March is Poison Prevention Month! To raise awareness here is a list of 10 toxins every pet owner should be aware of. For more specific information please visit www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Pet Poison Helpline: 855.886.7965

#1: Chocolate

Chocolate is the perfect treat for any holiday – Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, all of which make this toxin number one! Unfortunately, the darker the chocolate, the more stimulants (theobromine and caffeine) it contains. Too much of this confection can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate and blood pressure, tremors and seizures.

#2: Mouse & rat poisons

Rodenticide, or mouse & rat poison, is intended to be efficiently deadly. The poisons used are not just effective against rodents, so beware! Over the past 10 years, bromethalin has become the most common rodenticide. It can cause rapid or delayed brain/spinal cord swelling which leads to serious neurological signs.

Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) rodenticide is becoming much more prevalent. Small amounts of this bait can lead to elevated calcium, which can harm the kidneys, heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.

Anti-coagulant rodenticides are still a concern as well. These products can cause bleeding within 2-7 days of consumption or after having chronic access to smaller amounts. Fortunately, there is an antidote to this class of toxin.

#3: Anti-inflammatory medications

This class of medications includes ibuprofen, naproxen, carprofen, diclofenac, meloxicam and more. Dogs and cats can be very sensitive to these medications. They can easily develop stomach ulcers. At higher doses, they can also develop kidney and liver damage.

If you feel that your pet is in pain, please do not give any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Keep medication bottles well out of reach, especially when they contain flavored chew tabs!

#4: Xylitol – a.k.a Birch Sugar, Wood Sugar, Birch Bark Extract, Birch Sap

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss, nasal sprays, low sugar or low carbohydrate candies, gums, many “natural food supplements,” certain sugar-free foods including peanut butter, and many chewable or liquid supplements.

Dogs are particularly sensitive to this ingredient. It can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar. If you think this is happening, rub corn syrup or honey on the dog’s gums and go immediately to a veterinary facility.

Higher doses of xylitol may cause severe liver damage but may not cause a drop in blood sugar.

#5: Grapes & raisins

This little fruit has caused a lot of debate. What we know is that not all dogs are affected to the same degree, which makes the outcome hard to predict. We know that kidney failure is possible and is preceded by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea.

#6: Anti-depressants

Many people and pets are on SSRI/SSNRI medications, which leads to greater access and overdose potential. Low-dose overdose can lead to lethargy, which doesn’t usually need much therapy. Higher overdoses, however, can cause significant elevation in heart rate and blood pressure, tremors, seizures, and serotonin syndrome.

#7: Acetaminophen

For humans, acetaminophen is a common drug to have around. For this reason, it is all too common that a well-intentioned owner gives this medication to a dog or cat. The safety of this medication is quite the opposite for our companion animals. This drug can cause liver and kidney failure along with life-threatening changes to the blood.

#8: Antifreeze

Antifreeze, or ethylene glycol, is a common toxin our pets are exposed to. Because antifreeze has a sweet taste to it, pets will readily drink large quantities. It only takes a small amount for severe toxicity to develop. Early symptoms are similar to alcohol intoxication which include nausea, vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and loss of coordination. Depending on the amount ingested, seizures and coma can also be seen. In the later stages of toxicity (12-24hrs after exposure), an increase in heart rate and breathing rate occurs. Unfortunately, the final stage occurs 24-72 hours after exposure, and kidney failure sets in. Pets are often severely lethargic, urinate small amounts, and continue vomiting with possible seizures, and coma., eventually becoming fatal.

#9: Stimulant medications

Amphetamine salts and methylphenidate medications are becoming more common as the ability to diagnosis conditions, such as ADD/ADHD, improves. Besides just chewing into the bottle, or finding a dropped pill, the medications may have an attractive scent or be mixed in with food, either of which can lead a dog or cat to consume it.

Many of the formulations have a very rapid onset, and as a stimulant, these medications can cause extreme cardiovascular and central nervous system stimulation. Aggressive care may be needed to treat these signs.

#10: Plants

Animals can ingest marijuana edibles such as brownies or pot butter, ingest the owner’s supply of marijuana (in any formulation), or by secondhand smoke. Common symptoms of marijuana toxicity include sedation/lethargy, dilated pupils or glassed over eyes, dazed expression, difficulty walking and vomiting. Other symptoms can include either a low or high heart rate, vocalization such as whining or crying, agitation, trouble regulating temperature causing the body temperature to drop or rise and incontinence/dribbling urine, tremors, seizures and potentially coma. Signs of toxicity can be seen anywhere from 5 minutes to 12 hours after the animal is exposed to marijuana.

Cat owners should be aware of lilies and the dangers they pose. Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies are highly toxic to cats. Ingesting very small amounts of the plant from grooming the pollen off the fur, or eating as little as two petals or leaves, can result in severe kidney failure. If a cat consumes any part of these lilies, or even drinks the water in the vase, he or she needs immediate veterinary care to prevent kidney failure. Common symptoms of lilly ingestion are vomiting, anorexia, and kidney failure.

If you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous or toxic, please contact our clinic at 414-301-9113 OR contact Pet Poison Helpline 855-886-7965 as soon as possible.