Our environment is surrounded with a variety of poisonous and toxic substances, not just poisonous to us but our pets as well. Most pets are curious and tend to put things in their mouth much like a toddler does when exploring the world around them.
-Keep Out of Reach of Pets-
*Rodent and Pest Poisons. Poisons are put out to kill rodents and other pests. Unfortunately, this accounts for the most pet related poisons reported among pets. The first signs of poisoning are agitation and excitability. This is followed by intense pain and seizures which can ultimately lead the animal's death.
*Lead Poisoning. Just like in humans, our pets are susceptible to lead poisoning. Most common in dogs especially puppies, lead poisoning is caused when a pet chews on an object that is either made of lead or has been painted with a lead-based paint.
*Poisonous plants. While some plants may only cause irritation or cause a hallucinogenic state, there are many that can cause vomiting and even seizures which can lead to death. The reactions of the plants may differ among the different species of pet you own. If in doubt, keep these plants out of reach of your beloved pet.
*Antifreeze poisoning. This type of poisoning is not uncommon. Since antifreeze has a sweet flavor, our pets will eat it. New regulations are requiring that antifreeze contain an additive to make it unappealing not only to young children but our pets as well. Signs of antifreeze poisoning include sudden vomiting, weakness, poor coordination leading to coma and eventually death. Dogs that are treated in time and recover may suffer from kidney damage or kidney failure.
*Household cleaners. Every year, thousands of pets are poisoned from common household cleaners. These poisons can cause burns in the mouth, throat and the stomach as well as death if left untreated.
*Food poisoning. Most common among dogs, food poisoning can be serious for pets. The most common food poisoning is chocolate. Signs of poisoning by chocolate include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing and heart rate, seizures and coma. A small sized dog can be poisoned by consuming only 16 ounces of chocolate.
*Human drugs and medications. What we keep in our medicine cabinet can even be harmful to humans if not used correctly but even small doses ingested by our pet can lead to serious conditions. Contact your vet if your pet has consumed any human medications especially if the drug was an antihistamines, sleeping pill, diet pill, heart medication or vitamins.
25 Common Plants Poisonous To Your Pet
*Amaryllis
*Angel's Trumpet
*Autumn Crocus
*Azalea, Rhododendron family
*Bird of Paradise
*Castor Bean
*Chrysanthemum
*Daffodil
*Elephant ears
*English Holly
*English Ivy
*Foxglove Larkspur
*Lilies (toxic to cats)
*Moonweed
*Nightshade
*Oleander
*Poinsettia
*Philodendron
*Poinsettia
*Poison hemlock
*Pothos
*Sago Palm (including the seeds)
*Tulip bulbs
*Water hemlock
*Wisteria
*Yew
-Emergency Treatment-
All poisonings should be treated as an emergency. If you can, try to locate and identify the source of the poisoning. Call your vet immediately or poison control center. Treatments for poisoning can depend upon what your pet has ingested. Your vet can advise you on whether you can treat your pet at home or if your pet needs immediate medical treatment.
To help reduce and delay the absorption of the poison, your pet may be bathed to reduce additional absorption through the skin. Inducing vomiting and stomach pumping can be used with certain poisonings if caught early enough. Activated charcoal can be administered that binds to the toxin to prevent additional absorption of the poison. Your veterinarian can also administer intravenous fluids and medications. In some cases an antidote may be available but are usually only effective when administered early and can be expensive.
The National Animal Poison Control Center can be contacted within the United States at (800)548-2423 or (900)680-0000. The ASPCA also has a national hotline available at (888) 426-4435. These hotlines are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. There is a credit card charge for the consultation.
-Poisoning Prevention-
Prevention is the best medicine-keep all poisonous substances out of reach of your pet just as you would a child. Keep the phone number of your vet and/or poison control center handy. Don't allow your pets to drink from the toilet as they can come in contact with harmful contaminants. Keep your pets contained and don't allow them to roam freely. You may do everything possible to keep your pet safe but the neighbors may have poisons and toxins that are just waiting for exploration by your pet.
Sources:
DOG OWNER'S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK by Debra M Eldredge DVM, Lisa D Carlson DVM, Delbert G. Carlson DVM, James Griffin MD, copyright 2007
CAT OWNER'S HOME VETERINARY HANDBOOK by Delbert G. Carlson DVM, James M. Griffin MD, copyright 1995