Pet Poison Safety

(Information in this article is taken directly from the ASPCA News Alert, March 18, 2004)

Those pills your doctor told you to take may be good for what ails you, but they could prescribe disaster for your animal companions. Last year alone, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled more than 28,000 cases of pets who'd accidentally ingested human medications including anti-inflammatory drugs, antidepressants, flu medicines and diet pills. For example, just one regular-strength, 200-milligram ibuprofen tablet can cause stomach ulcers in a 10-pound dog. "Most pet owners simply do not know that human medications can be dangerous to pets," says Steven Hansen, D.V.M., Senior Vice President, APCC. "While these medications can be helpful to humans, they can pose a serious and even life-threatening risk to animals."

ASPCA recommends exercising the following precautions:

• Human medications are not formulated for pets; never give your animal companions medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian.
• Keep all drugs in closed cabinets out of your pets' reach. Even small amounts can be lethal to pets. And keep in mind that cats have the ability to jump onto tables and countertops, where medications can easily be knocked over. Childproof containers do not deter dogs from chewing open bottles and ingesting the contents.
• Remind your guests to store their medications safely as well.
• If you suspect that your pet has ingested human medication , or any potentially dangerous substance, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888)426-4435.

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