We commonly see pets that are sick due to ingestion or exposure to household chemicals, medications, or poisons. In our practice, the most common toxicities seem to be rodent poison ingestion, antifreeze ingestion, overdose of human or livestock drugs, food poisoning, and exposure to some over-the-counter flea medications.
It is important to limit your pet’s exposure to the garbage where rotting food may contain mold and bacteria that could result in food poisoning. Additionally, certain foods should never be voluntarily fed to pets such as onions, macadamia nuts, chocolate, tea or coffee, yeast dough, candy or gum containing Xylitol, fatty foods, grapes or raisins, and alcohol.
Cleaning products should always be stored in a secure cabinet out of reach of pets. Most cleaning supplies can safely be used around pets as long as they are used according to label directions and proper precautions are used.
Proper use of insecticides is also crucial. Always follow label directions for flea and tick products, and never apply a product labeled “for use on dogs only” to a cat or other species as serious health problems or death can occur.
When using rodenticides (rat poison), always place the poison out of reach of pets. We see many cases of rat poison ingestion where an owner thought they had the substance hidden or out of reach of pets. If you observe your pet or suspect they have ingested a rodenticide, call us immediately. Do not wait to see if your pet shows symptoms as treatment is much more successful if instituted early.
Medications, both human and animal, should be stored out of reach of pets. Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Tylenol, or naproxen can be deadly to pets depending on amount ingested. Remember to store your pet’s medication out of reach as well since many veterinary drugs are formulated in a chewable form which is very palatable to most animals. Do not assume a human medication is suitable for your pet. Always call us before administering human medication to your pet.
Plants which may be hazardous include Lily of the Valley, Oleander, Azalea, yew, foxglove, rhododendron, and others. Other household hazards include potpourri products, mothballs, coins, alkaline batteries, electrical cords, paint thinners, mineral spirits, and other solvents.
If you suspect your pet has ingested or been exposed to a potentially dangerous substance, immediately call us or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435). Make sure to have the label of the substance available to assist in determining what treatment is recommended.