There are many substances that may be found in the common household that could be toxic to pets. This is a short guide to how you can prevent pet poisonings and what to do in the event that you think your pet has ingested a toxic substance.
Poisons in Plain Sight
Common household items such as plants, foods, and chemicals can harm your pet if ingested. Each yea, thousands of pets suffer and many die from accidental household poisoning.
Top 10 Toxins and Poisons
Cats
The most common calls received by Pet Poison Helpline for cat toxicities are:
- Lilies
- Canine topical flea and tick medications
- Household cleaners
- Mouse and rat poisons
- Paints and varnishes
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory veterinary medications such as meloxicam, Rimadyl, and Deramaxx
- Glow sticks/glow jewellery
- Amphetamines such as ADD/ADHD drugs
- Acetaminophen containing drugs such as Tylenol
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or generic)
Dogs
The most common calls received by Pet Poison Helpline for dog toxicities are:
- Chocolate
- Insect bait stations
- Mouse and rat poisons
- Fertilizers
- Products that contain Xylitol, such as sugar-free gums and candies
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or generic)
- Acetaminophen containing drugs such as Tylenol
- Silica gel packs
- Amphetamines such as ADD/ADHD drugs
- Household cleaners
Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something that could harmful, don’t hesitate to seek immediate veterinary advice. Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) is available 24 hours a day, 365 day a year. There is a one-time, per-incident consultation fee of $35.
Be sure to have the following information available when you call:
- What your pet ingested and when
- How much your pet ingested (how many pills, what milligram strength they were, etc)
- Your pet’s current weight
- Your pet’s known medical history including any medications such as prescriptions or supplements.
What Should I Do if I Think My Pet’s Been Poisoned? What Should I NOT DO?
In the event of a pet poisoning emergency, remain calm. It’s important that you keep a level head so that you can properly assess the situation and communicate clearly with your veterinarian.
Scan the Surroundings
- Safely remove any remaining poisonous material from your pet’s reach.
- Gather the container or substance to bring to the veterinary hospital or to describe to the Pet Poison Helpline expert.
- Collect a sample of any material that your pet may have vomited.
If your pet has ingested something that could be harmful, the prognosis is always better when immediately reported – it’s safer for your pet and less expensive to treat before your pet has developed symptoms. This is because decontamination such as inducing vomiting, having the stomach pumped or administering activated charcoal can only be performed effectively within a narrow window of time.
Even if your pet is not immediately exhibiting signs of poisoning, it’s important to seek professional advice if you suspect that your pet has ingested a poisonous substance. When in doubt, call for help first.
To Vomit or Not to Vomit
Many people assume that they should induce vomiting if their pet has ingested something poisonous. However, forcing your pet to vomit could actually cause more harm or even be dangerous if done improperly or at the wrong time.
Keep these guidelines in mind:
- If your pet is already showing signs if poisoning, it’s too late to induce vomiting.
- If your pet has certain medical problems, like laryngeal paralysis or brachycephalic syndrome, inducing vomiting is not recommended and can make your pet’s condition worse.
- Certain toxins, such as corrosive cleaners and hydrocarbons like gasoline, paint thinners and kerosene, should NOT be brought back up. Inducing vomiting after the ingestion of a corrosive material may ultimately cause more harm to your pet.
- Most important, always seek veterinary advice before administering any kind of treatment yourself.
Home Remedies
In the panic of a poisoning emergency, many people give their pets kitchen staples such as milk, peanut butter, vegetable oil or salt – none of which should EVER be given to an animal in distress.
Seemingly “common sense” home remedies should never be administered without veterinary supervision. Pets can experience adverse reaction to even the most “harmless” of remedies given by the most well-intentioned owners. Contact a veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline first!
Transporting a Poisoned Pet
Handling an ill animal requires extra precautions to ensure the safety of both your and your pet. If your pet is sedate, carefully transport him to the car or, better yet, have someone drive while you watch your pet.
In rare circumstances when your pet may have ingested a specific type of gopher or mole poison (zinc phosphide), contact Pet Poison Helpline before attempting to administer first aid, as by-products of these poisons can be extremely harmful to humans too.
Get Help
If your pet is unconscious, convulsing or having difficulty breathing, go immediately to the nearest emergency veterinary hospital. While they are stabilizing your pet, you can call Pet Poison Helpline for treatment guidelines and recommendations.
Poison First Aid Kit
Have an emergency kit at home in case of a poisoning emergency. Keeping those items on hand will make it easier for you to work with the Pet Poison Helpline experts.
- Hydrogen Peroxide 3% (non-expired)
- Liquid dishwashing detergent
- Rubber gloves
- Triple antibiotic ointment such as Neosporin
- Vitamin E oil or capsules
- Diphenhydramine liquid or 25mg tablets (such as Benadryl), with no other combination ingredients.
- Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears, with no other combination ingredients.
- Can of tuna packed in water, chicken broth or some type of tasty canned pet food
- Sweet electrolyte beverage (such as Gatorade)
- Corn syrup
- The contact numbers of the nearest emergency veterinary hospital and your regular vet.
Poisonous Plants
Lovely as they are, some plants are poisonous to pets if ingested. Many plants cause toxicity in animals, but the following are some of the most common – and some can even be deadly.
- Autumn Crocus- Though bother spring and autumn crocuses can cause adverse reaction in pets, the autumn crocus is highly toxic. If ingested, this plant can cause severe vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver and kidney damage and respiratory failure.
- Azalea- In the same family as the rhododendrons, azaleas can have serious effects on pets. Eating even a few leaves can result in vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling. Without immediate veterinary attention, the pet could fall into a coma and possibly die.
- Cyclamen- This seasonal flowering plant can be dangerous to pets. If ingested, cyclamen can cause severe vomiting.
- Daffodil Bulbs- Ingestion of a daffodil bulb, plant, or flower can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. More serious reactions include abnormal heart rate or changes in respiration.
- Dieffenbachia- popular in many homes and offices, dieffenbachia can cause intense oral irritation, drooling, nausea, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
- Hyacinth/Tulip bulbs- Though all parts of hyacinth and tulips can cause adverse reactions if ingested, these plants contain concentrated amounts of toxins in the bulb. If ingested in large amounts, bulbs can affect breathing and cause severe vomiting , diarrhea and an increase in heart rate.
- Kalanchoe- This popular flowering succulent plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and heart arrhythmias if ingested by pets.
- Lily- Certain types of lilies – including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter, and Japanese lilies – are highly toxic to cats. Severe kidney failure can result from ingestion of even a few petals or leaves. If your cat has eaten any parts of a lily, see a veterinarian immediately.
- Oleander- Oleander is an outdoor shrub, popular for its evergreen qualities and delicate flowers. However, the leaves and flowers are extremely toxic if ingested and can cause severe vomiting, slow the heart rate and possibly even cause death.
- Sago Palm- Very popular in warmer climates, this household and outdoor plant can be very harmful to pets. If ingested, the leaves and seeds can cause vomiting, bloody stools, damage the stomach lining, severe liver failure and, in some cases, death.
Garden Dangers
In addition to poisonous plants, gardens can pose a number of poisoning hazards. Be sure to keep these common garden substances away from pets.
Baits
Rodents, snail, and slug baits are often used to keep pests at bay. But if ingested, these poisons are extremely harmful to pets. They are highly toxic and, without immediate veterinary attention, can be fatal. Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, depending on which type is used, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremoring or seizuring.
Blood Meal
Used as an organic fertilizer, blood meal is flash-frozen animal blood that has been dried and ground. Unfortunately, many pets find this product very tasty and may even seek it out. If a large amount is ingested it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and severe inflammation of the pancreas.
Bone Meal
Bone meal is an organic fertilizer made from animal bones that have been ground to a powder. The bone is what makes it palatable to dogs – but when ingested, bone meal can form a large, concrete-like obstruction in the stomach that could require surgical removal.
Insecticides
Most over-the-counter insecticides are basic gastrointestinal irritants to pets and are generally not cause for major concern. However, if your pet has ingested this type of chemical, contact Pet Poison Helpline right away to make sure your pet is safe.
Fertilizers
Many fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants, However, some are often combined with dangerous chemicals and compounds called organophosphates or carbamates, which can be harmful to pets. Ingestion can result in drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever and even death. Immediate treatment with an antidote is necessary to improve your pet’s chance or survival.
Household Toxins
Cleaning solutions, antifreeze, fragrance sprays and other common household chemicals are often stored under sinks or on garage shelves where pets can gain easy access. Be sure there is adequate ventilation when using any chemicals, thoroughly wipe up any spills, tightly close any bottles or containers and stow them safely in cabinets that pets cannot pry open.
Keep the following toxic household chemicals out of reach from your pets:
- Acids (such as drain and toilet cleaners)
- Alkalis (such as ammonia, lye, and some types of drain and toilet cleaners)
- Batteries
- Bleach
- Enzymatic cleaners (used for breaking down proteins and some organic matter)
- Fabric softeners
- Glow jewelry
- Ice melt products that contain sodium or slat-like ingredients
- Liquid potpourri
- Mothballs
- Paint solvents and lacquers
- Paint balls
- Pine oil/essential oils
- Solvents (such as cleaners used to remove oil, grease, and grime)
- Teflon-coated cookware (birds only)
Non-ingested poisons
Poisons aren’t always ingested – some can be inhaled or even absorbed through the skin. Protect your pet by being aware of these common pet health hazards.
Inhaled Poisons
Carbon Monoxide, smoke and chemical fumes are all forms of inhaled poisons.
- Exposure can result in coughing, disorientation or unconsciousness. If your pet has inhaled any sort of airborne toxin, move home to fresh air immediately and contact Pet Poison Helpline.
- Before an inhalation emergency occurs, install carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in each room of your house and be sure to change the batteries every six months.
- When using products that emit vapors – such as paint or cleaning solutions – be sure there is adequate ventilation in the room. Also, consider learning pet CPR; ask your veterinarian or local community center if a pet first aid class is available.
- If you have a bird, never use Teflon-coated pots and pans, as they a emit polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) fumes when overheated, which are fatal to our avian pets if inhaled. Alternative non-stick cookware options that do not contain PTFE are available in many kitchen supply stores.
Absorbed Poisons
Poisons and toxins can enter the body through the skin.
- Commonly absorbed poisons include strong acids/alkalis (such as ammonia, lye and some types of drain and toilet cleaners) and topical insecticides
- Examples of this include canine spot-on flea products that are applied to cats or concentrated tea tree oil applied to both dogs and cats. Signs range from skin irritation to difficulty walking/balancing, tremors and seizures.
- When outdoors, be aware of any chemicals used by neighbors or maintenance crews, like fertilizers or pesticides. Use soap and water to thoroughly clean your pet’s belly, legs and feet in order to get rid of any chemical residue that could be absorbed, licked or rubbed onto bedding. Ice melt products are of particular concern in winter – the salt crystals can stick to pets’ feet, causing skin irritation and discomfort.
Toxic Table Scraps
Sharing “just a bite” of food off your plate with your pet is harmless, right? Wrong. Many human foods can be dangerous – even deadly – to dogs and cats.
- Alcohol – Alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream and affects pets quickly. Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure. Products such as desserts containing alcohol or yeast-containing doughs are often unknown culprits.
- Caffeine – Coffee, tea, energy drinks, diet pills, or anything else containing caffeine should never be given to your pet, as they can affect the heart, stomach, intestines and nervous system.
- Chocolate – Cocoa and chocolate contain theobromine, a chemical that is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Ingestion of small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea, but ingestion of larger quantities can cause seizures and affect heart rhythm.
- Fatty foods – Foods that are high in fat can cause vomiting, diarrhea and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) in pets, especially in certain breeds like miniature schnauzers, Shetland sheepdogs, and Yorkshire terriers. Fight the temptation to share these kinds of table scraps and give a healthy pet treat instead.
- Grapes and raisins – keep these fruits away from dogs. Just a few grapes or raisins can damage your dog’s kidneys or even prove deadly. Even small amounts of raisins in trail mix or snack boxes can pose a problem.
- Macadamia nuts – popular in many cookies and candies, macadamia nuts should never be given to pets. Lethargy, vomiting and loss of muscle control are among the effects of macadamia nut ingestion.
- Onions and garlic – onions and garlic in any form – even powdered – can endanger your pet’s health. Ingestion of small amounts can result in mild gastrointestinal upset, while larger amounts can cause severe anemia , particularly with long-term ingestion (like sprinkling it on your pet’s food).
- Salt – Believe it or not, common household table salt is poisonous to your pet – but it’s not usually from table scraps. The source is often what surprises pet owners: pets often experience salt toxicity as a result of eating household play dough, swallowing too much ocean salt water, in ingesting paint balls, which are loaded with salt. Salt toxicity can be very severe and results in neurologic signs such as brain swelling, and needs to be treated carefully by a veterinarian.
- Sweeteners – many sugarless gums and candies contain xylitol, a natural sweetener that is acutely toxic to dogs. Ingestion can cause vomiting, weakness, a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, loss of muscle control, seizures and liver failure.
- Yeast dough – Unbaked dough that contains yeast can expand in your pet’s stomach or intestines. As the yeast ferments, it releases gases, resulting in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even life-threatening bloat and a twisted stomach. Some yeast dough also ferments into alcohol, which contributes to signs of lethargy and alcohol toxicity.
Medications
Whether your pet overdoses on, has an adverse reaction to, or accidentally ingests medication, drug toxicity is a serious matter. Human and pet medications both pose risk to pets.
Human medications
Many pets can’t seem to resist human medications that have been flavored to be more palatable. Medications like candy-coated pain relievers, chocolate-flavored vitamins or sweetened cough syrups can be irresistible to pets, so be sire to keep these kinds of drugs safely out of reach. Never give your pet human pain relievers – in brand name or generic forms – like acetaminophen (Tylenol or Excedrin), or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) Medications like aspirin, ibuprophen or naproxen (Advil or Aleve). Pets do not metabolize these drugs like humans do, and liver and kidney failure can result, putting your pet’s life at risk.
Always read your pet’s medication bottle or label carefully. One of the most common accidental pet overdoses occurs when pet owners place their own medication on the counter with their pet’s medication – inadvertent administration of your human drugs to your pet can be easily avoided by dosing carefully. Take extra precautions to ensure that all medications stay out of your pet’s reach. Make sure to store medication bottles in secure, raised bathroom cabinets. Unfortunately, even child-proof caps aren’t dog-proof, due to those sharp teeth. Finally, properly dispose of expired medications.
Pet medications
Accidental administration of a dog topical flea product onto a cat can result in life-threatening seizures. Avoid this by reading the instructions carefully before applying these types of products. Never Split medications or doses without talking to your veterinarian first. Buying a topical flea ointment for large dogs and splitting the dose for two smaller dogs is never advised and can result in accidental overdoses. Also, don’t reuse medications on other pets in the household.
Rarely, drug reactions can occur even with the appropriate dosing and administration. If you ever notice any problems, contact your veterinarian, the drug company or Pet Poison Helpline immediately to find out how best to treat the reaction.
Pet- Proof Your Home
With a little extra effort, you can easily poison-proof your home. These simple tips can help you protect your pet and avoid poisoning emergencies.
- Cover trash bins – or better yet, store them in a pantry or closet
- Fence off compost bins – for the sake of your pet and the wildlife!
- Install baby locks on cabinets that house cleaning solutions.
- Store medications in secure, elevated cabinets.
- Don’t store pills in plastic zipper bags or weekly pill storage containers, as these are easy for dogs to chew through.
- Close toilet lids, especially if your use automatic or clip-on toilet bowl cleaner.
- Check www.petpoisonhelpline.com/IsThatPoisonous/Top10PoisonousPlants/ before purchasing plants for your home or yard to ensure that you have non-toxic plants in your household.
- Wipe down your pet’s belly, legs, and paws after being outdoors, particularly in the winter when salt is in the road.
- Keep your purse (and its contents, like xylitol gum and drug containers) out of your pet’s reach.
- Double check the pills you’re about to administer to your et and to yourself. Oftentimes, owners mix the two by accident.
- Don’t leave pills out – even for a few seconds – as your pet could knock them off the counter and ingest them quickly.
No comments:
Post a Comment