Pets are curious creatures by nature, always looking for something interesting to eat.
This habit can sometimes get them into serious medical trouble when they accidentally find a toxic substance.
from household poisons is all part of being a good pet parent. Start by
following these tips on hazardous substances that are commonly found right
where you live.
Over-the-counter pain relievers for humans are frequently
the cause of poisoning in dogs. Though some of these medications are sometimes
used for veterinary care, the dosage is critical for safe administration.
Tylenol, which contains acetaminophen, can cause severe liver damage.
Ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, can cause gastric ulcers and
kidney failure. Naproxen can cause stomach perforation, gastric ulcers and
acute kidney failure and should never be used on dogs. If you carry these drugs
in your purse, ensure that your dog cannot get at them.
Increasingly, doctors prescribe antidepressant medications
not only for depression, but also for a variety of other medical conditions.
When pets accidentally get ahold of these medications, they may exhibit
symptoms such as lethargy, vomiting and signs of “serotonin syndrome,” a
condition that causes agitation, elevated temperatures, high blood pressure,
increased heart rate, tremors, seizures and disorientation. As with
over-the-counter pain relievers, these medications are often left in purses or
on nightstands where pets can get into them. Take extra precautions with these
medications and keep them in childproof containers on a high shelf.
By now, everyone knows that some types of chocolate are poisonous to dogs. However, this information has not reached the dog world, and dogs continue to take every opportunity to snap up chocolate candy, cookies and cake whenever they get the chance. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which metabolizes much more slowly in dogs than in humans. Small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Large amounts can cause serious toxicity that requires anti-seizure medications and IV fluids. Of course, dogs only know chocolate foods taste good, so they must rely on owners to keep them safe. A program for protecting pets from household poisons includes keeping these foods on high counters and shelves where pets cannot reach them.
Grapes and Raisins
Many dog owners may not yet have gotten the word on grapes and raisins being poisonous to dogs. It wasn’t until about 25 years ago that documented statistics on the toxicity of grapes and raisins have been available. It is not known why these foods are toxic to dogs, but some researchers believe it may be a mycotoxin, a substance produced by a fungus or mold that causes the problem. After consumption, the dog may show symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, tremors, seizure and eventual acute kidney failure. The prognosis for recovery depends on how much was eaten and how quickly treatment was begun.
Onions can cause anemia in dogs and should not be given to
them, either cooked in table foods or raw. Onions contain a substance called thiosulphate
that is toxic to both dogs and cats. This substance damages the red blood cells
that carry oxygen throughout the animal’s body. Hemolytic anemia can cause
lethargy, shortness of breath, vomiting and diarrhea. As little as five grams
can cause toxicity.
Xilitol is a type of artificial sweetener that is found in
many foods for humans. It is often used in chewing gum, cookies, candies and
products made for diabetics. Xilitol is toxic to dogs and can produce changes
in blood sugar levels, vomiting, lethargy and difficulty walking. Seizures and
liver failure can also result. Protecting pets from household poisons means no Xilitol, ever.
Any poison you use to kill rodents in your home or yard can
be ingested by your pet with disastrous results. Your dog or cat may find and
eat the poison or consume part of an animal that has eaten it. Most
rodenticides contain anticoagulant compounds that cause bleeding to kill the
rats or mice. Symptoms of rodent poisoning in dogs may not occur until a week
after ingestion. Bright green stools and bleeding from nose, ears, rectum or
other areas can occur. Get your dog to a veterinarian immediately if you see
these symptoms. Always use these poisons with great caution and keep your pets
out of the area.
Generally, grown dogs will live with plants in their houses
or yards without trying to eat them. However, puppies are often more
adventurous and will try a taste of anything that is remotely edible and many
things that aren’t. Common household
plants that can be toxic to dogs include philodendron, ficus, croton, Boston
fern, jade plant, snake plant, schefflera, antherium, ivy, spider plant, corn
plant and pothos.
In your yard, bulb plants such as amaryllis, daffodil,
gladiolus, iris and tulips can be toxic to dogs if they are prone to digging
them up. Asparagus fern and lace fern are also poisonous. Hydrangea, kalanchoe,
foxglove, morning glory, nightshade and tomato plants can also be poisonous to
dogs. Shrubs like oleander, rhododendron, yucca, holly and sago palm should
also be monitored closely to ensure that dogs do not eat them. The list of
plants found in fields and wooded areas is extensive and varies from region to
region. If you are out in these areas with your dog, ensure that he does not
sample the local (possibly poisonous) flora.
Insecticides can be deadly to your pets. Always remove pets
from the area when using them. Ensure that toys, feeding bowls, rawhide chews
and other equipment are removed to avoid contaminating them with the pesticide.
Keep pets out of the area until the insecticide has completely dried. Signs of
insecticide poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors
or seizure. Get your pet to the vet as quickly as possible if you notice these symptoms
after using a home or garden insecticide. Bring the insecticide with you to the
vet so that he or she can treat the animal appropriately.
Substances like ammonia and bleach are highly toxic to pets
if consumed. When these chemicals are mixed together, they can produce toxic
fumes that can be deadly. Chlorine products used for cleaning and pool care are
also toxic. Any type of floor, bathroom or all-purpose cleaner can contain
harmful amount of these substances. Cleaners should always be stored in
cabinets that close securely to prevent accidental ingestion.
Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which is extremely
toxic to dogs. Generally, dogs encounter this substance when it drips from car
engines. It gets left on the garage floor where the dog can lap it up. Some
people use antifreeze in their toilets to keep pipes from freezing. Because
antifreeze has a sweet taste, dogs may be attracted to it. However, it can
affect kidneys, liver and the brain of these animals. Always store antifreeze
on high shelves or in cabinets. Clean up any spills immediately. Seek
veterinary attention if you suspect your dog has ingested antifreeze.
Garden and lawn fertilizers can also be toxic to your pets.
Though the pet may not directly eat the fertilizer compound, he can pick it up
on paws, bones or toys. Always water the fertilizer to allow it to seep into
the ground before allowing your pet into the area. Signs of fertilizer
poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. There may
also be difficulty breathing. Take your pet to the veterinarian immediately for
emergency care if this happens.
Some manufacturers of conventional pet medications add dangerous
amounts of straight grain alcohol to their products. Alcohol is a cheap
preservative which allows products to be warehoused for many years with minimal
spoilage. But alcohol, even in small amounts, is toxic to dogs and cats according
to the ASPCA and an increasing number of informed veterinarians, animal rights organizations and medical researchers.
Makers of pet dental care products that remove plaque and
tartar are among the worst alcohol abusers. Many of them spike their products
with 190 proof Grain (Ethyl) Alcohol, equal to a whopping one-fourth (25% by
weight) of their product’s ingredients. That’s like serving our beloved animal
companions a 50 proof cocktail with every application.
Since our pets can’t read the labels, it’s up to us to get informed and make the right choices. Alcohol content in popular cat and dog dental products can be as high as 25% or as low as zero. For example, here are three top selling pet dental products with alcohol content listed by percentage weight of ingredients:
PetzLife Oral Care Spray and Gel - 25% Grain (Ethyl) Alcohol
Leba III Pet Dental Spray - 25% Grain (Ethyl) Alcohol
DentaSure All-Natural Oral Care Spray and Gel - ZERO% Grain (Ethyl) AlcoholProtecting Pets from Household Poisons