With the start of the school year in sight and media and retail outlets buzzing with sales on supplies, it’s likely parents have bags of supplies already waiting in their homes. Bright colors and new smells are known to peak the curiosity our four legged friends who can end up in real trouble with school supplies.

First, because school supplies are intended for children’s use, most don’t actually contain toxic material. In many cases though we worry about sensitivities causing stomach upset vs. an actual toxicity. We also worry about issues with glues, inks and paints in the eyes and mouth and about choking and intestinal blockage if items are successfully swallowed. Intestinal blockages are known to cause loss of appetite, vomiting and dehydration among many other life threatening issues and glues are known to harden and expand in the GI tract. In these cases surgery may be required to remove items and repair their damage.

In the case your pet does break into something alarming, here’s what you need to know. The risk of toxicity or illness varies depending on the size of the pet who consumes them AND on the medium and concentration of the substance. When in doubt, it’s best to call us at 337-984-7611. We’re available 24/7 for all your pet’s needs. Have the package in hand if possible, brands and ingredients lists help us to determine course of action.

Our ‘Most Scary for Pet’s’ School Supply List Includes

• Erasers – scented ones are particularly enticing

• Glue sticks/bottled glue

• Coins

• Action figures/small dolls/Bouncy balls

• Crayons

• Markers

• Pencils/Colored Pencils

• Pens and pen caps

• Paperclips

• Hand sanitizer

• Batteries

• Ink Cartridges

Take caution and be sure to keep those new supplies out of pets reach until they make it to the classroom. Remember the “toddler proofing” stage…pet proofing is just like that. As always, we’re always open and here if you need us at 337-984-7611.