POTENTIAL ANIMAL POISONS
Dogs and cats are NOT small humans. Many of the products which are helpful to the human are in fact toxic to the dog and cat. You should never give your pet human product without first checking with your veterinarian.
ASPIRIN: Is known to cause toxicity in the cat and to a lesser degree in the dog. Symptoms of a toxicity may be: vomiting, depression, anorexia, liver disease, anemia and stomach ulcers may also develop.
ACETAMINOPHEN: (Tylenol-Datril-cold and sinus preparations) Cats are especially sensitive to administration of Acetaminophen products. Administration of 2 tablets within a 24- hour period is often lethal to the cat. The dog can become poisoned with these products. Symptoms of toxicity may be gums and tongue becoming blue/ gray in color, swelling of the paws and face, anorexia and depression. Liver damage may occur.
IBUPROFEN: (Advil) These products may cause stomach ulcers, liver and kidney damage.
ANTIHISTAMINES: Often these products produce a toxicity in the dog and cat, and death can result.
FLEET ENEMAS: The use of a fleet enema in the small dog or cat may cause sudden collapse and death as a result of a decrease in potassium levels.
CHOCOLATE: 4.3 ounces of unsweetened chocolate or 32 ounces of milk chocolate is enough to cause death to a 40 pound dog.
ANTIFREEZE: Is a common poisoning in the cat and dog. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that attracts the pet. Cats are more sensitive than the dog. Treatment must be initiated within 24 hours to be successful.
CARBAMATES-PYRETHRINS-ORGANOPHOSPHATES: (Many of the flea and tick preparations available over the counter) Pets are often overdosed in incorrect usage of these products. The survival chances for the pet exposed to these products will depend upon the rigor of the treatment and the amount of time that has lapsed between the poisoning and treatment.
FERTILIZERS: (Bone meal- Rose dust- Lawn foods) All of these type products have a great potential for causing poisoning. These products can be absorbed through the skin.
METALDEHYDE: (snail- slug bait) Dogs find the pellets of this poison to be tasty and will readily eat them, 50% of those animals poisoned with these products die.
INSECTICIDES: (Raid-roach products, etc.) All insecticides are toxic and should be used properly. Pets that consume insects that have died from insecticide exposure may become ill.
RODENTICIDES: (Mouse- be-gone products which are used to kill mice and rats) These products are poisonous if the animal ingests either the preparation or the carcass of the rodent that was poisoned. These products are deadly to the dog and cat.
NARFARIN: (O Con) These types of products are also used to kill mice and rats. Prognosis following early diagnosis and rigorous therapy is good.
PETROLEUM DISTILLATES: (gasoline, kerosene, turpentine, lubricating oils, and charcoal lighter fluid) The common complication when these products are ingested is the aspiration of the fumes which can cause pneumonia and death.
LEAD: (Paints, linoleum, putty and solder) These products are toxic to dogs, cats and birds.
SOAPS: (Detergents, cleaners, bleach) These products are mild irritants, when ingested, pets will require medical care because these products are excreted slowly. If aspirated, pneumonia and death may occur.
ALCOHOL: The administration of liquors and beer may be very toxic to the dog and cat. Severe dehydration and death may occur.
STRYCHINE: Is a highly toxic commercial pesticide. Pets can become poisoned after they ingest poisoned rodents or birds. This product is often used to poison pets.
OVERHEATED FAT AND/OR COOKWARE: Overheating animal or vegetable fat is toxic to dogs, cats and birds. Pans coated with silver-stone Teflon, or other non-stick surfaces which are heated to a room temperature greater than 280 degrees, release a vapor which is toxic to man, dogs, cats and birds. Birds are especially sensitive to this vapor.
CARBON MONOXIDE: (Colorless, odorless gas generated by stoves, furnaces and automobile exhaust) Carbon monoxide is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream. Common carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when the animal rides in the back of the truck during rush hour traffic.
CAFFEINE: (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola drinks) These products can cause heart problems, seizures and vomiting.
NICOTINE: (Cigarettes, cigars, tobacco) Are highly toxic. Paralysis of the central nervous system and death can occur.
PINE SOL DISINFECTANTS: (Pine-sol) May affect the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, or the respiratory tract, especially in the cat.
INDOOR PLANTS: (Azalea, Jerusalem cherry, poinsettia, croton, foxglove, mistletoe) Pets are inquisitive by nature and will chew, especially the single pet or one that is confined for long periods.
OUTDOOR PLANTS: (Oleander, daffodil, tulip, iris, birds of paradise, honeysuckle, castor bean, potato (green parts and eyes), chinaberry, cherry, peach, apricot, and almond pits, and yews) All cause toxicity if ingested.
TOADS: Several species of toads secrete a toxic substance when they are mouthed by the dog or cat.
SPIDERS: The black widow, wolf, brown recluse, Arizona brown spiders all may cause severe toxic and life threatening emergencies.
SNAKES: The coral and rattlesnake are poisonous to the dog and cat.
GILA MONSTER: The bite of the Gila monster is serious and painful- toxic side effects may occur.
INSECTS: The conenose bug, ants, wasps, bees, hornets, and earwigs can cause severe anaphylactic shock in the dog and cat.
SCORPION: May cause a serious painful reaction in the dog and cat.
TIGER MOTHS: (White-orange-yellow and black body moth) Are poisonous to cats and dogs. They may cause gastrointestinal symptoms and a painful swelling of the lymph nodes.
DRUGS: (Marijuana, cocaine, LSD, etc.) These drugs will cause obvious signs of illness, personality changes and even death.
In the average household there are numerous potentially poisonous substances. The pet owner can prevent most episodes by knowing what substances are harmful to pets and making these substances inaccessible to them. If poisoning does occur, a veterinarian should see the pet immediately. All poisonings are emergencies and should be treated as such. If the owner knows what product the pet has been exposed to, the container should be taken to the veterinary hospital along with the pet so that the vet may view the package.
For your pets safety, never give it an over the counter preparation without first checking with your veterinarian. Always follow label directions exactly when giving medications to your pet.
OTHER POTENTIAL POISONS
De-icersTarCosmeticsMetal cleaners
Drain cleanersOven cleanersLivestock dipsHair colorings
Furniture polishRubbing alcoholDenture cleanersPaint-varnish
MatchesStyptic pencilsFireworksremovers
Rust removersCopper pennies Spoiled foodsAntiseptics
OnionsPerfumes OffShampoo
DeodorantsBarbiturates Fireplace colorsDisinfectants
Suntan lotionFluoride