While not necessarily all toxic, items in this group consists of objects that could pose a choking hazard, risk for intestinal obstruction, or other physical injury, and in 2006, the number of physical hazard calls grew a staggering 460 percent to over 3,800. "We've managed cases involving the ingestion of several common objects-from pet collars and adhesive tape to bones, paper products and other similar items," says Dr. Hansen. "It is important to make sure that items which could be easily knocked over, broken, chewed up or swallowed are kept out of the reach of curious pets."

Home Improvement Products: In 2006, approximately 2,100 cases involving paint, solvents, expanding glues and other products commonly used in construction were managed by the APCC-up 17 percent from 2005. While the majority of water-based paints are low in toxic potential, they can still cause stomach upset, and artist paints sometimes contain heavy metals that could be poisonous if consumed in large quantities. In addition, solvents can be very irritating to the gastrointestinal tract, eyes and skin, and could also produce central nervous system depression if ingested, or pneumonia if inhaled. "Prevention is really key to avoiding problems from accidental exposures to these substances," says Dr. Hansen. "Pet parents should keep pets out of areas where home improvement projects are taking place, and of course label directions should always be followed when using any product."

About the ASPCA®

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) is the premier animal poison control center in North America. An allied agency of the University of Illinois, it is the only facility of its kind staffed by 40 veterinary professionals, including nine board-certified toxicologists/veterinary toxicologists, 10 certified veterinary technicians, and 16 veterinarians. Located in the ASPCA's Midwest Office in Urbana, Ill., the specially-trained staff provides emergency and specific analysis and treatment recommendations pertaining to toxic chemicals and dangerous plants, products or substances to pet owners and veterinarians, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For more information on potentially dangerous substances in the home or to reach the APCC, please call (888) 426-4435 or visit www.aspca.org/apcc.