Keeping Our Pets Happy And Healthy: Warm Weather Pet Care

Air Date:
Heard On The Larry Meiller Show

Larry Meiller finds out how to keep pets safe during the summer. Plus, a review of a new flea and tick product, and the ASPCA’s list of top ten household poisons for pets.

Featured in this Show

  • Top 10 Reasons Why People Call Animal Poison Control Center

    Dr. Sandi Sawchuk, a professor of veterinary medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Veterinary Medicine, said that even as a veterinary professional, she has to stay alert about risks for her own pets.

    Sawchuk said that she takes blood pressure medication and that recently, the pill container spilled when she opened it.

    “I had pills all over the floor,” she said. “And I have a new puppy now, so you can imagine my horror that Pete is running in there and I’m madly trying to pick up pills.”

    Sawchuk said that it’s no surprise, given how easy it is for a mishap like that to happen, that human medications and supplements are the first and third most common causes of pet toxicity in the home.

    The Animal Poison Control Center of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) fielded nearly 180,000 calls in 2013 from pet owners concerned that their companion had been exposed to possible toxic substances.

    Here are the top 10 things that pets have ingested that have resulted in calls to the center:

    1. Prescription medications for humans.
    2. Insecticides.
    3. Over-the-counter medications for humans.
    4. Household products. (Things ranging from “fire logs to cleaning products.”)
    5. People food. (Things like onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins)
    6. Veterinary products and medications.
    7. Chocolate.
    8. Rodenticides.
    9. Plants.
    10. Lawn and garden products.

    (A more detailed list can be found here.)

    Those who are concerned can call the Animal Poison Control Center at any time at 888-426-4435. A fee will be charged for the consultation.

Episode Credits

  • Larry Meiller Host
  • Judith Siers-Poisson Producer
  • Dr Sandra Sawchuk Guest

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