In Case of Emergency
Poison Guide
COMMON PET POISONS
If you have any questions about toxicity, Please don't hesitate to call our office at 732-531-1212 or
CONTACT the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour hotline at (888)426-4435.
www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control
Poisoning is a common problem in pets. The ASPCA National Poison Control Center maintains a list of the most common poisons that pets are exposed to. In 2010 the TEN MOST COMMON POISONS of pets were:
#1 HUMAN MEDICATIONS – Ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®), Acetaminophen (Tylenol®), antidepressants, medications for ADHD, and sleep aids (Ambien®, Lunesta®) are the most common medications that cause accidental poisoning in pets.
#2 INSECTICIDES – The most common insecticide poisonings occur when permethrins or pyrethrins (found in over the counter flea and tick products) that are intended for use on dogs are inadvertently given to cats.
#3 RODENTICIDES – Warfarin, warfarin-related chemicals, and bromethalin are commonly found in baits use to control rats and mice. These baits are usually flavored and attractive to dogs and cats. Rodenticide poisoning can cause lethargy, labored breathing, seizures, kidney failure, and internal bleeding. Cats can get rodenticide poisoning from eating mice that have been poisoned.
#4 PEOPLE FOOD – Several common human foods can cause unpredictable and serious illness in cats and dogs. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs. Onions and garlic can cause anemia, and xylitol (an ingredient of sugarless chewing gums and other products) can cause low blood sugar and liver failure. Bread dough can expand in your pet’s stomach and release alcohol which can cause abdominal pain, bloat, vomiting, disorientation, and depression.
#5 VETERINARY MEDICATIONS – Many medications made for dogs and cats now come in flavored, chewable tablets which can make them more attractive to pets as treats. Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, and Metacam® are flavored medications commonly used to treat arthritis and pain in dogs. These medications can cause kidney failure in cats, and overdoses can be toxic to dogs.
#6 CHOCOLATE – Methylxanthines (theobromine and caffeine) are chemicals which are found in chocolate, cocoa beans, and coffee beans. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity, excessive urination, excitement, fever, rapid heart, rapid respiratory rate, seizures, collapse, and death. Small amounts of milk chocolate, such as found in Hershey Kisses and candy bars, usually do not contain enough methylxanthine to cause a problem, but you should always call your veterinarian if your pet eats chocolate. Remember to save the wrapper or container if you can; it is always very important to know the type of chocolate, and how much your pet has eaten.
#7 HOUSEHOLD TOXINS – Ant baits, silica gel packets, liquid potpourri, mothballs, toilet tank drop-ins, bleach, cigarettes and chewing tobacco, and caustic cleaning solutions are some commonly found products that can cause poisoning in pets.
#8 PLANTS – Easter Lilies, azalea, rhododendron, oleander, lily-of-the-valley, foxglove, castor bean plants, and cycad palms are plants that are poisonous to pets. Easter lilies, tiger lilies, or Japanese showy lilies, and various day lilies can cause acute renal failure and death in cats. Even minor exposures may result in kidney failure and death. If your cat eats lilies, call you veterinarian immediately.
#9 HERBICIDES – Keep pets off of newly fertilized lawns. Many herbicides can have a salty taste which attracts dogs and cats.
#10 OUTDOOR TOXINS – Ethylene glycol (commonly found in antifreeze) has a sweet taste and is highly toxic to dogs and cats. Even small amounts ingested can lead to acute kidney failure and death. Keep ethylene glycol products far away from pets, and do not allow your dog to be off a leash when there is snow or frozen ground. If pets are thirsty, they make drink antifreeze that has leaked out of car radiators.
PREVENTION is always best, but even if you suspect that your pet has been exposed to a toxin, early treatment is best to avoid serious consequences.
