Express, or on our 900 line
(900-443-0000), the charge is billed directly to the caller’s phone bill.
The ASPCA APCC will do as many follow-up calls as necessary in critical
cases, and at an owner’s request, will consult with their veterinarian.
There is not a charge when the call involves a corporate partner’s product.
Currently there are several animal health and agrochemical companies that
subscribe to this service, known as the ASPCA Animal Product Safety Service.
What is the Animal Product Safety Service?
The ASPCA Animal Product Safety Service supports corporate product
stewardship initiatives by providing an extensive animal product safety and
adverse event reporting program. The APSS program provides its subscribers
with a toll-free animal product safety number, which can be printed on
product labels and literature. The APSS program also manages case records,
compiles quarterly or monthly reports, and consults with the manufacturer’s
professional staff to improve product safety. Their reports are in full
compliance with EPA and FDA reporting guidelines. Additional services are
available to tailor an animal product safety program to meet each
manufacturer’s needs. In 2001, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center formed
a partnership with Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center. This partnership
allows pharmaceutical and chemical companies the ability to provide their
customers with access to the foremost authorities in the treatment of
poisonings and drug interactions in humans and animals without compromising
the quality of service. A company can contract with Rocky Mountain Poison
and Drug Center or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and receive
customized and confidential reports that cover all adverse reactions or
effects that are the result of the EPA registered pesticides or FDA
products.
Are there any special services for veterinary clinics?
The ASPCA APCC offers the Veterinary Lifeline Partner program for
veterinarians using our service. This program makes access to the ASPCA APCC
during poison emergencies quicker, easier and more efficient by securely
maintaining your clinic’s address and credit card information to ensure
efficient service in the event of an animal emergency. Your card will not be
billed until you call and request our expert poison control services.
Enrollment in the program is free, and offers participating members special
benefits.
What should be done if an animal is poisoned?
Immediately call the ASPCA APCC (888-426-4435); a $55 consultation fee may
apply. Be ready to provide:
- Your name, address, and phone number
- Information concerning the exposure (the amount of agent, the time
since exposure, etc.)
- The species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
- The agent your animal(s) has been exposed to, if known.
- The problems your animal(s) is experiencing.
When the 888 number is used, your credit card number will likely be
required in addition to the above information. (If the agent is part of the
Animal Product Safety Service, the consultation is at no cost to you.)
How can I receive additional information?
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
1717 South Philo Road, Suite #36
Urbana, IL 61802
1-217-337-5030 (phone)
1-217-344-3586 (fax)
napcc@aspca.org |
