National Animal Poison Prevention Week begins on March 17th this year. This topic is relevant to everyone with pets. Poisoning is one of the most common reasons for emergency visits. The statistics on this are extremely sobering: Over 401,500 incidents of pet poisoning are recorded annually in the US alone. In this article, a local Gaithersburg, MD veterinarian provides information and recommendations on how to keep your animal companion safe.

What Are the Warning Signs of Poisoning in Pets?

The specific symptoms will vary based on the type and quantity of poison consumed. However, there are some general ones to be aware of.

Some of these include the following.

• Coughing 
• Drooling
• Seizure
• Twitching
• Wobbling
• Staggering
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack Of Appetite
• Respiratory issues
• Fever
• Thirst
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Collapse
• Shock
• Coma
• Weakness
• An irregular heartbeat
• Internal Bleeding
• Lethargy
• Excessive Urine

Behavioral changes can also be a red flag. When cats are not feeling well, they often withdraw. Dogs may also appear sad. Grumpiness can also be a warning sign in some pets. 

Keep in mind that these items can be signs of a wide range of problems. If you detect anything wrong, contact your Gaithersburg, MD veterinarian straight away.

Are Essential Oils Toxic To Pets?

Many people include aromatherapy into their health and wellness regimes. Pets can also benefit, but exercise caution here. Many of these oils are highly concentrated, which makes them potentially harmful. Cats are especially vulnerable here, since they are highly sensitive to toxins. Keep all essential oils away from your pet. 

Here are some of the most toxic ones:

• Pennyroyal
• Peppermint
• Wintergreen
• Ylang Ylang Pine
• Cinnamon
• Tea Tree Oil
• Citrus oils
• Sweet Birch Clove
• Anise
• Wintergreen
• Juniper

Which Foods Are Poisonous To Pets?

Many of the things we like are harmful to Fido and Fluffy! The list contains the following:

• Grapes
• Raisins
• Currants
• Garlic
• Onions
• Scallions
• Chives
• Many nuts, including macadamia nuts
• Chocolate
• Junk Food 
• Anything containing Xylitol (Birch Sugar).
• Caffeine
• Alcohol

Ask your Gaithersburg, MD veterinarian for further information.

What Common Home Products Are Toxic to Dogs and Cats?

The number of everyday household products that can be dangerous to your furry friend may surprise you. As a rule of thumb, consider anything that would be unsafe for a toddler to be a hazard for your four-legged friend. 

Here’s a short list:

Pesticides: Bug spray, rodenticides, mouse and rat bait: anything designed to kill insects will be harmful to your furry friend. Many rodenticides contain warfarin, an anticoagulant. This may cause severe—and perhaps fatal—internal bleeding if consumed.

Flea and tick treatments are also on the list. They are of course completely safe when used as directed. However, doubling up or administering an incorrect amount could put your pet at risk of poisoning.

Medication: We advise taking great care to keep medications out of reach of pets. Some of the most harmful include aspirin, acetaminophen, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen. Store both over-the-counter and prescription medications away from Fido and Fluffy.

Lawn and Garden Products: These are especially concerning because pets might easily ingest them. All Fido and Fluffy need to do is walk through a recently-treated spot and then lick their paws or fur. Slug or snail bait is particularly concerning, as it is very toxic but, unfortunately, sometimes appealing to dogs. The problem here is a chemical called metaldehyde, which is found in numerous brands. Ingestion, unfortunately, can prove fatal.

Any fertilizer, fungicide, weed killer, or herbicide is also hazardous. Keep pets away from recently-treated spots. It will also help to thoroughly soak areas after applications, to ensure that the chemicals leach into the ground.

Cleaning Agents: All and any household cleaning solutions should be considered harmful to pets. Bleach, disinfectants, furniture polish and oil, detergent, drain openers, mold killers, and other products fall under this category.

Auto Products: Antifreeze is one of the most hazardous substances for Fluffy and Fido. Many products have a flavor that pets enjoy. Choose a pet-safe brand. (It is still not safe for pets, but it is at least much less appealing to them.) Gasoline, oil, lubricants, paint, cleansers, and wiper fluid are additional risks. 

Keep your furry friend away from spots where you have used chemicals or placed rodenticides or pesticides, and immediately clean up any spilled antifreeze or chemicals. You can put sand or kitty litter down on antifreeze and oil spills.

Which Plants Are Poisonous to Pets?

Many pets enjoy nibbling on plants. That can be cute, but it’s also very dangerous. 

The complete list of hazardous plants is too large to print here, so we’ll focus on some of the most prevalent ones. Lilies are some of the most dangerous ones for kitties. They can be lethal to our feline pals, even in minimal dosages. Fluffy merely needs to nibble on a leaf or drink a small amount of water to become ill. Fido is particularly vulnerable to Sago palms.

Here are a few of the toxic ones:

• Rhododendron
• Crocus Cyclamen
• Chrysanthemum
• Ivy
• Sago Palm
• Foxglove
• Lilies
• Common daisy
• Irises
• Peonies 
• Tulips
• Daffodils
• Hyacinth
• Oleander
• Amaryllis
• Lily of the Valley
• Azalea
• Hydrangea
• Dieffenbachia
• Holly

As a general rule, anything that has a bulb is dangerous. This includes tulips, daffodils, onions, and garlic. The ASPCA website contains further information regarding safe and dangerous plants here.

Keep in mind that even non-toxic plants can be hazardous. Roses, for example, have sharp thorns that can cause serious internal injuries if consumed. Ask your vet for further information.

Are Salt Lamps Dangerous for Pets?

Believe it or not, they are! Some animals relish the taste of salt. Fluffy and Fido may obsessively lick the lamp, putting them at risk of salt poisoning. That doesn’t mean you can’t have one; just place it somewhere that your animal companion isn’t able to get to.

Are Poison Concerns The Same For Dogs And Cats?

Yes and no. In most cases, something that is listed as toxic will be hazardous to both of them. However, Fido and Fluffy have opposing inclinations and behaviors. 

Cats may be more susceptible to illness as a result of spilled substances or from something just coming into contact with their fur. Fluffy has incredibly delicate skin, and can absorb things very easily. She is also meticulous about grooming herself, so is in more danger of licking something off. However, this is still a risk for dogs: Fido can easily lick harmful substances off his paws.

Another difference? Our canine companions will eat or chew almost anything. Some dogs outgrow this once they’ve finished teething, but others are ardent chewers far into adulthood.

What Should I Do If I Suspect My Pet Has Been Poisoned?

This is definitely not a ‘wait and see’ situation. It’s very important to act quickly; your furry friend’s life might depend on it.

The first thing you should do is contact your veterinarian. If it’s after hours, contact an emergency clinic. You could also call a pet poison hotline. There are various options: the ASPCA’s number is (888) 426-4435. (Note: charges may apply.) Fido or Fluffy will require emergency veterinary care, but it is best if you contact the clinic beforehand so that they can prepare. In a life-threatening situation, every minute counts! Our Veterinary Critical Care team is equipped to handle emergencies like poisoning, providing immediate and specialized care to give your pet the best chance of recovery.

You may also be instructed to offer first aid, such as hydrogen peroxide. Follow the instructions exactly, and do not administer anything unless advised to do so by your veterinarian or a poison helpline worker. Sometimes doing the wrong thing can be worse than doing nothing.

Our Advice on Top FAQs About Pet Poisoning in 2024

Are there any seasonal variations in pet poisoning incidents?

Seasonal variations in pet poisoning incidents are common. During spring and summer, increased outdoor activities lead to higher exposure to toxic plants, pesticides, and lawn products. Pets are more likely to ingest or come into contact with harmful substances used in gardening and pest control. In contrast, winter holidays often see a spike in poisoning due to festive foods, decorations, and cold-weather chemicals like antifreeze. Awareness of these seasonal risks and keeping hazardous items out of reach can help reduce the incidence of pet poisoning throughout the year.

How do factors like a pet’s size, age, and overall health affect their susceptibility to poisoning?

A pet’s size, age, and overall health significantly impact their susceptibility to poisoning. Smaller pets are at higher risk because toxins can reach dangerous concentrations quickly in their bodies. Young pets are more vulnerable due to their curious nature and developing systems, which may not handle toxins effectively. Older pets often have weakened immune systems and preexisting health conditions, making them more prone to adverse reactions. Additionally, pets with compromised health or specific medical conditions may have reduced ability to detoxify harmful substances, increasing their risk of severe poisoning effects.

How quickly do different types of poisons affect pets?

The onset of poisoning symptoms in pets varies depending on the type of toxin. Some poisons, like antifreeze (ethylene glycol), can cause symptoms within 30 minutes to a few hours. In contrast, rodenticides containing anticoagulants might take 1-3 days for symptoms like internal bleeding to appear. Foods such as chocolate or grapes can cause reactions within a few hours. Inhaled toxins often result in immediate respiratory distress. Timely identification and veterinary intervention are crucial, as early treatment significantly improves the prognosis for poisoned pets. Always consult a veterinarian at the first sign of poisoning.

What are the most common household items that cause pet poisonings?

Veterinary experts identify several common household items as frequent culprits in pet poisonings. Medications, both over-the-counter and prescription, top the list, with pain relievers like ibuprofen being particularly dangerous. Cleaning products, especially those containing bleach or ammonia, pose significant risks. Many plants, such as lilies for cats and sago palms for dogs, can be lethal if ingested. Foods like chocolate, grapes, and xylitol-containing products are also major concerns. Pest control products, including rodenticides and insecticides, are highly toxic to pets. Essential oils, often considered harmless by owners, can cause severe reactions, especially in cats. Antifreeze, with its sweet taste, is another deadly hazard. Pet owners should keep these items securely stored and out of reach.

How do the symptoms of poisoning differ between cats and dogs, and are there any species-specific warning signs?

While cats and dogs can exhibit similar symptoms of poisoning, there are some notable differences. Cats tend to be more sensitive to toxins and may show signs more quickly. They often become lethargic and withdrawn, whereas dogs might display more obvious distress like excessive drooling or vomiting. Cats are prone to hiding when ill, making detection challenging. Dogs may exhibit more gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea. Neurological signs like tremors or seizures can occur in both, but cats may show more subtle signs like twitching ears or dilated pupils. Respiratory distress is common in both species but may be more pronounced in cats due to their smaller airways. Ultimately, any sudden behavior change warrants immediate veterinary attention, as early intervention is crucial in poisoning cases.

Contact Your Gaithersburg, MD Animal Clinic

Do you have any concerns regarding your pet’s health, safety, or care? We are always delighted to help! Please call us, your local Gaithersburg, MD animal clinic, today!

Remember, pet safety is important year-round. As seasons change, so do potential hazards. For example, autumn brings its own set of challenges and joys for dog owners. Learn more about navigating this beautiful season safely with your canine companion in our article Autumn With Fido.