In reviewing more than 180,000 calls about pets exposed to potentially poisonous substances during 2012, the ASPCA's Poison Control Center has determined the top problem causing items in our homes for pets.

For the fifth straight year, prescription human medications were the top problem. 25,000 calls were taken during 2012 that listed a pet ingesting a human prescription product as the potential poison. That's almost 70 calls per day! The top three medications causing problems were heart medications (such as blood pressure pills), antidepressants and pain medications.

The next most common call to the Poison Control Center listed some sort of insecticide as the issue. Approximately 19,000 calls were taken and more than half of those calls involved a cat. Our feline friends are very susceptible to ingredients in many of the over the counter and even veterinary products. Always fully read all labels and check with your veterinarian before using an insecticide on a cat!

Over the counter human medications also made the top five with about 18,000 cases recorded. These products not only include over the counter pain medications, like aspirin or Tylenol, but also herbal and nutraceutical supplements. It is good practice to keep all medications and supplements in an area your dog can't access easily.

Coming in at #4 are veterinary products. Approximately 10,000 calls were received that listed things like flavored chew tabs for pets as the reason for the call. In many cases, entire bottles of medication were consumed! This is why we always caution people about rimadyl chewable tablets and recommend they be stored in a closed cabinet and not on a counter. The same goes for chewable supplements. We've had dogs eat entire bottles of joint supplements.

Finally, household items round out the top five. Another 10,000 calls listed some sort of household cleaning product as the possible poison. Many of these items can be corrosive and very irritating to the pet's GI tract.

Dogs are more likely to get into trouble around the house than cats. 9 of the top ten spots go to some sort canine breed with only domestic shorthair cats making this top ten list. Labrador retrievers account for 14,000 calls, with mixed breed dogs, Chihuahuas, Goldens and Yorkies also making the top of the list.

In Colorado, we have an additional poisoning risk for dogs. Since medical marijuana has become more common, veterinarians across Colorado routinely see dogs for marijuana toxicity. Marijuana edibles are more potent these days and although it is unlikely that a dog could die from ingesting marijuana, it is still a possibility. If you have marijuana around the house (legal or otherwise) please treat it like a drug and keep it out of your dog's reach. Remember, they have a really good sense of smell. If your dog does consume marijuana you should call us immediately. Dogs will appear very drowsy and uncoordinated and will be hyper sensitive to noise and touch. They will often start to dribble urine. In short, it's a really bad trip for a dog. The effects can last for a few days until it has passed thru the entire GI tract. With early treatment we can reduce the amount the dog absorbs and shorten the side effects.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any item listed above or may have possibly gotten into chocolate, foods with xylitol sweeter, a rodenticde or any lawn and garden product, please contact us immediately! (970-879-5273)

The ASPCA's Poison Control Center also has a 24 hour hotline at 888-426-4435 and since 1978, they have handled more than 2 million cases!

By: Dr. Paige Lorimer
Pet Kare Clinic
102 Anglers Drive
Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
970-879-5273