Where in the home is a dog or cat most likely to encounter arsenic?

A dog or cat is most likely to encounter arsenic in ant baits, which commonly contain this toxic substance as an active ingredient to control ant populations. These baits are designed to attract ants, but pets, especially curious ones, might also find them appealing. The ingestion of arsenic can lead to severe toxicity in pets, causing a range of symptoms from gastrointestinal distress to neurological issues and even death in extreme cases.

While de-icer crystals, anti-mildew paint, and silver polish may contain other harmful substances, they are less commonly associated with arsenic specifically. The focus on ant baits as a source highlights the importance of keeping all pest control products out of reach of pets to minimize the risk of accidental poisoning.