Want to avoid a phone call to Pet Poison Helpline? Child and pet-proof your house! Due to the curious nature of cats and the sharp teeth of dogs (who are able to chew through any "child-proof" cap), pets get into YOUR medications, which can be deadly.
Top 10 human medications that poison pets include:
* NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that result in severe GI signs or even kidney failure)
* Antidepressants
* Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
* Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
* Fluorouracil (a chemotherapy drug - often topically applied - that is EXTREMELY toxic to pets!)
* Isoniazid (an anti-tuberculosis medication that is EXTREMELY toxic to pets!)
* Pseudoephedrine (commonly found in cold medication)
* Anti-diabetics (oral antihyperglycemic agents that help lower the blood sugar)
* Vitamin D derivatives (found in Viactiv chocolate chews, certain types of rat poison!)
* Baclofen (a muscle relaxant)
When in doubt, call PPH at 1-800-213-6680 for medical advice on what to do. While it's a $35 fee/case (which is the most cost-effective animal poison control out there!), it's worth making sure your pet is safe. It's always safer for your pet to call as soon as you find out about the poisoning - as decontaminating your pet (pumping his or her stomach, inducing vomiting, or giving activated charcoal) can only be done within a short window of time.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
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