An A-to-Z Guide to Common Pet Poisons

An A-to-Z Guide to Common Pet Poisons

Despite your best efforts, dogs and cats have a way of getting at things they shouldn’t. Whether it’s the chocolate bar in your backpack, the laundry pod that fell behind the washing machine or even the Easter lily on the mantel that you were sure your cat couldn’t reach, it’s easy for curious pets to find and eat things that are dangerous for them.
Of particular concern are all the medications and supplements that are found around the house. Of the more than 181,000 cases that the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) handled in 2015, most of them involved pets that ingested over-the-counter substances intended for humans, including vitamins, herbal and join supplements, nasal decongestants, and certain medications for diarrhea and nausea. Remember, even if you’ve been vigilant about protecting your animals from accidental poisonings, go one step further. “Make sure all visitors to the house know the rules about leaving things where pets can access them,” says Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director for APCC. “You may know not to leave your purse on the floor but Grandma does not.
As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 19-25), here is compiled an A to Z list of some common pet poisons that should be on the radar. This list is not all-inclusive, so for more information on these and many other toxins, check out the ASPCA APCC website and talk with your vet.

Common Pet Poisons

Acetaminophen
Found in Tylenol and other medications, this compound can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats are even more sensitive – the ingestion of a single 325 mg tablet by a 10-lb cat can cause anemia and can even be fatal.

Batteries
Can be toxic to both dogs and cats, leading to ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach.

Chocolate
Can cause seizures and death in dogs and cats. Darker chocolate, such as unsweetened baker’s chocolate is more toxic than milk or white chocolate. Even cocoa bean mulch used in gardening can be a problem when eaten in large enough quantities.

Detergents
Found in concentrated laundry pods, detergent compounds can cause vomiting and the foam can be inhaled into the lungs, leading to coughing and difficulty breathing. Detergents and fabric softener sheets can also cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach in dogs and cats.

Ethylene Glycol
This compound is found in anti-freeze, windshield de-icing agents, and motor oils. Dogs and cats are attracted to its sweet taste, but as little as a teaspoon in cats or small dogs can cause kidney failure. Many antifreeze and engine coolant manufacturers have agreed to voluntarily add bittering agents to reduce the product’s appeal to pets and children, but ethylene glycol is still very much a danger.

Fertilizers
Can contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc; some also contain dangerous herbicides and pesticides so be sure to check the package to learn when it will be safer for pets to walk on the lawn.

Grapes
Whether dried as raisins and including currants or as grape juice in small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.

Household Cleaners
Bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia, and toilet bowl cleaners can cause gastro-intestinal ulcers and other problems in dogs and cats.

Insecticides
In pet flea-control products, these can cause problems if not used according to the labels. For example, insecticides that are meant for dogs can cause severe toxicity in cats, leading to signs such as vomiting, seizures, difficulty breathing and even death. Products intended for treating the yard or house should not be used on pets.

Java
In the form of coffee or java beans can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, and seizures in dogs and cats due to the caffeine. Eating coffee grounds and other substances with caffeine, such as tea bags and diet pills could be cause for concern.

Kerosene
Gasoline and Tiki torch fluids can cause drooling, drunken walking, and difficulty breathing in dogs and cats. If these products contain anti-freeze, they are even more problematic.

Lilies
Including Easter, Day, Tiger, Stargazer, Japanese, and Asiatic varieties, Lilies can cause kidney failure in cats. Lilies of the valley can cause heart rhythm problems and death in dogs and cats.

Marijuana
This herb is toxic to dogs and cats, whether they ingest the plant itself, eat baked goods and candies containing marijuana, or inhale secondhand smoke. This can result in vomiting, lethargy or excitation, seizures, coma, or worse.

Non-Prescription Medications
Often a danger to pets, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, for example, can lead to sever ulcers and anemia, as well as liver and kidney failure in pets and many brands feature a sweet coating, making it even more attractive for dogs. (There are some prescription NSAIDs that have been approved for pet use under veterinarian guidance)

Onions
Root vegetables such as onion, garlic, leeks, and chives can be toxic to dogs and cats. When chewed or swallowed, these ingredients can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset.

Prescription Medications
Medications such as Adderall, antidepressants and cardiac drugs are commonly eaten by pets when pills are dropped on the floor or left on counters. Even a small dose can cause problems. Topical medications can also be absorbed by pets in contact with human skin or ingested by licking.

Queensland Nuts
Commonly known as Macadamia nuts, these can cause worrisome signs in dogs including lethargy, vomiting, and even difficulty walking.

Rodenticides
Mouse and Rat poisons can contain a number of different toxins which have different effects on dogs and cats. Several contain ingredients such as warfarin and coumarin, which cause blood-clotting problems and hemorrhaging.

Sago Palms
A plant toxic for dogs and cats, ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures as well as liver failure in dogs.

Tobacco
Is toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of nicotine in the tobacco plant or in cigarettes or patches can lead to vomiting, tremors, collapse, and death.

Unbaked Bread Dough
Dough that is unbaked can expand in the stomach. If the stomach twists, cutting off the local blood supply, emergency surgery is needed. The yeast in the dough can also produce alcohol, leading to seizures and respiratory failure.

Veterinary Prescriptions
Prescriptions such as arthritis medications, often meat-flavored for pets, can be enticing to dogs. Ingestion of large quantities can result in stomach ulcers or liver and kidney failure.

Windshield Wiper Fluid
Containing methanol or ethylene glycol, ingestion of windshield wiper fluid can cause changes in blood sugar and drunken walking in dogs and cats.

Xylitol
A sugar-free sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints, toothpaste, and some peanut butters. This compound can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.

Yard Products
Snail and slug bait, herbicides, and fertilizers are never good for pets. These can cause many warning signs depending on the ingredient. Check labeling on each product for a detailed warning.

Zinc
Zinc toxicity can occur when dogs and cats eat metal or coins. Ingestion of even a single zinc penny can be fatal. Zinc can cause anemia, as well as liver, kidney or heart failure.

Help Safeguard Your Pet
Here are a few tips to help protect your pet from accidental poisoning:
• Keep toxic household items locked up.
• Take your medications in another room in case you drop a pill.
• Teach your pet the “drop it” command.
• Ask your veterinarian if there’s anything you should keep in your pet first aid kit in case of accidental toxin ingestion.
• Visit the ASPCA.org website to be aware of potential toxins.
• Download the free APCC app for quick access to potentially life-saving information.
• Program the APCC’s phone number – 888.426.4435 – into your phone for quick access in the event of an emergency.
In what ways do you protect your pet?  Tell us in the comments below.