The number of pets treated for the effects of accidental poisoning is rising sharply, according to leading veterinary charity, PDSA.

Since 2002, there has been a startling 73% increase in the number of cases where PDSA vets have had to refer to the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) – a national resource providing information to vets about poisons and the associated treatment.

In response to the growing problem, PDSA has produced a list of the top five* most common and often fatal pet poisons their vets have seen. The charity’s vets believe greater awareness can help reduce the number of accidental pet poisoning cases they treat each year.

The five most common causes of accidental pet poisonings seen by vets:
1. Incorrect use of flea treatments in cats (using too much or using treatments intended for dogs)
2. Rat and mouse poisons
3. Human medication such as paracetamol
4. Slug and snail killer
5. Antifreeze

PDSA data shows that the most common type of poisoning involves the incorrect use of flea treatments in cats. This is where cats are either accidentally treated with spot on flea treatments designed exclusively for dogs, or where too much of a flea product is used. Some flea treatments contain a chemical called permethrin which can be toxic to cats and can prove fatal. This is why it is so important to use the correct flea treatment product and dosage for your pet as advised by your vet.

“In most cases, owners simply do not realise that there is a difference between dog and cat flea treatments,” said PDSA Senior Veterinary Surgeon, Elaine Pendlebury. “Cats can become ill when they groom their fur and ingest the potentially fatal substance. Even if cats come into close contact with another pet that has been treated, such as the family dog, they can still be exposed to permethrin. Discussing flea control with your vet is strongly recommended, and is the best way of ensuring you use a product that is safe and effective for your pet.”

Across the UK, PDSA vets see an average of two cats daily diagnosed with permethrin poisoning, amounting to over 600 each year. Without prompt treatment, the fatality rate in cats is very high.

The second most common pet poison encountered is rat and mouse poison, which pets may accidentally eat when out and about. Third is human medication – including ibuprofen and paracetamol – which curious pets may get their paws on if packets are left around the home. In addition, some owners believe that these drugs are safe to give to pets. In fact, some can prove fatal (cats in particular are very sensitive to paracetamol – about 25% of cases seen are fatal).

Slug and snail killer, which people often spread in their gardens, is in fourth place. In fifth place is antifreeze which can contain a range of toxic substances such as ethylene glycol, methanol or other toxic chemicals. Ethylene glycol in particular has a taste that often proves irresistible to cats and dogs, who will happily lap it up despite the fatal side-effects.

One item which just misses out on the top-five list is chocolate (in sixth place), which can poison dogs and other pets due to the toxic effects of theobromine – a component of chocolate. PDSA vets often see an increase in cases at Easter and Christmas.

There are many other potentially fatal substances hazardous to our furry friends. PDSA vets are seeing an increasing number of bizarre pet poisoning cases including dogs that have accidentally got their paws on herbal medicines, marijuana, nicotine-gum, sugar substitutes and raisins.

Elaine Pendlebury added: “Most pet poisoning cases are accidents caused by inquisitive pets getting their paws on dangerous substances, or owners innocently administering products which they don’t realise are harmful.”

PDSA’s data and warning message is backed up by the VPIS, which is part of the Medical Toxicology Unit at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust and provides poisons advice to over 1000 veterinary practices, including PDSA’s 43 PetAid hospitals, across the UK.

VPIS Spokesperson, Alexander Campbell, says: “At the VPIS we see a very similar pattern in terms of the most common types of poisoning as PDSA is seeing. Sadly, many of those on the PDSA list such as permethrin, human medications such as paracetamol, slug pellets and antifreeze can prove fatal, so it is vitally important that owners keep any substances that can harm pets well out of reach and react quickly and responsibly if they suspect poisoning might have occurred.”

Elaine Pendlebury said: “What all this tells us is that there is a real need for owners to take extra care when it comes to their pet’s safety. Most cases of poisoning are due to a pet accidentally eating a substance or owner error. But the only way of reducing the number of such poisoning cases is to highlight the dangers to owners and urge them to exercise caution.”

Poisons case study

Cat owner, Joanna Doran (40) from Caerphilly in Wales, was distraught when her beloved cat, Spider (2) had a severe reaction to a dog flea treatment.

Recalling the ordeal, Joanna says: “Within 15 minutes of my using the flea treatment on Spider she was convulsing and writhing around. I called PDSA and they told me to come down straight away.

“I felt awful when the vets told me that Spider had been poisoned by the dog flea treatment. It was a complete accident, but that didn’t make me feel any better; I just wanted Spider to be okay. I’m sure there are many other pet owners out there who don’t realise there is any difference between dog and cat flea treatments.”

Thankfully, PDSA Veterinary staff were able to save Spider and she has gone on to make a complete recovery.

“I feel it is important for me to share my experience with other pet owners to try to prevent this from happening to anyone else. Now, whenever I need to use a flea treatment on Spider I always ask my vet for advice, and would recommend that other owners do the same so they know they are using the right product and right amount.”

*Poisons data sourced from a survey of PDSA’s 43 PetAid hospitals

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