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What toxins and poisons would you guess are most commonly ingested by our dogs and cats? Well, the data on this question actually exists, thanks to the ASPCA, which recently published a list of the most common exposure and ingestion incidents from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (APCC). Lori explores this list, adding our personal anecdotes, so you can mitigate the risks in your pet’s environment.
Over- the- counter medications, including ibuprofen and acetaminophen, and prescription medications are the top culprits according to the APCC. So, make sure these are out of paws’ reach and securely stored both for your pets and those animals who may be visiting. If you have house guests, remind them not to leave their medications out if pets have access to their quarters, purses, and backpacks. Further, keep in mind that creams and lotions may be quite toxic as well, like non-steroidal creams and topical hormones. Other toxins on the APCC list include human foods, chocolate, plants and flowers, household cleaners and pesticides and rodenticides.
Then, test your knowledge about zebras, as Lori drops another pop quiz on us. These lovely, docile herbivores have enchanted authors, artists, naturalists, and indeed, most people, for eons. There is an oft quoted dictum Lori and Peter both heard many times during their medical training: When you hear hoof beats, think of horses, not zebras which serves as a reminder to diagnosticians to first consider common ailments over the rare ones.
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