What to do if you suspect lead poisoning in your domesticated pets

Anne Kretschmann, Michigan State University Extension, and Kristi Schreiber, Michigan State University Extension -

Updated from an original article written by Katie Ockert, Michigan State University Extension.

In all geographic and ecological locations, domesticated pet owners need to be aware of the dangers of lead in drinking water.

While the concerns regarding human health are first and foremost, some pet owners are also concerned about their animals and the levels of lead to which they may have been exposed by drinking the same contaminated water. In addition, unhealthy amounts of lead may be found in sources such as lead paint, golf balls, bullets, sinkers and improperly glazed pet bowls. 

Michigan State University Extension advises that if you are concerned about your animal’s exposure to lead, please contact your veterinarian to have your animals examined. Based on clinical signs and physical examination, the veterinarian can recommend appropriate diagnostic testing or other types of examination to determine if your animal is at risk. Veterinarians can contact the Diagnostic Center for Population and Animal Health at Michigan State University for more information on available testing and sample requirements.

Animals, just like people, can absorb lead into their bodies through various environmental factors. According to Merck Animal Health, this can include drinking water, exposure to lead based paints, linoleum, grease, lead weights, lead shot and contaminated foliage growing near smelters and/or along roadsides. The degree of retention and absorption is dependent upon several factors and will vary between animal species. To learn more about lead poisoning in animals, view the Merck Veterinary Manual.

This article was published by Michigan State University Extension. For more information, visit https://extension.msu.edu. To have a digest of information delivered straight to your email inbox, visit https://extension.msu.edu/newsletters. To contact an expert in your area, visit https://extension.msu.edu/experts, or call 888-MSUE4MI (888-678-3464).

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