Protect Your Dog and Cat From Household Poisons

Prevent Accidental Poisoning

 

The best way to prevent accidental poisoning of your pet is to know which substances are toxic to your pet and then take precautions to keep these substances out of your pet’s reach. Pets are like toddlers that can open any child-proof container and figure out ways into trouble that you may never have envisioned. In addition to getting poisoned by things that they get into, there are a number of cases of pet poisoning that occurs when owners intentionally give their pet something in an attempt to help them. In order to minimize the risk of your pet getting poisoned, the following precautions are recommended:

  • Keep products such as medications, harmful foods and cleaning products in a secure cabinet above countertop
  • Use a kitchen garbage can with a
  • Always read labels, especially on flea and tick products and on lawn and garden Store out of reach in a high cupboard, not under the sink.
  • Be familiar with the plants in and around your home and have only nontoxic plants. The ASPCA website has a comprehensive list of toxic plants.
  • Never give any medication or supplement to your pet unless recommended or approved by your

 

What Should I Do If I Think My Pet Has Eaten Something Poisonous?

 

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a toxic substance, do not panic! If your pet is not showing any serious signs, note the amount ingested, save any related packaging and contact our office and/or the ASPCA poison control center (1-888-426-4435) immediately to determine if your pet needs to be examined and treated. If your pet is showing serious signs such as difficulty breathing, seizures, profuse bleeding or unconsciousness, bring your pet as well as any packaging or material related to the ingested substance to our office (or emergency room) immediately.

Foods to avoid feeding to your pet: There are many foods that sound delicious to us but are actually quite dangerous to out pets. The following is a list of toxic human food to avoid feeding to your pet. If you suspect that your pet has eaten any of the following foods, please not the amount ingested and contact our office immediately.

 

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine Are All Toxic To Pets

 

The above all contain substances called methylxanthines. Methylxanthines, when ingested by pets, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines and baking chocolate contains the highest level of methylxanthines.

Is Alcohol Bad for My Dog or Cat?

 

Beverages and food products that contain alcohol can cause vomiting and diarrhea, central nervous system depression, decreased coordination, tremors, difficulty breathing, coma and death.

 

Are Avocados Poisonous To Dogs or Cats?

 

The avocado fruit, seed and plant contains a substance called persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea when ingested by dogs. Birds and rodents are especially sensitive to avocados and can develop difficulty breathing and accumulation of fluid around the heart. Avocado ingestion can sometimes be fatal.

 

Can I Give My Dog Macadamia Nuts?

 

When ingested by dogs, macadamia nuts can cause weakness, incoordination, depression, vomiting, tremors and fevers. The clinical signs usually occur within 12 hours of ingestion and can last up to 48 hours.

 

Are Grapes & Raisins Poisonous To Pets?

 

Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in pets. The exact mechanism is currently unknown. Signs of kidney failure can include excessive thirst and urination, vomiting, loss of appetite and lethargy.

 

Can I Give My Pet Raw Dough?

 

When your pet ingests yeast dough, the dough rises and causes gas to accumulate in the gastrointestinal system. This is a very painful condition that can lead to the rupture of the stomach or intestines. This risk diminishes when the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen.

 

My Pet Just Ate Sugar Free Gum

 

Xylitol is a substance that is used as a sweetener in gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. Xylitol causes insulin release which leads to low blood sugar levels and ultimately liver failure. Initial clinical signs include vomiting, loss of coordination and lethargy. These signs can progress to recumbency and seizures. Liver failure can occur within a few days.

 

Onions, Garlic, Chives Are Poisonous To Dog and Cats

 

Onions, garlic and chives can cause gastrointestinal irritation and more importantly, they can cause damage to red blood cells that clean lead to life threatening anemia. Cats are more susceptible than dogs, however, dogs are at risk of toxicity if a large enough amount is consumed. Clinical signs of toxicity can include vomiting, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite and pale mucous membranes (gums).

 

The Dangers of Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

 

Raw meat and eggs contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E.coli and parasites such as Trichinella and Sarcocystis. These organisms are not only potentially harmful to your pet but also to humans. Studies have shown that animals that are not sick themselves can pose a public health concern due to shedding of bacteria or larvae into the environment. In addition, raw eggs contain avidin which is an enzyme that decreases the aborption of biotin (b vitamin). Raw bones can be dangerous to a pet due to the potential for the bone to splinter and either become lodged in or puncture your pet’s gastrointestinal tract.

 

My Dog Just Ate Moldy or Spoiled Food

 

Spoiled or moldy food contains mycotoxins which are toxins that are produced by fungi and mold. Aflatoxin is a common mycotoxin that can attack the liver and cause life-threatening hepatitis as well as gastrointestinal signs. Aflatoxin is produced by a fungus called Aspergillus which is the white and gray fluffy mold commonly seen on spoiled food. It is important to note that cooking does not destroy the fungus.

Can I Give My Pet an Aspirin?

Medication hazards: Human medications are usually the most common cause of pet poisoning. Most often, the ingestion is accidental; however, these toxicities also occur when owners unwittingly give a human medication that is toxic to their pet in an attempt to help their pet. In addition, many medications that are made for our pets are flavored so that it is easier to give to them. Unfortunately, pets may ingest an entire bottle of medication if they like the taste. It is important to contact our office immediately if your pet ingests human medication or more than what is prescribed of their own medication. The following lists additional precautions:

  • Keep all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications inaccessible to
  • Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills are common examples of human medication that can be potentially lethal to
  • One regular strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10 pound
  • One regular strength adult Tylenol® tablet can kill a
  • Never give your pet a medication or supplement that was not prescribed for your pet without contacting us first so that the doctor can advise you about potential risks for your

 

Cleaning Products and Other Toxic Household Items

 

Toxins

Cleaning supplies, such as bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents, can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors.

Plants

Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Lilies can cause life-threatening kidney failure in cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets. The ASPCA website (www.aspca.org) has a comprehensive list of toxic and nontoxic plants. You can also visit a great blog on the topic of houseplants at the gardening mentor.

Insecticides rodenticides, herbicides and pesticides

Insecticides are commonly used around our homes to control unwanted bugs. Insecticides are also commonly used on our pets for flea and tick control. The most serious insecticide toxicities occur when products that are not labeled for use on cats are applied to cats. Also be aware that certain pesticides used in fly, slug and snail bait contain chemicals that are dangerous to your pet.

Baits that are used to kill rodents are grain based and not only attract mice and rats, but also attract dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding, kidney failure and even death. Just as the taste of rodenticides may entice our pets to ingest them, many herbicides have a salty taste and pets will commonly ingest them. To minimize risk of exposure of your pet to these toxins, take the following precautions:

  • Always follow label
  • Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot
  • Keep pets away from treated areas for the label recommended amount of
  • Store unused products in areas that will always be inaccessible to

Outdoor toxins

Depending on the season, there are also many hazardous materials that your pet can find outdoors. In the warmer months, this may include

  • Blue-green algae
  • Animal toxins – toads, snakes, spiders, insects, lizards
  • Citronella candles
  • Cocoa mulch
  • Compost piles
  • Fertilizers
  • Swimming pool treatment supplies

In the cooler weather, antifreeze and ice melting products are particularly dangerous to your pet. Antifreeze has a pleasant taste and unfortunately, only a small amount can be lethal; 1 teaspoon can kill a cat and 4 teaspoons is enough to kill a 10 pound dog. Ice melting products can be irritating to your pet’s skin and mouth. Depending on the active ingredient in the ice melt, clinical signs can include excessive salivating, vomiting, depression and electrolyte imbalances. Keep these products out of your pet’s reach in a securely locked shed or on high shelves where your pet cannot get to them.

Holiday Season Pet Hazards

Keeping your pet safe during the holiday season: The holiday season is a time to decorate and celebrate with family and friends, both two-legged and four-legged. However, many of the foods and decorations that are harmless to humans can pose a serious health risk for your pets. The following helpful hints are offered to ensure a happy and safe holiday season for your pet:

  • Your pets are not garbage disposals for holiday leftovers: Turkey bones can splinter and cause obstruction. Sudden change in diet and fatty foods can lead to vomiting, diarrhea or pancreatitis (potentially life threatening inflammation of the pancreas). As mentioned above, certain foods can be toxic including chocolate, onions or onion powder, grapes and raisins, macadamia nuts, coffee, garlic, salt, yeast dough, alcoholic food and beverages and moldy or spoiled
  • Crowds and holiday festivities can frighten some pets: Set aside a safe and quiet haven for your pet if necessary. Any disruption of the home, such as rearranging the furniture, may cause your cat to stop using the litter
  • Be careful with holiday decorations: Some common yuletide plants such as poinsettias, ivy, mistletoe and holly berries can be toxic to your pet. Put candles in places where your pet can’t reach them to avoid burning of your pet and your home. Electrical cords can electrocute your pet if he/she chews on them. Tape down and hide loose wires to prevent your pet from chewing on them. Remove bows, ribbons and yarn from discarded wrapping paper and cut away handles from shopping and gift bags. Also, keep aluminum foil away from your pet. If your pet ingests these items, they can cause choking, vomiting and possibly intestinal obstruction. This is a very common problem for cats and kittens.
  • Oh tannenbaum! Make your Christmas tree pet friendly: Cats love to climb trees! Position your tree on a wide, flat and stable base and anchor the tree to a nearby wall or window. In addition, decorate with animal safe items, especially at the bottom of the tree. Tinsel, ribbons and popcorn strands can potentially cause fatal intestinal obstruction if swallowed. Broken glass ornaments can cut your pet’s mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Also keep in mind that Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers and that stagnant tree water is a fertile breeding ground for bacteria. If ingested, your pet may develop vomiting or diarrhea. Make sure that the bottom of the tree is

Stay Calm

Remember, if you think that your pet has come in contact with poison. DO NOT PANIC! Take note of the amount ingested, save any related packaging, and contact our office at (845) 638-3600.

 

 

 

 

 

 

ANIMAL POISON CONTROL- ASPCA

888-426-4435

24 HOUR Emergency Veterinary Poison Hotline

 

Skills

Posted on

27 September 2017