QUESTION: HOW ARE PETS EXPOSED TO LEAD (Pb) AND WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

ANSWER: Pets are even more likely to be lead exposed than small children.  Cats and dogs spend most of their day in lead risk zones – on the floor where paint chips may be eaten, lapping up water on the floor of the shower or toilet bowl, and taking short cuts through garden and dirt areas. They lick their paws and chew things not meant to be eaten.

The list of health problems experienced by pet owners are shared by lead exposed pets. And like children, small pets are impacted earlier and more severely than adults. Here are some important things to know and do:

• Test shower floors and porcelin sinks and toilet bowls to ensure they are not leeching lead.

• Always give your pet the same filtered water you drink, and never tap water that has been sitting in the pipes for hours

• Test pet toys, just as you would test children’s toys.

• Grow a ground cover or grass over dirt areas in the yard, or fence off areas with exposed garden soil so your pet cannot access them.

 

For access to a complete listing of HOME TESTING KITS for lead, CLICK HERE.

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