National Poison Prevention Week is March 16 – 22.
We must recognize and acknowledge poisons and toxins affecting our furry friends to prevent emergencies and life-threatening situations. While some of the common pet toxins aren’t necessarily deadly, depending on the amount of exposure and timeliness of treatment, they can still be detrimental to your pet’s overall health and quality of life. The following 10 toxins, on the other hand, are decidedly deadly. They aren’t common, and you may not have heard of some of them, so it is essential to bring awareness.
1. 5-Fluorouracil: An ointment to treat skin cancer.
2. Amphetamines: Both prescription and illicit drugs are equally dangerous for pets.
3. Baclofen: A prescription muscle relaxer for humans that is life-threatening for small dogs.
4. Calcium channel blockers: Common blood pressure medications, such as diltiazem, amlodipine, verapamil, and nifedipine.
5. Lamotrigine: Prescription human medication for seizure sufferers.
6. Hydroxytryptophan: An over-the-counter human supplement.
7. Hops: The flower used to make beer.
8. Metaldehyde: An ingredient in some slug and snail baits.
9. Blue-green algae (BGA): A naturally occurring algae that sometimes grows in lakes, ponds, or rivers. 10. Methomyl: An insecticide ingredient used in some fly baits.
