#United States #Minneapolis #Pet Safety #Pet Poison Helpline #Toxicity Awareness

Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2024

In the ever-shifting landscape of pet care, it’s crucial for pet owners to remain vigilant about potential toxins that could harm their furry friends. The Pet Poison Helpline, a trusted resource in veterinary toxicology, has released its much-anticipated annual list of the top ten pet poisons for 2024, drawn from extensive caller data over the past year.

Key Findings

According to Dr. Renee Schmid, the senior veterinary toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline, certain toxins consistently appear as considerable threats to pets each year.

For dogs, the top ten poisons identified in 2024 include:
1. Chocolate
2. Grapes/Raisins
3. Bromethalin (rodenticide)
4. Xylitol
5. Ibuprofen
6. Marijuana (THC)
7. Anticoagulant Rodenticides
8. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
9. Carprofen (overdose)
10. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium species)

Notably, bromethalin saw a rise from fifth to third place compared to the previous year’s rankings. In the case of carprofen, the primary concerns stem from the accidental administration to the wrong pet or overdoses, rather than improper therapeutic use.

When it comes to felines, the top ten poisons for cats are:
1. Lilies (Lilium species)
2. Chocolate
3. Onions/Chives/Leeks/Shallots (Allium species)
4. Garlic
5. Ibuprofen
6. Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
7. Vitamin D3 (overdose)
8. Amphetamine Combos
9. Carprofen
10. Tulips

One standout difference between the lists for dogs and cats is the significant danger posed by certain lilies, which are particularly lethal to cats.

A Shift in Trends

In a notable shift, the number of THC-related incidents for dogs decreased by 24.7% in 2024 compared to the previous year. For years now, marijuana exposure has been a rising concern among dog owners, especially as more states legalize its use, leading to a staggering 430% increase in THC-related inquiries from 2019 to 2023. Dr. Schmid attributes this year's decline in calls to successful educational outreach efforts on the risks associated with marijuana exposure.

Despite this drop, marijuana exposure still ranks sixth in the list for dogs. It’s paramount for all pet owners to recognize that their pets can easily stumble upon THC products, especially if visitors bring treats into their homes or if pets accidentally consume a neighbor’s edibles.

About Pet Poison Helpline

The Pet Poison Helpline is a critical support system available 24/7 for both pet owners and veterinary professionals facing potential poisoning emergencies. With a single incident fee that includes follow-up consultations, the Helpline provides affordable and accessible care advice for pets affected by poisonings. Their expertise is backed by a team of veterinarians and board-certified toxicologists dedicated to addressing a wide range of species, including exotic pets.

For further information or assistance, pet owners can reach out to the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 or visit their website at www.petpoisonhelpline.com. Ensuring that our pets are safe from harmful substances is a shared responsibility, and being informed is the first step in safeguarding their health.