Poison Threats for Pets

Pet Poison Awareness Month

Spring is almost here! As the weather gets warmer, more of us are heading outdoors to enjoy the sunshine with loved ones and our pets. Spring is also the perfect time to clear out cabinets, drawers, and closets, get rid of what we no longer need, restock essentials, and give surfaces a thorough cleaning.

As some of you may already know, March is Pet Poison Awareness Month. To keep your animals safe, I want to explore some household items that can be poisonous to dogs and cats. The key to caring for your pets is knowing which items in your home and yard could be harmful. Some are obvious, but others are sneaky and can slip by without you realizing.

Pay special attention to the following items:

Be aware of common dangers for dogs, such as chocolate and rodent poisons. Chocolate is made from cacao bean products and contains theobromine and caffeine. Humans can process theobromine easily, but dogs do so much more slowly, causing it to build up to toxic levels. The darker the chocolate, the greater the risk for your dog! Mouse and rat poisons are extremely deadly for dogs. Symptoms include bad breath, rapid breathing, weakness, seizures, and blood in vomit. Keep poisons of any kind out of your pet’s reach, such as in a high cabinet or locked away. Less well-known poisons include vitamins, heart medications, cold and allergy medicines, caffeine pills, antidepressants, and Acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol).

For cats, be aware of common hazards like topical spot-on insecticides and household cleaners. Symptoms such as fever, muscle tremors, seizures, and vomiting indicate poisoning from these substances. When cleaning, exercise caution with hazardous household chemicals like drain cleaners, lime-removal products, and oven cleaners. As a safety measure, keep your feline in a bathroom while cleaning to prevent exposure. Other known toxins include lilies, antidepressants, ADD/ADHD medications, glow sticks, and cold/flu medicines.

As always, a good suggestion is to keep threats to your animals in places where they are not allowed, cannot reach, or in a secure location such as a locked cabinet. Keeping your pets safe is our top priority, and we hope to help.

Here is a more comprehensive list for dogs:

These can be harmful or toxic to dogs, potentially causing digestive issues, organ damage, or even death, so it’s best to keep them away from your pets.

1. Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, tremors, or heart issues. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous.
2. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Although the exact toxin is unknown, effects include vomiting and lethargy.
3. Onions and garlic contain N-propyl disulfide, which can damage red blood cells and cause anemia. Raw, cooked, or powdered forms (such as in seasonings) are all risky.
4. Avocado: Persin, which is found in the pit, skin, and flesh, can cause vomiting and diarrhea. The pit also poses a choking hazard.
5. Alcohol: Even small amounts (e.g., in beer or raw bread dough) can cause intoxication, low blood sugar, or coma due to ethanol.
6. Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia within 12 hours. Toxicity depends on the dose but can affect even small amounts.
7. Xylitol (Sugar-Free Gum/Sweeteners): A sweetener found in gum, candies, and some peanut butters, it can trigger insulin release, which may lead to liver failure or seizures.
8. Cooked bones can splinter, leading to choking, intestinal blockages, or perforations. Raw bones are safer but still need supervision.
9. Fatty Meats or Trimmings: High fat content can cause pancreatitis, with symptoms such as vomiting and abdominal pain. Avoid bacon, sausage, or greasy scraps.
10. Milk and Dairy: Many dogs are lactose intolerant, which can cause diarrhea or gas. Small amounts might be tolerated, but it’s best to avoid feeding these regularly.

Additional Notes: Symptoms to Watch: If a dog ingests these, watch for vomiting, lethargy, or unusual behavior, and contact a vet immediately.

Here is a more comprehensive list for cats:

Like with dogs, these can cause serious health problems for cats, from digestive issues to organ failure, so it’s important to avoid them.

1. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats and can cause vomiting, a rapid heartbeat, or seizures. Even small amounts are dangerous.
2. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage or failure, with symptoms such as vomiting and lethargy. The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but it is well-documented in cats.
3. Onions and garlic contain N-propyl disulfide, which damages red blood cells and causes anemia. All forms—cooked, raw, or powdered (such as in sauces)—are harmful.
4. Alcohol: Even small amounts (e.g., in fermented foods or dough) can lead to intoxication, loss of coordination, or respiratory failure due to ethanol sensitivity.
5. Raw Dough: Yeast can expand in a cat’s stomach, causing bloating, and fermentation produces alcohol, increasing toxicity risks.
6. Milk and Dairy: Most cats become lactose intolerant after kittenhood, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, or gas. Avoid giving it as a treat, despite the “cat and milk” myth.
7. Fatty meats or trimmings: High fat content can cause pancreatitis, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain and lethargy. Avoid greasy scraps such as bacon.
8. Cooked bones can splinter easily, risking choking, intestinal blockages, or perforations. Raw bones are safer but still require supervision.
9. Xylitol: Present in sugar-free gum, candies, and some peanut butters, it causes a quick insulin spike, which can lead to liver failure or seizures.
10. Tuna (in Large Amounts or Human-Grade): High mercury levels in canned tuna for humans can damage kidneys, and overfeeding (even safe tuna) can lead to thiamine deficiency, which affects neurological health.

Additional Notes:

– Symptoms to Watch: Look for vomiting, weakness, or changes in behavior, and consult a vet immediately if ingestion occurs.

– Cat-Specific Risks: Cats are more vulnerable to certain toxins (e.g., onions, tuna mercury) because of their unique metabolism, so avoidance is essential.