Toxins Close to Home

Antifreeze

Although this may seem like an unlikely indulgence for pets, antifreeze has a very sweet taste which many animals find appealing. It takes very little of this deadly toxin to induce symptoms and action must be taken quickly to ensure survival and lessen any long term effects. Only an ounce or two in your average sized laborador is lethal. The first symptoms of antifreeze toxicity are a sweet smelling breath accompanied with nausea and vomiting. Dogs may seem uncoordinated at first and then become depressed or lethargic, they may also drool and become unable to stand or begin to have seizures. Prognosis depends heavily on getting the patient treated within a small window of time; otherwise the kidneys will become compromised. Without veterinarian intervention the kidneys will shut down and death can occur.

Chocolate

Dogs metabolize chocolate much differently than humans do. The stimulants in chocolate cause vomiting and diarrhea along with restlessness, increased urination and excessive drinking. This can escalate to hyper excitability, muscle tremors, seizures, and an increased heart rate which can lead to abnormal rhythms. An ounce of milk chocolate per pound can be fatal in dogs but dark chocolate and unsweetened baker's chocolate is much more potent. Depending on how much time has passed since the chocolate has been eaten, a veterinarian or poison control may decide to induce vomiting. Activated charcoal is often given to help absorb the toxin as well.

Grapes and Raisins

The specific toxin that makes grapes and raisins poisonous has not yet been identified. Dogs seem to be highly susceptible to these fruits. Although the average toxic dose for a medium sized dog is around a half of a pound, death has been known to occur at much smaller doses. Vomiting and diarrhea are usually the first signs of grape toxicity along with loss of appetite, lethargy, depression, and abdominal pain. If left untreated, extensive kidney damage can occur.

Chewing Gum Containing Xylitol

Xylitol is commonly found in gum but also has been put in some beverages, toothpastes, and cereals. This artificial sweetener is known to cause a release of insulin in dogs. The insulin release causes a massive drop in blood sugar. Symptoms include vomiting, weakness, depression, lethargy, lack of coordination and in some cases seizures. Patients usually have to be treated with some sort of intravenous glucose to keep levels above normal along with close monitoring of the blood glucose levels.

Onions

The toxin found in onions is known to destroy red blood cells in dogs and cause anemia. Since it is the job of the red cells to carry oxygen throughout the body, the anemic patient becomes very lethargic and weak. If the amount of red blood cells drops too low the animal can go into respiratory distress and lack of oxygen to the brain can cause seizures.

Tylenol and other drugs

Some of the safest over-the-counter medications for people are harmful to animals and potentially deadly. Dogs and cats have a very low tolerance for acetaminophen (Tylenol) and it does not take much to cause death. Numerous over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs cause kidney and liver deterioration. Advil, Pepto Bismol, Desitin ointment (and any items containing zinc - including pennies), and anything containing nicotine (including cigarettes) are just a few dangerous items in and around your medicine cabinet. Always ask your veterinarian before starting any medications for your pets. Many drug combinations are also dangerous so be sure to let your doctor know of any medications your pet is on in case of a potential reaction between a prescription and over-the-counter medication.

Plants

There are numerous plants in the house and around the yard that can be harmful to dogs and cats. Poinsettias, lilies, azaleas, daffodils, orchids, and rhododendrons are only a few. Symptoms range anywhere from vomiting and diarrhea to kidney failure, seizures and irritation of the mouth and throat. Some plants have even been known to cause respiratory and cardiovascular collapse. Severity of symptoms can depend on how much was ingested and which part of the plant - leaf, stem, flower, or root. It is a good idea to be aware of which plants and flowers bloom in your yard. Here are a couple websites below that give a full list of toxic plants:

www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/index.html

PlanRemember:

In any situation where a pet has eaten something it shouldn't have, it is best to contact your veterinarian or poison control. Time is critical when it comes to toxins. Waiting to see if your pet improves on its own could prove deadly. Prevention is always the best medicine: Take garbage out to trash cans, get trash cans with lids, pick up everything off of low counters and tables, keep prescription and over-the-counter medications in a high cupboard and consider using a crate for dogs while you are out of the house. Be prepared: have poison control and your veterinarian's number by the phone in case of an emergency.

Poison Control: 1-800-764-7661

Animal Poison Control (you will be charged a fee): 1-800-426-4435