Every year, thousands of dogs and cats across America become seriously or fatally ill from the accidental ingestion of household poisons. From common plants found both indoors and out to ordinary medications and chemicals, the list of toxins found in and around the home can be staggering. Because of this, knowing what presents a risk and what symptoms to look out for, is a must for the responsible pet owner.
Common Symptoms of Pet Poisoning
One of the most important parts of saving your pet from a tragic fate is recognizing the signs that he or she has been poisoned. The following symptoms should be treated as a pet emergency, especially if there is evidence that your dog or cat has consumed a toxic substance:
- Sudden and excessive vomiting and diarrhea
- Pale gums
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Increased, frantic breathing or panting
- Uremic breath (breath smelling of urine)
- Hyperthermia (elevated body temperature)
- Hypersalivating
- Elevated heart rate
- Weakness or lethargy
- Seizure
- Collapse
If your pet is exhibiting these symptoms, please call us for an emergency consultation immediately.
Common Household Toxins for Pets
Knowing what household toxins can harm your pet is a crucial part of mitigating the possibility of poisoning before it happens. While the following list is not exhaustive, it is a glimpse of some of the more common items your pet may encounter.
- Chocolate
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol
- Onions and garlic
- Human and veterinary medications, such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, cold and allergy medications, antidepressants, cardiac medications, etc.
- Glow sticks
- Nicotine
- Anti-freeze
- Rodent and pest poisons
- Household plants, such as philodendrons, lilies, aloe vera, and poinsettias
- Outdoor plants and bulbs, such as daffodils, tulips, hyacinth, crocus, hops, azalea, bleeding heart, yucca, wisteria, rhubarb, poppy, etc.
Resources
If your pet has gotten into something toxic, try to remain calm. If your pet is not presenting emergency symptoms, take a moment to review the Pet Poison Helpline website for a complete list of pet toxins and their symptoms. You can also call the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-213-6680.
If your pet has ingested a toxin or is showing signs of poisoning, please call us immediately for an emergency consultation.
Please, don’t wait to get your pet help. The sooner we can flush the toxins from your pet’s system, the better the chance he or she has for a full recovery.