Pet Poison Helplines, and When To Call Them?

Many items that are fine for humans can be toxic to pets.  If you suspect your pet has gotten into something poisonous, take them to the nearest emergency animal hospital.  You can also call a pet poison helpline for advice and assistance over the phone.  These 24-hour poison control service hotlines are available 365 days a year for animal-related poison emergencies.  Knowing the most common pet toxins and pet-proofing your home can help reduce the risk of pet poisoning.

What Are Pet Poison Helplines, and When To Call Them?
By Pierre Mouchette | Bits-n-Pieces

Our furry family members' curiosity makes us laugh, lightens the mood, and makes for hilarious photos.  But a pet's questioning nature can lead them to dangerous items inside and outside the house.  Your pet only takes seconds to get into candy, ingest cleaning solution, or grab an accidentally dropped pill.  So what should you do if your pet gets into something it should not?  If you know your pet ingested a toxin, bring them to the nearest emergency animal hospital.  Other options include calling your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline.  These hotlines have trained veterinary staff to advise and assist you over the phone. 
 
What are the most helpful groups to contact about pet poisoning?
If you think your pet was exposed to or ate the poison, your first and best resource is your veterinarian.  Your vet knows you, your pet, and your pet's medical history.  They can give you advice suited to your pet.  Early intervention is critical for poisoning, so call your vet immediately.  However, accidents often happen outside of business hours.  Your vet may be unavailable at these times.  Then you can contact one of the two animal poison control centers in the United States.  Both centers have hotlines with veterinarians who can immediately give you expert advice over the phone.
 
Pet Poison Helpline
The Pet Poison Helpline is a 24-hour poison control service for pet parents and veterinary professionals.  It is available throughout the U.S., Canada, and the Caribbean.  Hotline staff is available 24 hours daily to deal with every pet and type of poisoning.
There is a $75 consultation fee, and follow-up consultations are included.  If the staff believes your pet needs medical treatment, they will work with your veterinarian to set up a treatment plan.

• The phone number for medical assistance is 1-855-764-7661
• They can help with all pets
• The hotline hours is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

 
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is available at all hours daily for any animal-related poison emergency.  "This phone line is open to everyone."  "There may be a consultation fee, currently $75, which goes toward operating the life-saving hotline."

• The phone number for medical assistance is 1-888-426-4435
• They can help with all pets and animals
• The hotline hours is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

 
What are the most common causes of pet poisoning?
So what items should you make sure are out of paw's reach?  The top causes of pet poisoning — based on calls to the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline and Pet Poison Helpline are:
1.  Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), cold medications, and vitamins and supplements.
2.  Human prescription medicines commonly seen in pet poisoning cases are, not surprisingly, the medications most frequently taken by people.  Commonly reported medications that lead to a pet emergency include:

• Antidepressants
• Stimulant medications (like those taken for ADHD)
• Anticonvulsants (for seizures or other neurological disorders)
• Heart medication
• Anti-inflammatory medications

3.  Many human foods can be toxic to pets.  Even one ingredient in a food item can be deadly to animals.  For example, the artificial sweetener xylitol found in products like breath mints and sugar-free foods is toxic to pets.  A few other common foods that can lead to poisoning in cats and dogs include:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Onions
• Garlic
• Protein bars 

4.  Chocolate gets its mention on the list.  It contains theobromine and caffeine, which can dangerously speed up a dog's heart rate.  Be sure to keep chocolate sweets away from pets.  
5.  Both indoor and outdoor flowers and plants can poison pets.  Look at this toxic flowers and plants guide before bringing plants into your home or garden.
6.  Household supplies (cleaning, home repair) such as paint, adhesives, and household cleaners are other commonly reported causes of pet poisoning.  Keep these items locked up and out of reach of curious creatures.
7.  Rodenticides (mouse and rat poisons) contain toxins that can be deadly to humans, pets, and other animals.  Read all directions on the packages, and place these where children and pets cannot access them.
8.  Veterinary products such as flavored or chewable medications, can also be risky.  Their appealing taste can lead a pet to devour an entire bottle, an unsafe dose of these medications.
9.  Insecticide includes ant baits, bug sprays, and other yard products that kill insects inside and outside.  If possible, try using natural alternatives.
10.  Garden products, particularly fertilizers, are appealing and toxic to dogs.  Keep gardening supplies out of paw's reach and pets out of freshly fertilized garden areas.
 
What are the symptoms of poisoning in pets?
Poisoning symptoms in pets vary depending on the toxin the animal is exposed to.  However, the Pet Poison Helpline suggests being aware of these common signs of poisoning:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drooling
• Lack of appetite
• Increased thirst and urination
• Pale gums
• Coughing or vomiting up blood
• Nosebleeds
• Blood in the stool
• Racing heart rate
• Weakness or lethargy
• Collapse
• Confusion

 
When should you call a pet poison hotline?
In poisoning cases, the sooner your pet gets treatment, the better.  Contact your vet or a pet poison hotline when you suspect your pet has been ingested or exposed to a potential toxin.  Do not cause your pet to vomit or begin home remedies without consulting a poison control specialist or your veterinarian.
 
What can you do to lower the risk of poisoning in your pets?
You can reduce the risk of pet poisoning by knowing the most common pet toxins and pet-proofing your home.  The Pet Poison Helpline created a guide to help identify toxins that might be lurking in each room of your home.
Here are additional steps you can take:

• Crate train your pet.  Not only does crate training assist in housebreaking a new puppy or kitten, but it also keeps your pet out of harm's way when you cannot have eyes on them.
  
  
• Secure all trash bins.  It includes both inside and outside bins.  Pets do not know if food is moldy or expired; eating from the trash could lead to danger.
  
  
• Teach your dog to "drop it" on command.  This way, when you see them pick up an object they should not have, you can tell them to drop it.  This command can save your pet's life.
  
  
• Remember, "tamper-resistant" containers are not pet-proof.  Keep all containers out of reach of pets.  Close and lock all cabinets, pantries, and medicine cabinets.  Keep all household cleaning supplies in a cabinet or closet your pet cannot open.
  
  
• Have a pet first-aid kit on hand.  Store it with your family's first-aid kit so you remember to take it on vacations.