March is Pet Poison Awareness Month!
BoosterPet’s Veterinarian, Dr. Kobi Johnson, answers your questions about poison prevention for pets.
Q. What does poison prevention mean and how does it apply to my pets?
Numerous household toxins exist for pets. House and garden plants, food, medication, vitamins, cleaning supplies, automotive supplies, and common household objects all pose a risk. Not all pets will be initially interested in or attracted to items that are considered poisonous or toxic. However, animal behaviors can change with stress, boredom, changing life stages, illness, and other external factors. We recommend taking steps toward preventing toxin ingestion which is far easier than treating it.
Q. Which house plants are toxic to pets?
Many, unfortunately. For a full list of toxic plants as well as non-toxic plant choices visit: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants. Some of the more common toxic house plants include the aloe plant, many types of ferns, American rubber plants, spider plant, Chinese jade, cornstalk plant, poinsettias, lilies and herbs such as basil and chives. Even bouquet favorites such as carnations, tulips, baby's breath, and eucalyptus are considered toxic.
Q. What about plants in my yard or garden beds?
The list is long and includes Chinaberry trees (otherwise known as Persian Lilac), amaryllis, American holly, azalea, beets, ivy, begonia, buttercups, chrysanthemum, dahlia, camellia, foxglove gardenia, hydrangea, and apple trees. Additionally, any plant in the nightshade family, including potatoes and tomatoes have toxic vines and berries.
Q. I’ve heard cannabis, or marijuana, can be toxic to pets. Is this true?
Yes, and since its legalization in many states, the veterinary industry is seeing an uptick in accidental ingestion. Pets can easily overdose on THC – the psychoactive element of marijuana. Exposure routes includes secondhand smoke inhalation and oral ingestion. Pets may be attracted to the dried leaves themselves, but edibles - or food products containing cannabis, such as baked goods and candies - are an extra attractive option.
Q. What about CBD products?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a separate compound derived from the hemp plant and is marketed to both humans and pets as a medicinal supplement. When choosing this supplement, ensure you are using one made specifically for pets, as it will be formulated for the correct dosage and without harmful additives.
Q. Chocolate is a well-known toxin, but what other foods could be harmful to my pet?
It’s true! Chocolate is a big one, and the darker the chocolate, the higher the risk of toxicity. Other common toxic food ingredients include garlic, onions, yeast, macadamia nuts, almonds, stone fruit such as peaches and plums, avocado, rhubarb, citrus and whole nutmeg.
Q. Should I avoid grapes and raisins in my dog?
Though grapes and raisins may not affect all dogs, for those that are sensitive, even one grape can cause kidney failure. Even if your pet has tolerated grapes in the past, it’s best to avoid them, as the mechanism of grape toxicities are not well understood.
Q. What can you tell me about xylitol?
Xylitol (a sugar substitute) can be found in gums, candies, toothpastes and mouthwash, peanut butter, condiments, and syrups. If a food is labeled as sugar-free, it’s more likely to contain an ingredient like xylitol. Chewing gum and sugar-free candy continue to be the most common source of xylitol toxicity in dogs.
A pet that has ingested xylitol is at risk for a sudden decrease in blood sugar, and may experience vomiting followed by weakness, incoordination, collapse and seizure. Toxin ingestion always warrants immediate attention, but immediate emergency intervention is required anytime xylitol ingestion is suspected.
Q. Are there any vitamins or supplements that dogs should avoid? Can I share medications with my dog or cat?
With a balanced commercially produced diet, most pets do not require additional vitamins and supplements. If your vet has recommended a vitamin or supplement, it’s important to use products made specifically for pets, as they would be formulated to omit toxic preservatives, additives, and colorings. Only ever give your pet medications that have been prescribed by your vet. If the medicine has been designed to be palatable with flavoring, keep these items secure as they may be tempting to eat all at once.
Q. Any tips for a dog that is constantly asking for treats or counter surfing?
Often the illusion that a pet is receiving human food is enough to satisfy their need for a treat. Consider placing their kibble in a bowl that they associate with their humans and giving them a handful from that bowl when you want to treat them. If you call it a treat, they will think it’s a treat!
Q. I’ve heard pets like the taste of antifreeze. Is this true?
It’s true. It has a sweet smell and taste that pets are attracted to. If ingested it can cause acute kidney failure in both dogs and cats, and therefore should be secured out of reach.
Q. We are currently experiencing a pest problem. Should I be worried about my pet’s exposure?
Many pest control products, especially those used for rodents, work by interfering with natural blood clotting processes or have other mechanisms that are very dangerous to your pet. There are pet-safe pesticide options; we recommend consulting with a pest control company to find the option that is right for you, your pests, and your pets!
Q. My dog is a chewer and isn’t very selective in what he puts in his mouth. What should I be looking out for?
Batteries and coins are two items that dogs have been known to chew, but that are high risk for toxicity. Keep these items out of reach is the most important thing, as well as always having safe items for your pet to chew.
Q. What are the signs of toxicity in pets?
Signs vary widely depending on the type and quantity of toxin and route of exposure (ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation.) Any sign of illness in your pet combined with access to or evidence of toxin exposure warrants medical attention. Toxin ingestion initially affects the gastrointestinal and neurological systems first and can include vomiting and diarrhea, elevated heart and breathing rate, agitation and restlessness, sudden loss of urine and bowel control, convulsions and seizures, and incoordination and stupor. Your pet may also exhibit signs of an allergic reaction - including hives, facial swelling, and difficulty breathing - if they have encountered, but not necessarily ingested, some of these plants.
Q. What should I do if I suspect my pet has experienced toxin exposure?
The ASPCA’s poison control hotline (1-888-426-4435) is a great place for at-home triage to determine next best steps. If symptoms are severe, take your pet to the nearest emergency hospital immediately.
Q. What happens when I take my pet to the vet for toxin ingestion?
With toxicity, it is important to give your vet as much information as possible, including quantity and route of exposure, the timing of the exposure, the symptoms you are seeing and when they appeared. Providing all information is key to successful treatment. We are not here to judge; we are here to help! Toxicity exposure treatment will vary widely based on the above factors and may include medications to induce or cease vomiting, charcoal to coat the stomach, fluid therapy, blood sugar monitoring, radiographs, and laboratory tests.
Q. What can I do to protect my pet from household poisons?
A little prevention goes a long way towards keeping your pets safe and healthy. Maintain pet-safe plants and keep any dangerous plants out of pet’s reach. Use fencing or other barriers to maintain distance from toxic plants and crops. Securely store all fertilizers, pesticides, and plant food. It's important to pet-proof your trash cans and compost bin. Keep vitamins, supplements, and medications out of reach. Avoid smoking marijuana around your pet to reduce second-hand smoke and keep edibles out of reach.
Q. What other resources do you recommend?
The following websites are great resources:
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-safety-tips/national-poison-prevention-week-march-20-26/
https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2019-03/march-is-pet-poison-prevention-month/
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