03/14/2023
March is Pet Poison Prevention Month!
Dogs and cats are curious little beings, they learn through smell, touch and taste all of which can present a danger to them on a multitude of levels. They’re the ultimate curious toddler at all points in their lives but especially as young puppies and kittens. As pet parents and professional sitters our aim is to keep our fur babies healthy and safe. March marks Pet Poison Prevention Month. Every year the Pet Poison Helpline receives thousands of calls and about 50% are related to pets that have accidentally been poisoned by something that is safe for humans but toxic to pets. Through education and awareness, we can provide appropriate pet proofing that can spare you an expensive trip to the veterinarian or potentially the heartbreaking loss of your best friend.
Some of the top household items according to the Pet Poison Helpline are:
Human Medications
Common NSAID’s like Aleve, Advil and Motrin as well as acetaminophen like Tylenol and antidepressants, are extremely toxic to dogs and cats. Although it may seem like second nature for us to take these medications, they can be extremely dangerous to our pets. This is because animals do not metabolize many NSAIDs in the same manner that humans do and even small exposures may lead to gastrointestinal damage, organ injury, or neurological signs.
If you feel that your pet is in pain, please do not give any medication without first consulting your veterinarian. Keep medication bottles well out of reach, especially when they contain flavored chew tabs!
Always keep human prescription drugs locked away and out of the reach of curious pets.
Pet Prescriptions
Well-meaning pet parents are often unaware that their efforts to “make things easier” for the sitter could result in potential hazards to the fur babies. I appreciate that they want to leave their pets’ prescriptions on the counter, but ideally they should be kept in a cupboard inaccessible to even the most curious of pets.
Mouse & rat poisons
Rodenticide, or mouse & rat poison, are intended to be efficiently deadly. The poisons used are not just effective against rodents, so beware! Over the past 10 years, bromethalin has become the most common rodenticide. It can cause rapid or delayed brain/spinal cord swelling which leads to serious neurological signs.
Cholecalciferol (vitamin D3) rodenticide is becoming much more prevalent. Small amounts of this bait can lead to elevated calcium, which can harm the kidneys, heart, lungs and gastrointestinal tract.
Anti-coagulant rodenticides are still a concern as well. These products can cause bleeding within 2-7 days of consumption or after having chronic access to smaller amounts. Fortunately, there is an antidote to this class of toxin.
Xylitol – a.k.a Birch Sugar, Wood Sugar, Birch Bark Extract, Birch Sap
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can be found in toothpaste, mouthwash and dental floss, nasal sprays, low sugar or low carbohydrate candies, CHEWING GUM, many “natural food supplements,” certain sugar-free foods including peanut butter, and many chewable or liquid supplements.
Dogs are particularly sensitive to this ingredient. It can cause a rapid, life-threatening drop in blood sugar. If you think this is happening, rub corn syrup or honey on the dog’s gums and go immediately to a veterinary facility.
Higher doses of xylitol may cause severe liver damage but may not cause a drop in blood sugar.
Grapes & raisins
This little fruit has caused a lot of debate. What we know is that not all dogs are affected to the same degree. This makes outcome hard to predict. We know that kidney failure is possible and is proceeded by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Therefore, decontamination and close monitoring are vital.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is often found in vitamins and calcium-containing supplements. This vitamin is necessary for the body to absorb calcium. The problem arises when there is too much of a good thing. Too much calcium in the body can lead to mineralizing organs, which diminishes their function (kidneys, heart, lungs, intestines).
Fertilizers
Most exposures to fertilizers result in mild gastro-intestinal signs. They may be a greater risk if there are additives to change the soil pH.
Organic fertilizers, like bone and bloodmeal, can cause more significant signs. Possible signs include protracted vomiting and diarrhea, pancreatitis, and foreign body obstruction.
Mushrooms
With warmer spring weather on its way we begin to see a variety of yard mushrooms, depending on the mushroom type, most of poisoning signs will occur within 1-2 hours. Certain mushrooms which cause liver and kidney failure can take 6 or more hours to show signs. The type of mushroom can determine how aggressive the treatment will need to be. Some animals can quickly bounce back from mushroom toxicity while others can have fatal consequences.
If your pet ingests a mushroom, we do not recommend trying to identify it yourself. Identifying mushrooms is challenging for anyone who does not regularly work with them, and it should only be performed by a mycologist. You should collect any chewed or vomited mushrooms in a paper bag and place them in the refrigerator. Please be sure that the bag clearly states, “Do Not Eat!”, so they do not get mistaken for human consumption.
Plants
The top 11 poisonous plants are as follows and can result from anything as minor as stomach upset to acute kidney failure to fatal liver failure.
Lilium species
Hemerocallis species
Sago/Cycad palm
Pothos/Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum species)
Azaleas (Rhododendron species)
Aloe
Philodendron
Hosta
Tulips and Daffodils
Often times we are completely unaware of everyday household items or situations that may turn very bad for our pets. Join me in raising awareness and educating on the top household poisons, many more of which you’ll find lists and lists of online. Let’s band together to keep our fur kids safe!!
Pet Poison Hotline 855-764-7661
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435
