Top 10 human drugs that poison pets
Teach clients the potential dangers that await curious cats and dogs.
Caution: Medication may cause drowsiness, headaches, and a sick pet? No, your clients won't find this warning on the back of their ibuprofen bottle, but it's true. Last year, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) handlaed almost 90,000 cases of pets exposed to their owners' medications. And pain relievers, such as over-the-counter ibuprofen, were the leading cause of the pet poisonings.
To combat the number of pets exposed to potentially fatal human medications, talk to your clients about the potential dangers sitting on their nightstands or kitchen counters. Encourage clients to always keep medications in a cabinet, preferably in the bathroom where they can shut the door and make sure their pets can't get to them. Finally, provide your clients with a list of the top 10 human medicines that poison pets and emergency contact numbers, such as ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline (888-426-4435), to have handy at home.
Top 10 human medications that poison pets
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Antidepressants
- Acetaminophen
- Methylphenidate (for ADHD)
- Fluorouracil
- Isoniazid
- Pseudoephedrine
- Anti-diabetics
- Vitamin D derivatives
- Baclofen
