Topic of the Month
March: Common Household Toxins and Poisons
by Jenn Wheatley

As pet owners, we dread seeing our furry friends suffer from pain. It's a natural reaction for us to want to ease our pet's pain when they are experiencing illness or discomfort. Before you act, you must be aware that certain medications for adults and even children can be toxic and even fatal to your pet. In fact, poisoning by human drugs is the most common small animal poison exposure. It is extremely important that you contact your veterinarian before giving your pet any new medications. It could be the difference between life and death.

Many over-the-counter human drugs can be used to treat pets; however, dosing is the key. There is often a fine line between the effective dose and a toxic dose. Below is a list of the most common toxic drugs for cats and dogs.

Danger lurks in your medicine cabinet:

• Acetaminophen - main ingredient in Tylenol, can cause liver damage
• Ibuprofen - main ingredient in Advil and Motrin, can cause gastric ulcers, acute kidney failure.
• Naproxen - main ingredient in Aleve and Anaprox, may cause gastric ulcers, stomach perforation, acute kidney failure.
• Anti-Depressants - can cause vomiting, disorientation, anxiety, depression, seizures, changes in body temprature, weakness, tremors, and sometimes death.
• Other Prescription Drugs for Humans

In an average household many pets are only a bite away from disaster. The most commonly ingested household toxins are being given by well-intentioned owners who are unknowingly poisoning their pets.

Household Toxins
Below is a list of the top household toxins:

• Rodenticide - rodents carry to areas that are pet occupied
• Household Plants - sago palms, tulips, oleander, hyacinths, poinsettias, azaleas, lilies, amaryllis
• Household Chemicals/Cleaners - skin irritation, bloody vomit, bloody diarrhea, organ damage
• Metaldyhyde - commonly found in snail bait, causes vomiting, body tremors
• Heavy Metals - mercury, lead, or excessive zinc, iron, cobalt, copper
• Organophosphates - common insecticides, causes gastrointestinal irritation, salivation, constricted pupils, decreased heart rate, tremors, seizures, sometimes death.
• Antifreeze - a clear, colorless, odorless liquid, with a sweet taste dogs love - causes kidney failure, acidosis (too much acid in the body), hypercalcaemia (too much calcium in the blood, which makes the nervous system highly irritable, causing spasms and muscle cramps). Most animals that ingest antifreeze will die, making antifreeze one of the most threatening toxins.

Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
Pet owners may think that offering fruit and veggies can be a healthy treat for dogs; the truth is some can be harmful or even toxic to your dog. Some foods which are edible for humans can pose hazards for dogs because of their different metabolism. Some may cause mild digestive upset; whereas, some can cause severe illness and even death. The following food items should not be fed (intentionally or unintentionally) to dogs. This list is incomplete, because we cannot list everything your dog should not eat.

• Chocolate, coffee, tea, caffeine - seizures, vomiting, diarrhea
• Grapes - kidney damage
• Raisins - kidney damage
• Onions (raw, cooked, or powdered) - damages red blood cells, causing anemia
• Garlic (raw, cooked, or powdered) - damages red blood cells, causing anemia
• Alcoholic beverages - cause intoxication, coma, death
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener) - commonly found in gum and candy - can cause liver damage
• Bones from fish, poultry, or other meats - can cause obstruction or lacerations in digestive system
• Raw eggs - may contain salmonella
• Raw fish - can result in vitamin B deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizure, and sometimes death - more common if fed regularly.
• Sugary foods - can lead to obesity, dental disease, and even diabetes
• Tobacco - affects nervous and digestive system, can cause rapid heart rate, collapse, coma, death
• Marijuana - can depress the nervous system, can cause vomiting and changes in heart rate
• Mushrooms - can affect multiple systems in the body, can cause shock and result in death
• Macadamia nuts - can cause weakness, lethargy, vomiting, loss of balance, tremors, and increased body temperature.

Emergency First Aid Kit in Case of Poisoning:

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% (non-expired)
• Liquid dishwashing detergent (Dawn or Palmolive)
• Rubber gloves
• Triple antibiotic outment (like Neosporin without added pain reliever)
• Vitamin E oil or capsules
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) 25mg tablets/capsules or liquid - antihistamine form only - no other combination ingredients or pain relievers
• Ophthalmic (eye) saline solution or artificial tears
• Corn syrup or maple syrup

If your pet has ingested something toxic, it is important to have the bottle or label on hand and contact the 24 hour poison hotlines:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435
Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680

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