{"id":144694,"date":"2025-03-20T00:22:32","date_gmt":"2025-03-20T00:22:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/animal\/poison-prevention-week-2025-protecting-your-pets-from-hidden-hazards\/"},"modified":"2025-03-20T00:22:32","modified_gmt":"2025-03-20T00:22:32","slug":"poison-prevention-week-2025-protecting-your-pets-from-hidden-hazards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=144694","title":{"rendered":"Poison Prevention Week 2025: Protecting Your Pets from Hidden Hazards"},"content":{"rendered":"


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As a veterinarian, it\u2019s not surprising that I am a passionate fan of All Creatures Great and Small<\/a><\/em>, the beloved media franchise inspired by James Herriot\u2019s novels about a veterinary practice in the English Yorkshire Dales in the 1930s and 1940s. The latest adaptation, now in its fifth season on PBS, features a trio of veterinarians caring for just about every animal imaginable.<\/p>\n

In last week\u2019s episode, an unfortunate pigeon was diagnosed with lead poisoning. It was a timely episode, since March 16-22, 2025 is National Poison Prevention Week<\/a>.<\/p>\n

I\u2019ll discuss common pet poisons and some recent cases at AMC in this week\u2019s blogpost.<\/p>\n

Poison: A Definition<\/h2>\n

A poison is defined as a substance that, when ingested or absorbed by the body, causes illness or death. In preparation for National Poison Prevention Week, I have been tracking pets admitted to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center for poisoning. Reviewing these cases can help pet owners recognize common hazards and emerging risks\u2014some of which you might never expect your pet to encounter.<\/p>\n

Top Five Pet Poisons Treated at AMC<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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  1. Chocolate<\/li>\n
  2. Marijuana<\/li>\n
  3. Carprofen<\/li>\n
  4. Illegal \/ illicit drugs<\/li>\n
  5. Raisins<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    Dogs and Chocolate Remain a Toxic Combination<\/h2>\n

    Every patient on my list of poisonings was a dog\u2014perhaps because cats tend to be more discriminating eaters than dogs. Dogs also have a sweet tooth, unlike cats<\/a>, which may explain why chocolate remains the most frequent toxin we see at AMC. Two dogs had double poisoning after eating both chocolate and marijuana<\/a>, a particularly dangerous mix.<\/p>\n

    Remember: the darker the chocolate, the more hazardous for your pet, as it contains higher levels of theobromine, a stimulant that causes hyperactivity, vomiting, muscle tremors and seizures.<\/p>\n

    Medications Mishaps<\/h2>\n

    Medications, both human and veterinary, remain perennial top toxins. Inadvertent medication consumption was sometimes a team effort, involving multiple poisoned dogs from the same household for the same medication, highlighting the importance of safe and secure storage.<\/p>\n

    Carprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) medication group used to treat arthritis in dogs, was the most common medication resulting in admission to our hospital. Some NSAIDS come as very tasty chew tabs for dogs, which might explain their appeal to our canine friends.<\/p>\n

    Surprising Toxins<\/h2>\n

    Two recent cases demonstrate how unexpected items can pose serious dangers:<\/p>\n