Common Pet Toxins

There are several products, medications, and foods that we, as humans, utilize or consume without thinking twice about a negative side effects. For dogs and cats, however, the same products that we use may have detrimental effects. If your pet should ingest any of the products mentioned below, or if there is a product not on this list you may be concerned about, call the clinic immediately during normal business hours. If the incident occurs while the clinic is closed, please call one of the local animal emergency centers. Please have as much information available as you can including the name of the product, the product label (if applicable), how much was consumed, and your pet's current weight. Common toxins are listed alphabetically below:

Alcoholic Beverages

The culprit for toxicity in alcoholic beverages is ethanol, a product made from the fermentation of sugar. Ingestion by an animal can potentially result in vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal body temperature, coma, and even death.

Chocolate

Even though chocolate is a delicious treat for people, it can be very harmful to your pet. It contains theobromine and caffeine which if ingested by an animal can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased urination, increased drinking, lethargy, increased heart rate, heart arrhythmias, seizures, and death.

Ethylene Glycol (most commonly found in Antifreeze)

Animals are attracted to this product because of its sweet taste. It is rapidly absorbed into the intestinal tract and can be very problematic, even in small amounts. For the average size cat, a lethal dose can occur when only ½ a tablespoon of antifreeze is ingested, and for a 20lb dog, 2 to 4 tablespoons of pure ethylene glycol can be fatal. Signs of toxicity can occur within 36 to 72 hours for dogs and 12 to 24 hours for cats. Signs may include nausea, vomiting, trouble walking, depression, anorexia, increased water consumption, change in urination habits, seizures, coma, or death. It is very difficult to treat successfully once signs begin, so it is important to start treatment as soon as you know your pet has ingested ethylene glycol.

Garlic and Onions

Eating these foods causes problems with an animal’s ability to transport oxygen in the red blood cells (called methemoglobinemia). Eating garlic may put your pet a risk for clotting problems which could result in internal bleeding. Animals can experience symptoms like pale gums, increased heart rate, faster breathing, weakness, lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Grapes and Raisins

The ingestion of grapes or raisins by a pet can cause kidney failure. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and changes in urination (increased amounts, decreased amounts, or lack of urine production).

Human Pain Relievers

Acetaminophen (found in Tylenol products or other over-the-counter pain relievers and cold medicines): Even though acetaminophen can be an effective pain reliever or fever reducer for humans, it has negative effects on animals. Ingesting acetaminophen causes decreased oxygen delivery in the red blood cells of cats and can have ill effects on the liver of dogs. Toxic signs include pale gums, difficulty breathing, depression, low body temperature, vomiting, weakness, coma, and death. Note that some clinics may prescribe small doses of Tylenol to dogs so the level should not become toxic, but it should only be used under the direct supervision of a veterinarian.

Ibuprofen (found in medications like Advil or Motrin, or other human NSAIDs): These medications may be useful for pain relief and decreasing inflammation for humans, but when used in animals can have toxic side effects. If ibuprofen is ingested by a dog or a cat, ulceration in the gastrointestinal tract can occur which results in lethargy, abdominal pain, vomiting (possibly with blood), or bloody stool (that can appear red or black). Ibuprofen can also be detrimental to the liver and kidneys.

Household Plants

Poinsettias: Historically, it was thought that poinsettias were very toxic to animals, however with cross-pollination and germination techniques the household plants have been modified and are now considered more of an irritant than a toxin. Household poinsettias can cause gastrointestinal upset (mainly vomiting and diarrhea), mouth irritation (burning sensation), and hypersalivation (drooling) when a pet eats the plant. Poinsettias that grow in the wild in tropical regions are found to be toxic.

There are many other plants that people enjoy growing in their homes or around their yards, however, if ingested by an animal may be detrimental to their health. If your pet chews on or ingests a plant, please call the clinic.

Peanut Butter

Many canine patients are fed peanut butter as a treat, or it is used as a special trick to hide medications. In recent years, we have been alerted that some brands may not be safe to use with pets because of the product Xylitol. Please click on the link to read more about this discovery - http://www.preventivevet.com/dogs/is-peanut-butter-safe-for-dogs.

Rodenticide (Mouse or Rat Poison)

When poisons meant for rodents are placed in areas that are accessible to dogs and cats, ingestion by the wrong species can occur. The ingredients in the majority of rodenticides cause the production of vitamin K to be depleted, which in turn diminishes clotting factors throughout the body, thus called anticoagulative rodenticides. Bleeding from anywhere in the body, internally and externally, can occur. Signs that an anticoagulative rodenticide was ingested may include bruising on the gums or abdomen (called petechia), lethargy, weakness, anorexia, vomiting, bloody stools (may appear red or black), blood in the urine, difficulty breathing, seizures, or death. Since some rodents have developed a resistance to some anticoagulative rodenticides, a product that affects the central nervous system called bromethalin is used in some Tomcat products. Clinical signs of bromethalin ingestion may include vomiting, anorexia, low body temperature, behavioral changes (hyperexcitability, running fits, sensitivity to light/sound/touch), difficulty walking, hind limb paralysis, seizures, and death.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as an artificial sweetener in products like gum, mints, candies, baked goods, and beverages. It is considered safe for humans, however, consumption in dogs and cats can cause low blood sugar, liver damage, coma, and death.

If you would like more information regarding common toxins for animals, please call the clinic at (262) 377-2460.