As a pet owner, being able to identify toxins that can be harmful to our furry friends is of utmost importance. Not only to prevent exposure but to also understand what effects they can have and when to seek veterinary care. Most toxins in animals are dose dependent, meaning the amount they get will correlate with the severity of clinical signs. Stated another way smaller animals need a smaller amount to have toxic effects.
Possible Toxins
Some common Toxins to watch out for include the following:
1. Chocolate
The type of chocolate can determine the severity of symptoms.
Most toxic include: Unsweetened baker’s chocolate, Cocoa powder
Least toxic: White and milk chocolate
2. Sugar Free Products
Sugar free products contain a substance called Xylitol that is very toxic to dogs. Most common ingestion is from gum such as Icebreakers.
3. Other Human Foods
Most human foods are relatively safe for animals. The main exceptions to this are: Grapes, raisins, garlic, onion, nuts and bread dough.
4. Plants and Fungi
There are many toxic plants. If your pet ingests a plant and you are unsure if it is toxic, take a picture of the plant and send it to either your vet clinic or poison control for identification.
Examples of toxic plants: Oleander, Sago palm, and lilies (Especially to cats)
Mushrooms can also be very toxic
5. Recreational Drugs
Most commonly seen with Marijuana, in any form. Any other recreational drugs can also cause toxic effects to dogs.
6. Human medications
Ingestion of any human medication, including over the counter medications should be a cause of concern. Some of the most common toxins in this class include: ibuprofen, heart medication, inhalers, and ADHD medications.
7. Rodenticides
Rat, roach, and gofer bait can cause toxic effects to your pet. If a rodent consumes these and then your pet consumes the rodent there is a possibility of toxicity to your pet.
8. Household Products
Any cleaning product can have an irritating effect on your pet. Deoxidizers (The packets found in jerky, etc.), Pennies, and batteries are common objects that can be ingested.
9. Veterinary Products
Medications we use in our pets can also be toxic to them, if consumed in larger quantities than prescribed. One common example of this is Carprofen as this medication is beef flavored for ease of administration.
Diagnosing the Toxin
If your pet consumes something toxic, or suspected to be toxic, this is how we will determine if they consumed enough to cause a problem. These diagnostics may also lead to the diagnosis if the ingestion was not witnessed.
- Physical Examination: Checking for outward signs and symptoms.
- Exposure: If your pet consumes a suspected toxin, try to bring the packaging, a sample, or a picture of the item consumed.
- Blood Tests: Evaluating organ function, infection, or metabolic disorders.
- Urine Screen: Drug screens using the urine can be helpful Marijuana, and other common drugs
- X-rays or Ultrasound: Most helpful for potential plant identification, pennies, and batteries
When to Seek Veterinary Care
It is easy to know when to seek care if you witness your pet consuming a toxic item. Sometimes our pets ingest toxins without our knowledge, here are some signs that maybe your pet ingested something toxic:
- Known ingestion of a toxic substance
- Abnormal or erratic behavior change
- Collapse, Seizure
- GI signs such as vomiting and/or diarrhea
- Increased thirst and urination
- Changes to the skin such as yellowing, or unexplained bruising
Treatment Options for Toxins
The treatment depends on the toxin and may include:
- Decontamination: Most commonly we will induce vomiting to get the toxin up if the time frame is appropriate, and it is safe for your pet. Sometimes gastric lavage and enemas are also indicated
- Supportive Care: Providing fluids (either IV or under the skin) to maintain hydration, administering anti-nausea medication to control vomiting, and ensuring adequate rest. In some cases, electrolyte supplementation and glucose may also be recommended.
- Hospitalization: More intensive care for severe cases.
- Medications: Some toxins have anecdotes, and specific supplements used to help treat the effects of the toxin
Resources:
ASPCA poison control hotline: 1-888-426-4435
They will help determine if the substance and amount ingested is toxic for your pet. It is helpful to know the estimated weight of your pet. At your next Vet visit take note of their weight.
Once they determine the risk level they will let you know if it is recommended to seek care, or monitor at home.
Ensure to let them know if your pet has a homeagain microchip as this service is free if they do!
