Top 10 Pet Toxins of 2021

Every year the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) compiles its data from the calls received about pets exposed to toxins and releases the top 10 categories of potential poisons.

In 2021, APCC saw a 22% increase in call volume. They’ve grouped the over 400,000 cases they assisted with into the following categories, starting with the most frequent.

1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications

OTC medications are the top toxin on the list for the fourth year in a row and make up more than 17% of APCC’s call volume.

2. Human Prescription Medications

Maintaining its spot as the second top toxin, prescription medications, including antidepressants, cardiac, and ADHD meds, can lead to gastrointestinal upset and kidney failure in severe cases.

3. Human Food

Food products were 14% of APCC cases last year. The most common food product cases include ingestion of protein bars and shakes, xylitol, garlic, onions, grapes, and raisins.

4. Chocolate

APCC averages over 103 cases of chocolate ingestion per day, which results in more than 1 case every 15 minutes.

5. Plants

9.8% of calls to the APCC were related to indoor and outdoor plant ingestion.

6. Household toxins

Cleaning products and paint were 8.3% of all calls.

7. Veterinary Products

Calming chews and joint medication were a concern in this category.

8. Rodenticides

Serious symptoms can result from ingestion of rodenticides, such as bleeding, seizures, or kidney failure.

9. Insecticides

As safer alternatives for pest control emerge, we have seen a decrease in the number of calls concerning insecticides.

10. Garden products

Fertilizers contain ingredients (bone meal, blood meal, feather meal, etc.) that dogs love to eat.

APCC is available to support veterinarians treating pets for suspected poisonings and can be reached on their 24-hour hotline (888) 426-4435.

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