To mark Poison Prevention Week (March 16-22, 2025), the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has released its annual list of the top pet toxins based on data from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). In 2024, the APCC reportedly handled more than 451,000 calls related to toxic exposures, marking a nearly four percent increase from the previous year. The APCC's team of expert veterinary professionals, including 25 board-certified toxicologists, provided toxicology resources, consulting services, and diagnostic and clinical treatment for more than 322,000 animals across the country in 2024. "Every year, we notice an increase in the number of calls from concerned pet owners regarding potential toxin exposure. This trend shows a growing awareness of the potential risks faced by our beloved pets," says Tina Wismer, DVM, MS, DABVT, DABT, senior director of toxicology at the ASPCA APCC. Dr. Wismer adds the group aims to remain a resource in veterinary toxicology to "protect and save more precious animal lives." APCC’s veterinary toxicologists analyze trends and compile a list of the most common toxins pets encounter yearly. In 2024, over-the-counter (OTC) medications topped the list, accounting for 16.5 percent of all exposures, with vitamins and dietary supplements being the most frequently reported. Food and drink-related toxins followed closely at 16.1 percent, including items, such as protein drinks, xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and chocolate. Recreational drugs, including marijuana and hallucinogenic mushrooms, continued to hold the 10th spot, with mushroom exposures on the rise. The ASPCA’s top 10 toxins of 2024. Photo courtesy ASCPA
