While there are times that one taste (or even a whiff) is all it takes for your pet to know that there’s danger, some pet poisons are delicious; and that can lead to disaster. As a pet owner, it’s important for you to know what pet toxins to be on the look out for, and what pet poisoning looks like.

Here’s what you need to know about pet poison prevention…

Common Household Toxins

  • Human Medications – Painkillers (including aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen), cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, anti-depressants, vitamins, and diet pills can all be toxic to animals.
  • Household Cleaners – Bleach, all-surface cleaners, detergents, and scrubs can all make your pet seriously ill.
  • Insecticides and Pesticides – From rat poisons to those commonly found in over-the-counter flea and tick remedies, the toxins designed to rid your home of pests do not discriminate against the type of life they kill.
  • Houseplants – It’s not easy being green. Azaleas, lilies, philodendrons, and poinsettias are all toxic to pets. Click here for a complete list of poisonous plants that can be found both indoors, and out.
  • Foods – There are a number of foods that are toxic to pets, including chocolate, Xylitol (and artificial sweetener found in any number of products, from chewing gum to salad dressing), caffeine, mushrooms, onions and garlic, tomatoes, grapes and raisins, yeasts, and walnuts and macadamia nuts… just to name a few.
  • Recreational Substances – Both alcohol and marijuana (especially medicinal marijuana) can be toxic to pets.
  • Tobacco and Liquid Nicotine – With the increased popularity of vaping, it has recently been discovered liquid nicotine can be extremely toxic, if not fatal to pets. Regular tobacco is toxic as well, and should be kept away from pets at all costs (most will avoid it anyway).
  • Flame-Resistant Items – Pillows, bedding and clothes that are labeled “flame-resistant” have often been treated with a chemical that can be toxic to pets, especially if ingested. Some pets may also have a dermatological reaction to wearing or bedding down on these products as well.

Common Outdoor Toxins

  • Anti-Freeze – For some reason this fatal substance is irresistible to dogs. Keep it well out of your pets reach, and clean up any spills, no matter how small, immediately.
  • Lawn and Garden Care Products – Many commercial fertilizers, mulch, plant foods, and pesticides can all do your pet harm. Look for pet-friendly lawn and garden products to use instead. Also be certain that your pet cannot get into your composting, especially if you’re composting toxic foods.
  • Plants – Again, many plants and bulbs can be toxic to your pets, for a complete list, see above. Please note, however, that hops (used in brewing beer) are also quite toxic to pets, but not on the list. If you brew at home, keep hops (both fresh and spent), as well as spent yeast, away from your pet at all costs.
  • De-Icing Salts – Many of the commercial products we use to keep our walkways and roads clear can make pets ill. Look for pet-friendly alternatives and keep your pet’s paws clean throughout the winter season.
  • Trash Cans – Trash and trashcans can be an irresistible cornucopia of potential poisons. Keep your refuse secure and away from your pet.

Signs of Poisoning

In addition to knowing what to avoid, it is also vitally important that you know what a toxic reaction looks like. While not all toxic reactions are the same, here is a basic overview of symptoms:

Mild Poisoning

  • Mild diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Loss of appetite
  • Mild skin irritation

Moderate Poisoning

  • Severe diarrhea that lasts more than a few hours
  • Excessive vomiting
  • Noticeable skin irritation
  • Confusion or lack of coordination
  • Prolonged loss of appetite
  • Noticeable lethargy

Severe Poisoning

  • Extreme panting
  • Lack of coordination
  • Extreme lethargy
  • Hyperthermia
  • Seizures
  • Collapse

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a poison, please call us right away for a consultation. We will help you navigate your pet’s symptoms and, if necessary, have you bring your pet in for treatment.