Did you know that poisoning is one of the most common reasons for veterinary emergency room visits? This info is quite terrifying. Every year, more than 401,500 cases of pet poisoning are reported in the United States alone. In this article, a local Dawsonville, GA veterinarian discusses some of the common toxins that can threaten Fluffy and Fido, and offers some advice and recommendations for keeping your animal companion safe.
Are There Any Similarities Between Poisoning Concerns For Dogs And Cats?
Yes, very much. Most of the time, something that is harmful to Fluffy will be dangerous to Fido, and vice versa. However, dogs and cats have diverse physiologies, proclivities, and behaviors. Therefore, there will be some differences.
Cats may be more vulnerable to illness due to toxins. This could be through ingested chemicals or simply having something come into contact with their fur. Fluffy’s skin is delicate and readily absorbs chemicals. She is also quite meticulous about grooming herself, which puts her at risk of licking something off her fur.
Our canine companions will consume and chew almost anything. Some dogs outgrow this once they have finished teething, but others remain voracious chewers. Man’s Best Friend has a higher risk of ingesting unsafe substances. Fido may also lick a deadly chemical off of his paws.
What Should I Do If I Believe My Pet Was Poisoned?
This is not a ‘wait and see’ scenario. It is critical that you act quickly because your cherished pet’s life may be at stake.
The first step is to contact your vet. If it occurs after hours, contact an emergency room. You can also contact a pet poison control hotline. There are various alternatives. The phone number for the ASPCA is (888) 426-4435. (Please keep in mind that charges may apply.) Fido or Fluffy will require emergency veterinary care, so please inform the clinic ahead of time so that they can plan accordingly.
You may also be instructed to provide first aid assistance, such as giving your pet activated charcoal or hydrogen peroxide. Do not administer anything unless advised to do so by your veterinarian or a poison hotline representative. Doing the wrong thing may be more risky than doing nothing!
What Are the Telltale Signs of Pet Poisoning?
The symptoms will vary depending on the pet, as well as the type and amount of poison consumed. That said, there are certain common ones that you should be aware of.
Here are several examples:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Problems with respiration
- Coughing
- Drooling
- Seizure
- Twitching
- Staggering
- Insufficient appetite
- Fever
- Thirst
- Pain
- Bloating
- Collapse
- Shock
- Coma
- Increased heart rate
- Lethargy
- Excessive Urination
Behavioral changes might sometimes serve as a warning signal. When cats get sick, they typically isolate themselves. Dogs may appear to be depressed. Grumpiness can also be a red flag, particularly in pets that are typically friendly.
Keep in mind that these symptoms could suggest a range of conditions. If you detect anything out of the ordinary, call your veterinarian right away.
Are Essential Oils Hazardous to Pets?
Aromatherapy is often included in people’s health and wellness regimes. It can also sometimes be helpful for pets. Please exercise caution with oils, though. Many of these oils are exceedingly concentrated, making them potentially harmful.
Here are a few of the dangerous ones:
- Cinnamon
- Tea tree
- Citrus
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Wintergreen
- Pine
- Ylang Ylang
- Sweet Birch
- Clove
- Anise
- Wintergreen
- Juniper
For more information, contact your Dawsonville, GA veterinarian.
What Foods Are Harmful to Animals?
Many popular human meals are toxic to Fido and Fluffy! The following items are included in this list:
- Anything that contains xylitol (birch sugar)
- Mushrooms
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Avocado
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Currants
- Garlic
- Onions
- Scallions
- Chives
- Nuts, especially macadamia nuts.
- Chocolate
For more information, speak with your Dawsonville, GA vet.
Which Common Household Products Are Harmful to Dogs and Fluffy?
You may be surprised at how many ordinary household items are possibly dangerous to your pet. As a general rule, anything that would be unsafe for a child should be considered dangerous for your dog.
Here’s a quick list:
Pesticides: Anything designed to kill insects, including bug spray, rodenticides, and mouse and rat bait, is poisonous to your beloved pet. Warfarin, an anticoagulant, is used in many rodenticides. If consumed, this can cause significant, even fatal, internal bleeding. The list contains flea and tick remedies as well. These are completely safe when used as directed. However, doubling up or giving the wrong amount may put your pet in danger of poisoning.
Medication: Some of the most harmful include aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Keep all over-the-counter and prescription medications away from Fido and Fluffy.
Lawn and Garden Items: These are especially hazardous because our companion animals can easily consume them. All Fido and Fluffy need to do is lick their paws or fur in a newly treated area. Slug or snail bait is highly harmful to dogs. Metaldehyde, which is found in numerous brands, is the source of the problem. Fertilizer, fungicide, weed killer, and herbicide are all detrimental. Keep your pet away from areas that have been recently treated. Also, after treating an area, soak it. Wetting the affected areas after application guarantees that the chemicals soak into the soil.
Cleaning Products: All household cleaning agents should be regarded as toxic to pets. This department receives things such as bleach, disinfectants, furniture polish and oil, detergent, drain openers, mold killers, and others.
Automobile Products: Antifreeze is one of the most toxic chemicals. Many of these items have flavors that pets appreciate. Choose a brand that is pet-safe. (It remains hazardous for pets, but it is less appealing to them.) Gasoline, oil, lubricants, paint, cleansers, and wiper fluid all present additional hazards. Keep your pet away from locations where chemicals, rodenticides, or pesticides have been used, and clean up any spilled antifreeze or chemicals as soon as possible. Spills can be cleaned up with sand or cat litter.
Which Houseplants Are Dangerous for Fido and Fluffy?
Many animals enjoy munching on plants. That can be cute, but it can also be really deadly. The complete list of hazardous plants is too big to give here, so we’ll concentrate on some of the most prevalent.
Lilies are among the most poisonous plants for cats. Even minute amounts can kill cats. Fluffy can get sick by simply biting on a leaf or drinking a small amount of water. Fido is especially prone to Sago palms.
Here are a few of the harmful 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, anything containing a bulb is dangerous. Tulips, daffodils, onions, and garlic are among those. The ASPCA website contains further information about plants that are both safe and hazardous here.
Even non-toxic plants can be hazardous. Roses, for example, contain sharp thorns that, if consumed, can cause considerable internal injury. For further information, talk to your veterinarian.
Are Salt Lamps Hazardous to Pets?
Yes, indeed! Some animals prefer the flavor of salt. Fluffy and Fido may lick the lamp incessantly, putting themselves at risk of salt poisoning. That is not to say you can’t have one; just keep it out of reach of your animal companion.
Schedule An Appointment With Our Dawsonville, GA Pet Hospital
Are you concerned about your pet’s health, safety, or welfare? We are always glad to assist! Please contact your Dawsonville, GA animal clinic right now!
