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Medicine Or Poison In Small Dose Deadly To Thousands Of Pets

By KRISTEN LEVINE

Tribune correspondent

Published: March 20, 2008

Updated: 03/20/2008 01:14 pm

Vets sometimes treat pets with people medications, but those drugs can kill four-legged consumers.

Last year, 89,000 of the 130,000 animal poisoning emergencies handled by the ASPCA's national poison control center were related to pets eating human medications.

"One of the most common misconceptions is that human medications are as helpful to pets as they can be to humans," explains Dana Farbman, senior manager of the poison control center at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. "In fact, human drugs can be quite harmful, even deadly, to pets depending on the circumstance of exposure."

Just one extra-strength acetaminophen tablet (found in brands such as Tylenol) can kill an average-sized cat.

Recently, the poison control center released a top 10 list of the most common dangers based on the frequency of calls. Human painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements topped the list.

"Owners should never give their pet any medication without the direction of a veterinarian," warns Steven Hansen, senior vice president of the poison center. "Medications should always be stored in a secure cabinet above the counter and out of reach of children and pets."

Even veterinary medications can be dangerous if not administered properly. The center's list included nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heartworm preventatives, dewormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

"It is very important to always read and follow label directions for use exactly," Hansen says.

Many animal drugs are intended for a particular species only. Doses given to the wrong animal and too-large doses can cause serious problems.

Insecticides accounted for more than 26,000 calls to the center, making them No. 2 on the list.

Products used to kill fleas, ticks and other insects must be carefully selected for your pet. Some species are sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it's important to use products specifically formulated for your animal.

"Always consult with your pet's veterinarian before beginning a flea and tick control program," Hansen says.

Common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe were the subject of more than 8,000 calls to the poison center, making that the third most frequent toxicity case. Other varieties that can be harmful include rhododendron, sago palm (and nuts) and schefflera.

Fourth, more than 7,600 calls to the center pertained to rat poison. Depending on the type of rodenticide, ingestion can lead to life-threatening problems such as bleeding, seizures and damage to kidneys and other organs.

If pet owners use a rodent poison around their home, they should place the bait only in areas completely inaccessible to their animals.

Bleaches, detergents and disinfectants - common household cleaning products - rounded out the No. 5 spot.

Trouble arises when pets either ingest or inhale dangerous cleaners and chemicals. This can happen when pet owners clean their animal's food and water bowls, crates and other intimately used items with dangerous cleaners. Again, use the products carefully.

Beyond those, pet parents should also be mindful of the toxic properties of herbicides, fertilizers and home improvement products if ingested.

Information on each of the top 10 potential poisons and others is available at www.aspca.org/apcc.

Spring and summer can be the most troublesome for pets because homeowners are revving up the pesticides, insecticides and lawn and garden sprays, Farbman cautions.

This week marks National Poison Prevention Week. With more pets sharing our homes, it's a good time to think about protecting them.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; e-mail kristen@fetching

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Keep the following information readily available:

•Your veterinarian's phone number

•Emergency veterinary service (your vet can recommend whom to call after hours)

•ASPCA's poison control 24-hour emergency hot line: 1-888-426-4435. (A $60 toxicologic consultation fee may apply.)

When you call the APCC, please be ready to provide:

1. Your name, address and telephone number

2. Name of the substance your pet has ingested, if you know it. If possible, have the product or container and packaging available for reference. Know the approximate amount ingested and time since exposure.

3. Provide pet's species, breed, age, sex and weight.

4. Explain all symptoms pet is experiencing.

Keep a poison safety kit on hand for emergencies containing:

•A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide (3 percent)

•Can of your pet's favorite wet food

•Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medical syringe

•Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminants

•Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing

•Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid for skin contaminations

•Rubber gloves

•Forceps to remove stingers

•Muzzle (remember, an excited animal may harm you)