Lead Poisoning...Problem for Pets and Children

The potential for lead poisoning exits in over 74% of all homes in the United
States, according to studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control. People often mistakenly believe that it is the older home in economically depressed areas that is at risk. This is a dangerous misconception when young children and pets are involved.

The potential for lead poisoning exists in over 74% of all homes in the Unites States…

There are many possible sources of lead in the home. The most common is lead-based paint. In 1978 Congress banned lead based interior paints. Remodeling an older home may increase the risk of contact.

Pets and small children love to put everything in their mouths. A bird that has free roam of a home may nibble on solder on water pipes. Lead can be found in artist paint supplies, antique toys fishing tackle, ammunition and even golf balls. Public awareness has been raised concerning lead containing glazes on plates used for eating. But the same consideration has not been given to the fancy bowls that we use for our pets.

The signs of lead poisoning can be quite vague. This can make the prompt and accurate diagnosis very difficult. The amount of lead that the pet has been exposed to and over what length of time can also hamper efforts to find the cause of the illness. Signs may be present in as little as three days or it may take months if the poisoning has taken place by small incremental exposure over an extended period of time.

The most common signs are digestive and neurological. Loss of appetite, GI upset, lethargy, head pressing, and even paralysis can been seen. Treatment involves controlling the presenting signs, removing the source of the poisoning when possible and chelation-the extraction of the lead from the body by chemical means. Chelation can produce many serious side effects.

How best to prevent this type of poisoning for your pet? If you own an older home, you can have a certified lead inspector check for potential sources. If your pet is a chewer, provide it with pet safe chewing material.