23/06/2023
Top Toxins
One of the most common emergency calls we receive is owners worried that their pet may have eaten something toxic. Prevention is the best way to keep your pet safe from toxins! Here are the most common toxins that Pet Poison Helpline received calls about in 2022:
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine as well as caffeine, both of which can cause toxicity in dogs and cats. Darker chocolate contains higher quantities of these compounds, while milk chocolate contains lower quantities and white chocolate contains almost none. Signs of chocolate toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, hyperactivity, muscle tremors, seizures, and death.
Grapes and raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, cats, and ferrets. The toxic components are variable depending on the season that the fruit was grown, so there is not a specific toxic dose of grapes or raisins.
Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many foods, supplements, and candies (especially gum). Xylitol causes low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Xylitol is not toxic to cats.
Ibuprofen
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) used for humans. If dogs and cats consume it, it can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or seizures. These symptoms can occur with a single exposure to a high dose of ibuprofen or with long-term, low-dose exposure. Never use this medication to treat pain in your pets!
Bromethalin
This is a neurotoxin found in rat and mouse baits. These baits are usually tasty to attract rodents, but unfortunately they are yummy to pets as well. Symptoms of toxicity include wobbliness, muscle tremors, seizures, and acute death. There is no antidote.
Ma*****na
The large increase in accessibility of ma*****na has resulted in a jump in exposure of dogs and cats to this toxin. Symptoms include dilated pupils, dribbling of urine, and hypothermia. Most pets respond well to supportive care (i.e. fluids, heat support).
Anticoagulant Rodenticides
Many mouse and rat poisons contain chemicals that prevent blood from clotting. These effects can take days to become obvious, so pets that get sick from anticoagulant rodenticides won’t always show symptoms of having ingested the toxin right away. The best treatment is to induce vomiting as soon as possible after ingestion, followed by medications to allow blood to clot normally until the body is able to do so on its own again.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 is found in some rat and mouse poisons, in human supplements, and in some medications (i.e. psoriasis creams). Vitamin D3 affects the metabolism of calcium and phosphorus. Pets who ingest toxic amounts of vitamin D3 can experience GI upset, kidney failure, abnormal heart rates or rhythms, or difficulty breathing. Treatment involves supportive care such as IV fluids, anti-nausea medications, and medications to control calcium and phosphorus levels in the body.
Onions/chives/leeks/shallots
These plants are all part of the Allium family. Humans tolerate these plants well, but dogs and cats can develop a low red blood cell count (anemia) if these plants are ingested. Low-level chronic exposure (i.e. if you feed your dog a little garlic every day) or high-level acute exposure can both lead to toxicity.
Carprofen
Carprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used as a pain medication for dogs. Many formulas of carprofen are flavored into chew tabs, which can make them very tempting for pets. Overdose of carprofen can cause stomach ulcers, kidney failure, and/or liver failure. Be sure to store this (and any flavored medication) far out of your pet’s reach!