10 Pet Toxins
photo sources lakecrossonline /petsclan
Many pet owners feel their dog or cat are part of the family. Prepping and caring for them is as important as any other member of their group. If your pet is anything like my own they can be little beggars. If you’re eating it they want some too!
But sharing with them can be dangerous for them. Their systems are not the same as ours and what is ok for us can be deadly to them. Also ever curious they can get into normal household items and even medications that can be equally as devastating to their health.
The listings below for dogs and cats are the most common toxins called about on the pet poison control hotline. If you think your pet has gotten into something toxic call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for assistance.
Before then see the lists below for the top toxins pets get into provided by Vet Dr. Becker from Healthy Pets
Top 10 Dog Toxins
| 1. Chocolate | Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are both classified as methylxanthines. These compounds can cause hyperactivity, increased heart rate, tremors, and potentially death. The more bitter the chocolate, the more toxic it is. Bakers and dark chocolate are the most toxic, and milk chocolate can be dangerous if ingested in large amounts. |
| 2. Xylitol | Xylitol, a sugar substitute common in sugar-free chewing gum and many other products, can cause life-threatening hypoglycemia and liver damage in dogs. |
| 3. NSAIDs | Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Advil, Motrin and Aleve, can cause GI ulcers and kidney failure. |
| 4. Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications | Many of these preparations contain acetaminophen (a painkiller) and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (decongestants) and are highly toxic. |
| 5. Rodenticides | Rat and mouse poison can contain inactive ingredients that are attractive to dogs. Aside from eating the poison itself, dogs can also become sick from eating a rodent that has ingested poison. Exposure to rat and mouse poison can cause bleeding, seizures and kidney damage. |
| 6. Grapes and raisins | These foods, even in small amounts, can cause kidney failure in dogs. |
| 7. Insect bait stations | The danger here is primarily bowel obstruction when a dog swallows the plastic shell that contains the bait. |
| 8. Prescription ADD/ADHD drugs | These drugs are amphetamines that can cause tremors, heart problems, seizures and death in pets. |
| 9. Glucosamine joint supplements | These supplements are often flavored to appeal to dogs. Overdoses usually produce nothing more dangerous than diarrhea, but in rare cases, liver failure can result. |
| 10. Oxygen absorbers and silica gel packs | Oxygen absorbers are found in packages of pet treats, beef jerky, and other consumables, and they contain iron that can cause iron poisoning in dogs. Silica gel packs are the small white packs found in new shoes, purses and backpacks. |
Top 10 Cat Toxins
| 1. Lilies | The variety of lily determines whether it is relatively harmless or potentially deadly. Non-toxic varieties include the Calla, Peace and Peruvian, and typically cause irritation of the upper GI tract. Toxic lilies — including the Tiger, Asiatic, Stargazer, Casablanca, Rubrum, Day, Japanese Show and Easter lily — can prove deadly for your cat. Just a tiny amount of any portion of these plants can cause kidney failure. |
| 2. Household cleaners | General-purpose cleaners are relatively safe (all-natural products are a much better choice), but concentrated products like drain or toilet bowl cleaners can cause chemical burns. |
| 3. Flea/tick spot-on products for dogs | Never use a canine flea/tick product on your cat. Depending on the ingredients in the product, just a drop has the potential to kill a cat within hours. |
| 4. Antidepressants | Cymbalta and Effexor topped Pet Poison Helpline’s toxic antidepressants list in 2013. For some reason kitties are drawn to these medications, which can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects. |
| 5. NSAIDs | Cats are more sensitive than dogs to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. And because kitties are so sensitive, veterinary-specific NSAIDs should be used with extreme caution, if at all. |
| 6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications | Just as with dogs, these drugs, which are amphetamines, can cause tremors, heart problems, seizures and death in cats. |
| 7. Over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medications | Many of these preparations contain acetaminophen (a painkiller) and pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine (decongestants). Acetaminophen is especially toxic to cats – it damages red blood cells and causes liver failure. |
| 8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals | Peace lilies, philodendron and pothos can cause oral and upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth and inflammation when ingested. |
| 9. Household insecticides | If you use insecticides on your indoor plants (which I definitely do not recommend, since they are environmental toxins), make sure to keep your kitty away from plants after application until the products have dried or settled. |
| 10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry | Many cats enjoying gnawing on glow sticks and glow jewelry. These items contain dibutyl phthalate, a chemical that can leak out and burn your cat’s fur and tongue. |
