Poisons, Poisons, Everywhere!

Poisons, Poisons, Everywhere!

Here is a list of common household items that are toxic to your pet:

Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze)

Antifreeze has a sweet taste that dogs and cats enjoy.  Unfortunately, it is also one of the most toxic chemicals known to both animals and humans.  Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion.  In the first few hours after ingestion, the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures.  It may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit.  Typically, signs worsen rapidly and lead to irreversible kidney failure.  Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has gotten into antifreeze.  There is no time to lose!

Ibuprofen/Naproxen

Ibuprofen (Advil) and Naproxen (Aleve) are widely used human non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.  In dogs and cats, these medications can cause stomach and kidney problems and even impact the nervous system, with symptoms such as depression or seizures.  If you drop a pill be very careful to find it before your pet does.  If you pet does ingest a pill, be sure to make him vomit and then call your veterinarian.  NEVER give your pet ibuprofen or naproxen for pain or discomfort.  

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is an extremely common pain medication for people.  Unfortunately, this drug can cause liver failure and swelling of the face and paws in cats.  In dogs symptoms include a problem with oxygen transport in the blood and even a decrease in tear production.  If your pet ingest acetaminophen, call your veterinarian.  Just like Ibuprofen/Naproxen, Acetaminophen is NOT recommended for animals.

Pseudoephedrine

Pseudoephedrine is found in many over the counter cold medications.  In dogs and cats this drug causes panting, excitement, increased temperature and increased heart rate.  

Grapes/Raisins

Dogs can have dangerous reactions to grapes and raisins.  The initial sign of toxicity is vomiting, but within 5-6 hours of ingestion you may see diarrhea, lethargy and increased thirst.  If left untreated dogs may even go into kidney failure within 24 hours.  If your dog has ingested these foods you should induce vomiting within the first 2 hours and call your veterinarian immediately.

Chocolate

Chocolate has two potent toxic substances to pets: theobromine and caffeine.  The amount of these compounds present in chocolate varies greatly depending upon the type and brand of chocolate.  The dog or cat who indulges in chocolate with large amounts of theobromine and/or caffeine may show an increased heart rate and excitability leading to possible seizures.  If you can make your dog vomit close to the time of ingested, it is recommended, followed by a visit to the veterinarian.  It may take up to three days for the theobromine effects to wear off, which can be dangerous to your pet’s heart.

Xylitol

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener.  As it becomes increasingly popular, Xylitol poisoning in dogs is on the rise.  Most cases come from dogs eating chewing gum, but Xylitol is also being added to other foods, such as peanut butter.  Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, loss of coordination and possible collapse and seizure.  Left untreated, a dog can go into liver failure within 24 hours.  Please call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten something that has been sweetened with Xylitol.  

Onions/Garlic

Onions and garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate.  Cats and dogs affected by onion toxicity will develop hemolytic anemia, which is when the red blood cells burst while circulating through the body.  Signs can include vomiting and diarrhea, lethargy or trouble breathing.  The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten the food.  All forms of onion and garlic can be a problem, including dehydrated, raw or cooked onions and garlic or table scraps that may contain them. 

Ant and Roach Baits

Ant and/or roach baits may be found in motels when you travel, as well in areas around your home.  Luckily, the toxic substances are generally present in small amounts, but they are often mixed in with tasty treats like peanut butter that your dog may be eager to eat.  If your pet ingests the bait, he is more likely to have a problem with the parts of the container he eats, rather than the ingredients themselves.  However, it is better to be safe than sorry, and the pet should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Rodenticides

People often rely on rodenticides to remove mice and rats when they don’t have a good mousing cat or a skilled terrier to do the dirty work.  Most of these products contain anticoagulants that stimulate fatal bleeding in rodents, and they will do the same thing in your pet.  Other types of rat poison can cause neurologic signs such as depression, seizures or tremors.  Induce vomiting if you are able, but then head directly to your veterinarian.  Some versions of rodenticides have cholecalciferol that can cause elevated blood calcium and phosphorus levels, leading to renal failure.  If possible, bring the container for the poison into your vet’s office so they can determine exactly which ingredient is involved.

Bleach

Most bleach products used at home are fairly dilute.  Commercial bleaches, however, can be very strong and cause irritation to your pet’s eyes and skin.  If your pet inhales bleach, especially bleach mixed with ammonia products, he could develop a deadly chemical pneumonitis (lung inflammation).  This can affect you too so don’t breath in deeply!  Get your pet out into fresh air as quickly as possible and then to your veterinarian.

Fertilizer, Including Plant “Foods”

Fertilizer can be very attractive to dogs.  Additives such as bone meal are very enticing.While the basic fertilizer formulas of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus are generally not highly toxic, additives such as fungicides can be.  Most dogs that ingest fertilizer show gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea.  Make sure you read the labeling on your bag of fertilizer before using it to make sure it is safe to use around pets.

Hydrocarbons

These products can be found in paints, polishes and fuel oils (including kerosene, acetone and gasoline).  Dogs that swallow these products tend to have gastrointestinal upsets.  The skin can also be irritated from contact.  If your dog or cat simply breaths in fumes or aspirates these products they may suffer from depression or hyperexcitability along with secondary pneumonia and liver or kidney damage.  Pets that have breathed or ingested hydrocarbons SHOULD NOT be made to vomit, as the risk of aspiration is extremely high.

Poisonous Plants

Tulip and daffodil bulbs, aloe, oleander, lilies (to cats only), tomato plants (green parts only), iris, yew and azalea just to name a few.  For a more complete list of poisonous plants that may be in your house or yard go to www.aspca.org.

In order to keep your pet safe, be proactive.  Store goods safely in locked cupboards, use secure, not-breakable containers, and always keep careful track of all medications in the household.  Taking some basic precautions can go a long way toward avoiding a catastrophe for your pet.  If you have questions about the safety of a substance, or suspect your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t, please call your veterinarian!