Common Household Poisons
By Allen Gignac, Yorkville Animal Hospital
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Recent news reports about dogs being poisoned in High Park have many dog owners in Toronto nervous, and justifiably so. Stories of deliberate poisonings pop up every now and then, and cause much fear and anxiety in the dog owning public. Luckily, these events are few and far between. In fact, most poisonings that veterinarians deal with are from common household items that we might not even realize are a danger to our canine and feline friends. In this article, I will very briefly mention some of the more common dangers, and the signs to watch out for that may indicate your pet has been exposed to something toxic.
Often, signs of toxin ingestion are quite non-specific, and can look like many other illnesses. Vomiting, anorexia (lack of appetite), lethargy and diarrhea are all quite common. Some poisons cause neurological signs, such as tremors, hyperactivity, or seizures, while others may cause excessive thirst and urination. With any kind of toxin ingestion, the sooner it is treated, the better. Sometimes, vomiting can be induced if the poison has been recently ingested, preventing absorption of most of the toxins. If you are concerned that your pet may have ingested something toxic, especially if he or she is exhibiting any unusual signs, call your veterinarian immediately.
And so, in no specific order, the most common household toxins that veterinarians see are:
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Rodenticides – Rat poisons have become more toxic over the years. The pellets that contain these chemicals are often tasty to not only rats, but to dogs as well. Most rodenticides are anti-coagulants – they prevent the blood from being able to clot properly. Signs of ingestion can include weakness, pale gums, bleeding from the nose, blood in the urine, or difficulty breathing. |
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Insecticides – Ant and roach traps contain yummy tasting ingredients like sugar or peanut butter in order to attract insects. Unfortunately, these ingredients can make these traps seem like tasty little treats to our doggy companions. Luckily, ingestion usually only causes mild gastrointestinal signs that resolve nicely with supportive care. |
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Prescription medications – Dogs getting into their owner’s prescription drugs is becoming much more common. Signs depend on the type of medication ingested, and so it is important to call your veterinarian immediately. Another problem can occur when well-meaning pet owners give their animals drugs such as anti-inflammatories or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Some of these human drugs can be very toxic to our pets (especially cats), and should never be used without consulting your veterinarian first. |
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Chocolate – This is a very common one. Luckily, most chocolate that we like to eat (milk chocolate) contains very little of the toxic substance in it, and requires very high consumption to cause problems. Baker’s chocolate or darker, less sweet chocolate can contain sufficient amounts of the toxin to cause problems however, especially in smaller dogs. Signs can include hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, and vomiting. |
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Xylitol – This is a much newer problem that few people know about. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in some products such as chewing gum that can cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if ingested by dogs. Signs of ingestion include weakness, ataxia (wobbly “drunken” movements), depression and seizures. Xylitol ingestion can be extremely dangerous, and needs to be treated right away. If you are a gum chewing kind of person, it is best to stick to products that do not contain xylitol if you have pets. |
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Raisins and grapes – This is a problem that many people have heard of, but there is still a lot of mystery surrounding it. It seems like some dogs may be susceptible to developing signs of toxicity with these fruits, whereas other dogs can tolerate them just fine. Toxicity can cause kidney failure, and so we recommend simply avoiding these substances as treats altogether, just to play it safe. |
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Household plants – Although most plants are harmless if ingested, there are many species that are poisonous to dogs and cats. Poinsettias are probably the most famous example, although their toxicity is actually quite low. Lilies are extremely toxic and life threatening to cats, but are very well tolerated by dogs. If your pet has consumed a plant, contact your veterinarian with the name of the plant to see if it is a concern. |
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Antifreeze – Ethylene glycol, or antifreeze, is extremely toxic to both dogs and cats, and is the substance responsible for at least some of the poisonings seen recently in High Park. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that seems to be quite yummy to dogs, and must be kept away from them at all times. When using antifreeze, it is important to clean up any spills, as sometimes only small amounts can be very dangerous. Signs of ingestion include vomiting, depression, ataxia (drunkenness), tremors, and increased thirst. Without early treatment, antifreeze poisoning is often fatal, and must be treated aggressively and immediately. |
Allen Gignac, DVM
Yorkville Animal Hospital
www.yorkvilleanimalhospital.ca
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About The Author
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Dr. Gignac always strives to offer the very best medical, surgical, and dental care possible for his patients, and places a strong emphasis on the importance of preventive health care. While always trying to keep the clients needs in mind, he is, and will always continue to be, an advocate for his patients first and foremost. Dr. Gignac believes in treating every one of his patients as if they were his very own. Dr. Allen Gignac is the owner and sole veterinarian at Yorkville Animal Hospital.
Dr. Gignac can be contacted at (416) 923-8896. |
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