From the ASPCA Pet Poison Control Hotline, the most pet poisonings were due to:
- Over-the-Counter Human Medications. These products account for 20% of the poisons consumed by pets this year, according to the ASPCA’s calls.
- Human Prescription Medications. Prescription meds were found in 17% of the cases.
- Human Foods. A surprising third, although mainly in dogs.
- Chocolate. At 10%, cats scarfed down a share of gourmet chocolate.
- Veterinary Products. These cases were mainly due to overdoses and improper use.
- Household Items. This category included things like spackle, paint, cleaners, and antifreeze.
Rounding out the list were: rodenticide, which accounted for 7% of the Poison Center’s calls; plants, both indoor and outdoor varietes; insecticides, with most exposures due to unsafe-use practices and storage; and garden products, fertilizers, and plant foods that contain fish products or bone meal that attract some pets.
