The perils of a backpack attack – ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experiences an increased volume of calls about pets getting into backpacks.

Now that the Labor Day holiday is over and school is back in full swing, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Animal Poison Control Center typically experiences an increased volume of calls resulting from pets getting into backpacks.

Is exposure to school supplies really that toxic to pets?

The sights, smells and multiple openings of book bags fascinate many curious cats or canines. As they explore the inside, puppies and kittens particularly are tempted to sink their teeth into erasers, crayons, markers, paperclips and even thumb drives. Easy access to a variety of exotic items within a snout’s reach can result in anything from indigestion to a bowel obstruction.

Furthermore, liquid paper, glue, medications, inhalers and gum (which may contain the chemical Xylitol) pose a risk of poisoning.

Also, lured by the scent of a freshly packed lunch, pets sometimes end up ingesting plastic bags and foil wrappers in their attempts to get to the good stuff. Even kid’s healthy school lunch staples like grapes, raisins, chocolate and salty snacks can be hazardous to pets because these treats naturally contain compounds that are harmful to animals in large doses.

The best strategy is to keep book bags and lunch boxes out of pets’ reach. However, in case of emergency, the APCC hotline is available 24-hours a day at (888) 426-4435. The ASPCA also offers a free ASPCA Pet Safety Pack, which contains a refrigerator magnet with the APCC’s contact info.

Click here for more information.

If your family is looking for a new canine companion to start off this school year, YelpBR! has a number of great dogs ready for adoption including:

Lynn is a small adult male terrier.

Pino appears to be a Norfolk terrier mix. At 14 pounds, this one-and-a-half-year-old is a happy, playful little guy.

Clark is an eight-month-old basset hound/terrier mix. This sweet boy is both child- and dog-friendly, so he would make a great addition to any family.

Koby‘s owners surrendered him to Animal Control when they moved. This small adult poodle is anxious to have a forever family of his own.

Opal is an adult female dachshund mix.

Cinnamon came to YelpBR! with her puppies. All the pups are adopted, so now it’s mama’s turn. Cinnamon is calm, but does get pretty peppy when it’s playtime. This shepherd mix is great with people and is house trained. However, she is best suited to being an only dog.

If you are interested in fostering or adopting from Yelp!Baton Rouge, email [email protected] or call 485-9200.