The Usual Suspects of Pet Poisoning

Since March marks Pet Poison Prevention Month, we want to give you a refresher course on everyday items that can be toxic to your furry friends. 

Let’s start with something our pets are often pursuing … 

Food 

Of course, chocolate is a big no-no for cats and dogs, as it contains theobromine, a stimulant that shocks their system.

Although the exact cause of their toxicity is still being defined, grapes and raisins are known to be deadly to dogs and possibly cats and ferrets as well. Even a small amount ingested  can lead to kidney failure.

Common foods in the Allium family — chives, garlic, leeks, onions and scallions — can cause gastrointestinal issues and red blood cell damage that could develop into anemia.

Avocados are dangerous not just because of their large pits but because they contain the compound persin, which is especially harmful for birds, rabbits and guinea pigs, causing respiratory illness, fluid around the heart and lungs, kidney and liver failure, and sudden death. In pet birds, persin toxicity will also cause the inability to perch. For dogs it is important to avoid access to eating avocado leaves, stems, skin, and pit.

Cleaning Supplies

Common household cleaning products that are dangerous to pets include:

• Glass cleaner
• Floor wax
• Carpet cleaner
• Laundry detergent
• Bathroom soap
• Hand sanitizer
• Disinfectant wipes (don’t leave these lying around, as pets might be tempted to chew on them)
• Pool chlorine tabs

Ingestion of these items can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting and seizures while inhalation can cause difficulty breathing and skin contact can cause blisters, burns, irritation or rash.

Medications

Acetaminophen is particularly bad for cats, causing red blood cell damage and anemia. Ibuprofen, on the other hand, can lead to gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney failure in dogs. Supplements, such as fish liver oils and vitamins, can be lethal as well.

Cats are especially sensitive to medications including over-the-counter flea/tick products for dogs, steroid creams, and topicals that promote hair growth used in humans.

Plants and Flowers

As you spruce things up in and outside your house this coming spring, be careful about the plants and flowers you choose. If chewed or ingested, the following can severely hurt your furry friends:

• Aloe vera
• Azaleas 
• Daffodils
• Lilies (these are extremely toxic to cats, leading to kidney failure)
• Sago palms 
• Tulips 

Outdoor Products

As the weather gets warmer, take caution when handling these items in your backyard:

• Rat poisoning is one of the most common toxic emergencies we see in our hospitals. These products contain chemicals that can cause internal bleeding, seizures, organ failure, and even death if ingested. Unfortunately, poisoned rodents can also pose a secondary risk—pets that eat them can be exposed to the toxins as well. 
• Other pesticides, including insecticides and herbicides, can be just as dangerous. Fertilizers, weed killers, and certain mulches can be toxic if pets walk on treated surfaces or ingest plant materials. Always store these products securely and avoid using them in areas where your pets roam.
• While some yard mushrooms are harmless, others can be highly toxic to pets. Since it’s difficult to distinguish toxic mushrooms from non-toxic ones, it’s best to remove any mushrooms that pop up in your yard and prevent pets from eating them.

Even if you do your utmost to avoid these dangers, you still need to be prepared if something happens unexpectedly this spring. Create a pet first aid kit, list important phone numbers — including animal poison control and your veterinary clinic — and respond quickly in the event of an emergency. If you need our help, call (317) 516-5921.