Deb D’Andrea, Nederland.  In 2014, the ASPCA tracked calls they received pertaining to pet toxins and created the top ten common pet toxins reported. Surprisingly human food came in at number five with grapes, raisins, onion, garlic and xylitol at the top of the list. Xylitol is found in a number of items and is deadly. Number seven was chocolate which rang in over 26 calls a day! Not everyone knows not to give dogs chocolate; I once had a realtor offer my dogs chocolate chip cookies and was shocked she had no idea chocolate was poisonous to dogs.

Human prescription medications topped the list at number one, with cardiac medications first; then antidepressants and pain medications being the most common reported. Over-the-counter medications came in second with more than 6,900 products including herbal and other natural supplements. Third were insecticides and fourth household items including cleaning products, expandable glues and paints. I have personally stopped using most commercial cleaning products in exchange for good old vinegar or Dr. Bronner’s Peppermint Pure-Castile Liquid Soap.

Number six was Veterinary Medications, with pets getting into those tasty chewable’s or irresistibly flavored medications. Household plants were number eight, with calls being more from cat people then dog people. Thou, I remember a friend sharing a story about a dog who would nibble on a plant on their porch. The dog started to have liver issues and no one could figure out what was going on until it was too late. The dog had been nibbling on this poisonous plant and their people had no idea the plant was poisonous to their pup.

Rodenticides came in ninth; and lawn and garden products tenth. With people tending to their lawns and gardens now, its good practice to ask if the area has been treated with a pet safe product. Roundup and many other common lawn chemicals are not safe for pets or people. When I lived in Boulder, my property was adjacent to a golf course. I spoke with the groundskeepers to determine what they were using and if it was toxic as I didn’t want my Girls walking on the grass and then licking their paws. It is good to know what is being used in pet parks and kid’s playgrounds so you can make an educated decision as to whether or not use that facility.

This article is an overview of common pet toxins and I didn’t go into depth for each category as that would end up being a very long article. There is an abundance of information online if you are curious to learn more, with the ASPCA having fairly comprehensive and up-to-date information. Till next time. Deb D’Andrea, founder of 4TheLuvOfDogz & the Caribou Dog Ranch is recognized by the State of Colorado as a Certified Canine Massage Therapist and visits your home or Vet to work with your dog. Canine Agility may be offered at the Caribou Dog Ranch in 2017 if there is interest. Deb currently has limited availability for new Petz Nanny Clients; and she bakes up fresh dog treats & doggy birthday cakes per order.  For information contact Deb at 720-675-7078 or email: info@4theluvofdogz.com.