ASPCA spotlights seasonal toxin risks across the pet care calendar

ASPCA Poison Control is highlighting a year-round set of seasonal toxin risks for pets, organizing guidance by winter, spring, summer, and fall, plus holiday-specific hazards. Its “Seasonal Toxins” hub points pet parents and veterinary teams to recurring risks such as cold-weather dangers and holiday hazards in winter, flea and tick concerns in spring, hot-weather risks in summer, and fall hazards tied to mushrooms, antifreeze, and rodenticides. ASPCA Pro’s companion guidance for veterinary professionals adds more clinical detail, including seasonal spikes in exposures to ADHD medications, multi-ingredient cold and flu products, chocolate, yeast dough, grapes and raisins, autumn crocus, mushrooms, ethylene glycol, and rodenticides. (aspca.org)

Why it matters: Seasonal toxicology is predictable enough to support proactive client education, triage prep, and inventory planning. ASPCA Pro notes that fall and winter bring increased calls around holiday decorations and foods, while antifreeze and rodenticide exposures rise as temperatures drop. Separate 2026 AAHA coverage, citing Pet Poison Helpline toxicologist Renee Schmid, DVM, DABT, DABVT, says veterinary teams that anticipate seasonal toxicities can recognize symptoms earlier and educate clients before exposures happen. (aspcapro.org)

What to watch: Expect more clinics to fold season-specific toxin reminders into wellness visits, holiday communications, and technician triage protocols as spring and summer exposure patterns shift. (aspca.org)