Top Questions About Pet Poisoning

Did you know that poisoning is one of the most common reasons for emergency veterinary clinic visits? The statistics are quite disturbing. Every year, over 401,500 cases of pet poisoning are reported in the United States alone. In this article from Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, a local veterinarian discusses common poisons and provides suggestions and rules for keeping your pet safe.

Are Poisoning Concerns Similar for Dogs and Cats?

Yes and no. In most cases, something that is harmful to Fluffy will be dangerous to Fido, and vice versa. They do, however, differ in terms of physiologies, inclinations, and behaviors.

Cats may be more susceptible to illness as a result of spilled liquids or having something come into contact with their fur. Fluffy’s skin is very thin and absorbs things quickly. She is also quite particular about grooming herself, which increases her risk of licking something off her fur. Fido, on the other hand, will consume and chew almost everything. Some dogs outgrow this when they finish teething, but others continue to chew long into adulthood.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Pet Is Poisoned?

This is never a ‘wait and see’ situation. It is critical that you act quickly; your cherished pet’s life may be at risk.

Fido or Fluffy will require emergency veterinarian care, but it is ideal if you contact us ahead of time so that we can prepare. First and foremost, consult your veterinarian. If it is after business hours, contact an emergency clinic. You can also call a pet poison helpline. There are multiple options. The ASPCA’s number is (888) 426-4435. (Note that fees may apply.)

You may also be instructed to use first aid, such as hydrogen peroxide. Follow the guidelines exactly and do not administer anything unless advised to do so by your veterinarian or a poison hotline specialist. Doing the wrong thing might be more dangerous than doing nothing!

What Are the Signs of Poisoning in Pets?

The specific symptoms will differ depending on the type and amount of poison consumed. However, there are a few frequent ones you should be aware of.

Some of these are as follows:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Respiratory issues
• Coughing
• Drooling
• Seizure
• Twitching
• Staggering
• No Appetite
• Fever
• Thirst
• Abdominal Pain
• Bloating
• Collapse
• Shock
• Weakness
• Coma
• Increased Pulse
• Lethargy
• Urinating Excessively

Behavioral changes might sometimes be a warning indicator. When cats are sick, they often sequester themselves. Dogs may also exhibit signs of depression. Grumpiness in a friendly pet can also be a red flag.

Keep in mind that these symptoms could suggest a number of issues. If you observe anything unexpected or out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian right away.

Are Essential Oils Dangerous To Pets?

While some are safe, others are too highly concentrated to be safe for pets. This is concerning because aromatherapy is commonly used in health and wellness programs, but many people don’t know that the oils can be dangerous for pets. Be cautious.

Here are some of the unsafe ones:

• Cinnamon
• Tea tree oil
• Citrus oils
• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Wintergreen
• Ylang-Ylang
• Pine
• Sweet birch
• Clove
• Anise
• Wintergreen
• Juniper

For further information, consult your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarians.

What Foods are Toxic to Animals?

Many popular human meals are hazardous to Fido and Fluffy! This list consists of the following items:

• Anything with xylitol (birch sugar)
• Mushrooms
• Caffeine
• Alcohol
• Avocado
• Grapes
• Raisins
• Currants
• Garlic
• Onions
• Scallions
• Chives
• Macadamia
• Chocolate

For more information, consult your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian.

What Common Household Products Are Harmful to Fido and Fluffy?

The number of ordinary household items that could be hazardous to your pet may surprise you. As a general rule, anything that would be dangerous to a child could endanger your four-legged friend.

Here is a brief list:

Pesticides: Bug spray, rodenticides, mouse and rat bait are a few examples, but anything designed to kill insects is ultimately going to be poisonous to your beloved pet. Warfarin, an anticoagulant, is found in several rodenticide products. If swallowed, this can cause serious, potentially fatal internal bleeding.

The list also covers tick and flea medicines. These are perfectly safe to use as directed. However, doubling up or administering an incorrect dose may put your pet in danger of poisoning.

Medication: Aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are among the most dangerous. Fido and Fluffy should not have access to either over-the-counter or prescription medications. Some pets will chew through pill bottles, so store all meds in safe places.

Lawn and Garden Products: These are especially harmful because Fido and Fluffy only need to lick their paws or fur after passing through a recently treated area to ingest these chemicals. Slug or snail bait is extremely harmful to dogs. The problem here is a chemical known as metaldehyde, which is found in numerous brands. Fertilizer, fungicide, weed killer, and herbicide are all toxic substances. Keep your pet friend away from recently treated areas. Also, make careful to soak areas after you’ve treated them. Wetting areas thoroughly after applications ensures that the chemicals soak into the soil.

Cleaning Materials: Every household cleaning product should be considered hazardous to pets. This includes bleach, disinfectants, furniture polish and oil, detergent, drain openers, mold killers, and other products.

Automobile Products: Antifreeze is one of the most harmful substances. Many of these products come in flavors that pets appreciate. Choose a brand that is safe for pets. (It is still risky for pets, but it is less appealing to them.) Gas, oil, lubricants, paint, cleansers, and wiper fluid all provide additional risks. Keep your pet away from locations where you’ve used chemicals, rodenticides, or pesticides, and clean up any spilled antifreeze or chemicals right away. Damp spots can be covered with sand or kitty litter.

What Houseplants Are Harmful to Fido and Fluffy?

Many pets enjoy munching on plants. That can be adorable, but it can also be very hazardous. The full list of hazardous plants is too extensive to provide here, so we’ll concentrate on some of the most prevalent ones.

Lilies are some of the most toxic plants for cats. Even little dosages can be fatal for cats. Fluffy merely needs to bite on a leaf or drink a little water to become ill. Fido is very sensitive to Sago palms.

Here are some of the toxic 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, everything with a bulb is dangerous. Tulips, daffodils, onions, and garlic are among the varieties. The ASPCA website has more information about safe and dangerous plants.

Remember that even non-toxic plants can be lethal. Roses, for example, have sharp thorns that, if consumed, can cause severe inside damage. For more information, consult with your Wickenburg, AZ veterinarian.

Are Salt Lamps Dangerous To Pets?

Actually, it is! Some animals appreciate the flavor of salt. Fluffy and Fido may obsessively lick the lamp, which puts them at risk of salt poisoning. That is not to say you cannot have one; simply store it somewhere your animal companion cannot reach it.

Schedule An Appointment at Our Wickenburg, AZ Pet Hospital

Do you have concerns about your pet’s health, safety, or care? We are always willing to help! Please contact us at Hassayampa Veterinary Services, serving Wickenburg and the surrounding communities, right away!