Why is National Animal Poison Prevention Week Important?
- Pet poisoning cases are on the rise; the ASPCA American Poison Control Centre (APCC) assisted in 401,550 cases in 2021 and Pet Poison Helpline (serving Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean) reported a 51% increase in call volume from 2020 to 2021 (Parkdale Animal Hospital)
- The APCC claims an average of 103 chocolate-related cases per day (Parkdale Animal Hospital).
- There are an estimated 232,000 cases of pet poisoning annually in the United States (WebMD Pet Health Center).
- Hand sanitizer: 413% increase
- Yeast: 222% increase
- Coffee: 207% increase
- Bread dough: 202% increase
Animal Poisoning: Knowing the Culprits
As a pet owner, it is a well-known fact that only animal food should end up in their bowl. However, as clinics across Canada know only too well, accidents can happen. Below we have listed some of the key poisons you should keep well out of paw’s reach:
Theobromine
Theobromine, found in chocolate, is deadly to dogs, cats, and rabbits, with darker varieties posing a greater danger. Protect your pets by keeping them away from chocolate-laden items like cakes, sweets, cookies, and cocoa powder.
Caffeine
Pets are highly sensitive to caffeine, a potent stimulant that can impact their heart, blood pressure, and potentially trigger seizures. Caffeine is present in tea, coffee, energy drinks, chocolate, and some human medications. Ensure these items are out of your pet’s reach.
Grapes
Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants carry toxins that could be lethal to dogs. The severity of symptoms and the toxic dose vary, making it crucial to consult your vet if your dog ingests any of these, as they can lead to kidney failure in extreme cases.
Organosulphoxides
Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives have organosulphoxides, which are harmful to dogs and cats, potentially causing severe anemia.
Avocados
Avocados contain persin, toxic to birds and rabbits but generally safe for cats and dogs in small quantities. However, the high fat content can upset pets’ stomachs, and the pit poses a choking hazard.
Seeded fruits
Fruits with stones or pits, like peaches, and items like corn on the cob, can lead to blockages if the pit is ingested.
Nuts
Macadamia nuts are poisonous to dogs, causing symptoms like weakness, tremors, vomiting, and diarrhoea. While other nuts aren’t toxic, their high fat content can upset the stomach and lead to pancreatitis.
Salt
Salt poisoning in pets is uncommon as they typically drink water to offset the effects. However, consuming large amounts of salt without access to water can be deadly.
Alcohol
Alcohol and products containing it are harmful to pets. Additionally, watch out for household items that may contain alcohol.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in various sugar-free products, is incredibly toxic to dogs and can be lethal. It’s also known as ‘birch sugar.’
Moldy foods
Moldy foods may contain lethal mycotoxins, causing symptoms like vomiting, tremors, and seizures. Prevent your dog’s access to food waste and compost to avoid poisoning.
Blue cheese
Blue cheese, containing a specific fungus, can upset dogs, potentially leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, fever, and seizures.
Bones
Bones, whether cooked or raw, pose risks to dogs, including mouth and dental injuries, throat damage, constipation, blockages, and internal damage from splinters, with cooked bones being more likely to splinter.
How to Spot Poisoning in Your Pet
Early detection can mean the difference between a full recovery and long-term health issues or worse. As a pet owner, it’s essential to be vigilant and aware of the signs that your pet may have ingested something toxic:
Vomiting & diarrhoea
Gastrointestinal upset is one of the most common signs of animal poisoning. If your pet starts vomiting or has diarrhoea, it could be a sign they’ve ingested poison.
Weakness
A sudden decrease in energy levels is a telltale sign of poisoning. Your pet’s lethargy, weakness or inability to stand or walk should be a cause for concern.
Seizures and tremors
Certain toxins can cause seizures, tremors or twitching. This is a severe symptom requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Breathing difficulties
Respiratory distress is a classic symptom of poisoning, especially if your pet has ingested something that causes swelling or blockage in the throat.
Drooling & foaming
Some poisons can cause an abnormal increase in salivation. If you notice your pet drooling more than usual or foaming at the mouth, it may be a sign of poisoning.
Thirst & urination
Changes in drinking or urination habits can also indicate poisoning, especially if your pet suddenly seems extremely thirsty or is urinating more frequently or in larger amounts.
Heart Rate
Poisons can affect the heart, leading to either an unusually slow or rapid heartbeat. You might notice this as a change in your pet’s pulse or through a vet examination.
Gum Color
The color of your pet’s gums can tell you a lot about their oxygenation and blood circulation. Pale, blue, or bright red gums can indicate a serious problem, including poisoning.
Nosebleeds, Unusual Bruising, or Blood in Urine/Stool
These symptoms can indicate that a poison is affecting your pet’s blood’s ability to clot, which can be life-threatening.
Agitation or Depression
Behavioral changes such as unexplained agitation, restlessness, or on the flip side, unusual depression, can also be signs of poisoning.