Mind over metal: Staying wary of metal-related toxicities

Pets encounter a variety of everyday risks, from outdoor threats like animals or parasites to physical dangers like vehicles or sharp objects and household toxins like plants or cleaners. However, many owners may underestimate the invisible dangers — such as poisonous metals — that their pets could also come across in their daily lives.

While metal poisoning is not highly common in small animals, there are several potential intoxications that can require emergency care and sometimes intensive intervention.

Dr. Christine Rutter, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, discusses the health risks associated with different metals and how owners can keep their pets safe.