ASPCA Issues Alert During National Poison Prevention Week
Sunday, March 18, 2001

Chocolate, daffodils and many commom household items can poison pets

Media contacts: Eric Rayvid
G.S. Schwartz & Co., Inc.
(212) 725-4500 ext. 323

Jo Sullivan
ASPCA
(212) 876-7700 ext. 4512

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(NEW YORK) March 18, 2001 -- The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is sending a coast-to-coast alert to pet owners during National Poison Prevention Week (March 18 to 24) about common household products that can be dangerous and even deadly to pets.  Thousands of cats and dogs needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion of household poisons, including popular houseplants and common foods.

"Most pet owners simply do not know that small amounts of chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts and bread dough can be fatal if ingested by a dog," comments Dr. Steven Hansen, Senior Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.  "Many cats are poisoned in the spring from plants including daffodils and lilies. A cat that eats an Easter lily will die unless it receives prompt medical attention," says Hansen. The ASPCA advises cat owners to pay special attention to the plants in their homes, since cats have the ability to jump onto tabletops and windowsills.

Other common houseplants such as philodendron, dieffenbachia, cyclamen, corn stalk plants, sago palms and bird of paradise all contain toxins and are dangerous if ingested by animals.  The ASPCA offers the following guidelines to protect pets from poisonings:

- Keep all drugs out of your pets' reach in closed cabinets. Painkillers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses.

- Never give your pets medication unless you are directed to do so by a veterinarian. Human medicine is not for pets.

- Always read the label before using flea products on or around your pets. Some flea products for dogscan be deadly if given to cats.

- If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

About the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
Established in 1978, the APCC is the only 24-hour, 365-day facility of its kind staffed by 30 veterinarians, 12 of who are board-certified toxicologists/veterinary toxicologists. Located in Urbana, Ill., the specially trained staff provides assistance to pet owners, and specific diagnostic and treatment recommendations to veterinarians pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances. In 2006, the center handled over 116,000 cases. The APCC also provides extensive veterinary toxicology consulting on a wide array of subjects, including legal cases, formulation issues, product liability, and regulatory reporting. For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the APCC, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www2.aspca.org/apcc