Back-to-School Toxicity Dangers For Pets

Every August, the Animal Poison Control Center sees an increase in backpack-related toxicities. One of the most common complaints we hear is than an owner's dog or cat got into a child's backpack and ingested something problematic, and the yearly top toxins list always includes human medications.

Here are some tips on what to watch out for in the back-to-school season.

BACKPACKS
These often become receptacles for anything and everything including:

• Gum (contains xylitol) 
• ADHD medications 
• Albuterol inhalers
• Over-the-counter medications
• Illicit drugs and synthetic marijuana

LUNCH BOXES 

Along with backpacks, lunch boxes attract items that are unhealthy for pets: 

• Grapes
• Raisins 
• Onions
• Macadamia Nuts
• Old/Moldy food 

ATOMOXETINE

Human medications are the most common exposure in our patients, and you will likely run across a medication in your practice that you've never encountered before. 

Atomoxetine is a norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor used to treat ADHD in humans. This article can tell you more about this medication, signs of ingestion in pets, and how to best treat them. 

Source: ASPCA 2013 http://www.aspca.org/blog/battle-backpack-back-school-safety-tips-pets