Poisoning is one of the leading reasons for emergency animal clinic visits. The evidence on this is quite disturbing. Every year, more than 401,500 cases of pet poisoning are reported in the United States alone. In this article, a local Bel Air, MD  veterinarian discusses common toxins and provides recommendations and rules for keeping your animal companion safe.

What Are the Warning Signs of Poisoning in Pets?

The particular symptoms will vary depending on the type and quantity of poison consumed. However, there are a few frequent ones to be aware of.

Examples include the following:

• Coughing
• Drooling
• Seizure
• Twitching
• Staggering
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory Problems
• Lack Of Appetite
• Fever 
• Thirst
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating 
• Collapse
• Shock
• Coma 
• Weakness
• Elevated Pulse
• Lethargy
• Excessive Urination

Behavioral changes may also serve as a warning indication. When cats become ill, they often withdraw themselves. Dogs could also appear depressed. Grumpiness can also be a warning sign in some pets.

Keep in mind that these indicators can suggest a range of conditions. If you observe anything strange or unusual, contact your veterinarian right away.

Are Essential Oils Toxic for Pets?

Many people include aromatherapy into their health and wellness regimes. Use care with these. Many of these oils are highly concentrated, which makes them potentially harmful.

Here are some of the riskier ones:

• Cinnamon
• Tea Tree Oil
• Citrus oils
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint 
• Wintergreen
• Ylang Ylang 
• Pine
• Sweet Birch 
• Clove
• Anise
• Wintergreen
• Juniper

For additional information, speak with your veterinarian.

Which Foods Are Toxic to Animals?

Many pets are very, very good at getting their humans to fork over tasty foods and treats. Unfortunately, quite a few popular human foods are harmful to Fido and Fluffy! This list includes the following:

• Anything containing xylitol (birch sugar)
• Mushrooms
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Currants
• Garlic
• Onions
• Scallions
• Chives
• Various nuts, including macadamias.
• Chocolate

Contact your Bel Air, MD veterinarian for more information.

What Common Household Products Are Toxic to Fido and Fluffy?

The number of ordinary household items that could hurt your pet may surprise you. As a general rule, everything that would be unsafe for a youngster may endanger your four-legged companion.

Here’s a short list:

Pesticides: Bug spray, rodenticides, mouse and rat bait: anything designed to kill insects will be harmful to your beloved pet. Many rodenticides contain warfarin, an anticoagulant. If swallowed, this can cause severe, potentially fatal internal bleeding. 

The list also covers treatments for fleas and ticks. These are safe to use as directed. However, doubling up or providing the incorrect dose can put your pet at risk of poisoning.

Medication: Some of the most harmful are aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Keep both over-the-counter and prescription medications away from Fido and Fluffy.

Lawn and Garden Products: These are especially harmful because our pets can easily consume them. All Fido and Fluffy have to do is go across a recently treated area and lick their paws or fur. Slug or snail bait is extremely harmful for dogs. The problem here is a chemical called metaldehyde, which is found in numerous brands. Fertilizer, fungicide, weed killer, and herbicide are all toxic. Keep your pet away from recently treated areas. Also, make sure to soak the treated areas. Properly soaking areas following applications ensures that the chemicals leach into the soil.

Cleaning Agents: All household cleaning solutions should be considered harmful to pets. Bleach, disinfectants, furniture polish and oil, detergent, drain openers, mold killers, and other things enter this area.

Automotive Products: Antifreeze is one of the most hazardous. Many of these goods have a flavor that pets prefer. Choose a pet-safe brand. (It would still be dangerous for pets, but it is less appealing to them.) Gasoline, oil, lubricants, paint, cleansers, and wiper fluid all provide additional hazards. Keep your pet away from locations where you have used chemicals, rodenticides, or pesticides, and immediately clean up any spilled antifreeze or chemicals. To cover damp spots after spills, use sand or kitty litter.

Which Houseplants Are Toxic to Fido and Fluffy?

Many pets enjoy nibbling on plants. That can be adorable, but it can also be really dangerous. The full list of harmful plants is too extensive to give here, so we’ll focus on some of the most prevalent. Lilies are among the most toxic plants for cats. Even little dosages can kill cats. Fluffy merely has to nibble on a leaf or drink a small amount of water to become ill. Fido is more at risk from Sago palms, which he may try to eat.

Here are a few of the toxic ones:

• Rhododendron
• Crocus 
• Cyclamen
• Chrysanthemum
• Ivy
• Sago palm
• Foxglove
• Lilies
• Irises
• Peonies
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Hyacinth
• Oleander
• Amaryllis
• Lily of the Valley
• Azalea
• Hydrangea
• Holly

In general, everything with a bulb is hazardous. This contains tulips, daffodils, onions, and garlic. The ASPCA’s website contains additional information regarding safe and dangerous plants here.

Remember that even non-toxic plants can be harmful. Roses, for example, contain sharp thorns that, if consumed, can cause considerable internal damage. Ask your Bel Air, MD veterinarian for further information.

Are Salt Lamps Dangerous for Pets?

Actually, yes! Some animals like the taste of salt. Fluffy and Fido may obsessively lick the lamp, putting them at risk of salt poisoning. That’s not to say you can’t have one; just keep it out of reach of your pet.

Are The Poisoning Concerns For Dogs And Cats The Same?

Yes and no. In most cases, something hazardous to Fluffy will be harmful to Fido, and vice versa. However, they exhibit distinct patterns and behaviors.

Cats may be more susceptible to ingesting toxins as a result of having something spilled on them or even just on their fur. Fluffy’s skin is highly sensitive and absorbs stuff quickly. She is also quite particular about grooming herself, which puts her in a higher danger of licking something from her fur. 

Of course, Fido can also lick hazardous material from his paws. Another difference? Our canine companions will eat and chew almost anything. Some dogs outgrow this after they stop teething, but others chew well into adulthood.

What Should I Do If I Think My Pet Has Been Poisoned?

The first thing to do is contact your Bel Air, MD vet. This is not a ‘wait and see’ situation. It is critical to act quickly; your cherished pet’s life may depend on it! If it’s after hours, contact an emergency clinic. You could also call a pet poison hotline. There are various options. The ASPCA’s telephone number is (888) 426-4435. (Charges may apply.) 

Fido or Fluffy will require emergency veterinarian care, but it’s best to inform the clinic ahead of time so that staff can prepare. You may also be asked to offer first aid, such as hydrogen peroxide, before you can transport your pet. Follow the instructions exactly, and do not administer anything unless directed to do so by your veterinarian or a poison hotline representative. Doing the wrong thing may be riskier than doing nothing!

Schedule an Appointment at Your Bel Air, MD Pet Hospital

Are you concerned about your pet’s well-being, safety, or care? We are always delighted to help! Please contact your Bel Air, MD animal clinic now!