Top 10 Pet Poisons
Unfortunately, every year pets are exposed to common medications, foods and other items that are toxic, resulting in accidental poisoning. Many of these pets need emergency veterinary care. So what are the most frequent exposures and how can you prevent them?
- Over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Topping the list nearly every year are OTC medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, cold medications and herbal supplements. Ibuprofen and naproxen can cause acute kidney failure and should never be given to pets. Tylenol is fatal for cats in any amount. If your pet is exhibiting signs of pain, consult your veterinarian so the underlying cause of the pain can be determined, and appropriate treatment started. Keep OTC medications in closed cabinets.
- Human prescription medications. The second most common pet poisoning is caused by human prescriptions. ADHD medications, antidepressants and heart medications are the most commonly ingested prescription drugs and can cause gastrointestinal upset and kidney failure. Never leave open bottles on counters or tables.
- Human foods. It may seem strange that food that’s completely safe for people can cause harm in pets, but human foods cause poisoning frequently. The most common food products that cause toxicity in pets are protein bars and shakes, xylitol, garlic, onions, grapes and raisins. Xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures or liver failure and is in so many prepared foods—be careful what you share with your fluffy pal!
- Chocolate. Yes, it’s a human food, but chocolate toxicity is so common it gets its own category—so common in fact, that the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) received an average of 1 case every 15 minutes in 2021! The darker the chocolate, the more toxic it can be. Contact your veterinarian if you think your pet consumed chocolate and has the following signs: hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate and/or tremors.
- Plants. While safe for dogs, lilies are highly toxic to cats—even a small nibble can cause severe kidney damage. Sago palms are toxic to both cats and dogs and eating just one or two seeds can cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures and liver failure. Azalea, rhododendron, oleander, castor bean and cyclamen are just a few other plants that can cause serious toxic effects in pets. If your pet consumes a plant and shows signs of poisoning, take a photo of the plant, and contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) right away.
- Household cleaning products/paint. Curious pets may be attracted to the lemony scent of cleaning products which can cause skin and eye irritation, vomiting and diarrhea and occasionally wheezing and coughing. Even though paint, glue and varnish taste and smell terrible, pets sometimes lap up liquids out of curiosity or walk in trays and end up ingesting products while grooming. Glues can expand in the stomach, causing a life-threatening blockage. Water-based paints may cause nothing more than gastrointestinal upset, but oil-based paints and varnishes contain solvents that can be inhaled and cause difficulty breathing. If oil-based paints are ingested, vomiting and diarrhea may occur. If your pet has consumed any of these products, do not induce vomiting and contact your veterinarian right away.
- Accidental ingestion of pet medication. Yes, even veterinary products make the list! Just as with human medications, giving medication that’s been prescribed for a pet to a different pet in the household can cause toxicity. Never share medications between your pets and contact your veterinarian when you have concerns about your pet’s health. Never leave your pet’s medication on counters or tables. Keep medication in locked cupboards.
- Rodenticides. Mouse and rat poisons used to be made of an anticoagulant that caused excessive bleeding by interfering with vitamin K1 recycling in the body but can be managed with medication. Newer baits use a different compound that can still cause poisoning and affects the neurologic system, and does not have an antidote. If you suspect accidental ingestion, contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs include bleeding, seizures and kidney failure.
- Insecticides. As more toxic pest control products are removed from the market, fewer pet poisonings from insecticides occur. Be cautious when using insecticides and keep your pets off treated areas until the product has dried. Only use products approved for your pet, and avoid using pyrethrin-based products for cats as severe neurological problems can occur.
- Garden products. Rounding out the top ten pet poisons are a combination of a few garden products commonly used by green thumbs. Fertilizers and garden supplements such as blood meal and bone meal can be hazards for pets. Blood meal is made from flash-frozen, ground up blood and is used as a nitrogen source to enrich the soil. While it’s a great organic fertilizer, when ingested by pets it can cause vomiting, diarrhea and even pancreatitis (painful inflammation of the pancreas). Bone meal, made from ground up animal bones, is attractive to dogs but once in the stomach it may form a solid, concrete-like ball, leading to an intestinal obstruction. Avoid using these products in areas where your pet has access.
Many pets are curious by nature and this curiosity can lead to trouble. Store food, medications and all chemicals safely out of reach and behind closed cupboards. If you think your pet has consumed a toxin, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control (1-888-426-4435) right away.
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