WILD- Topic 33: Toxicity and Poisoning Topic

A poison is any substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health. A toxin is any poison produced by an organism and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom. Symptoms of poisoning depend on which poison/toxin the animal encountered. They can include depression, weakness, trouble breathing, vomiting, facial and paw swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, loss of coordination and disorientation, increased water intake and increased urination, excitation, salivation, foaming at the mouth, drooling, shallow respiration, collapsing, pale mucous membranes, coughing and swollen joints.

With most toxins, you can induce vomiting within 20 minutes of ingesting a poisonous item. It is important to speak to a veterinary professional for correct instructions on how to induce vomiting. Some toxins are absorbed so quickly or cause corrosive injury, that inducing vomiting is not recommended. If a dog is brachycephalic, or has a history of cardiovascular disease or seizures, it is not recommended to induce vomiting at home as this can lead to aspiration pneumonia and aggravate the dog’s current health issues.

Unexpired 3% Hydrogen Peroxide can be used to induce vomiting in dogs. It should never be used in cats due to it causing hemorrhagic gastritis. Dogs can be given a dose of 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds, not to exceed 3 tablespoons. The best way to induce vomiting at home is to first feed the dog a few treats or small amount of their kibble. Hydrogen Peroxide can be administered using a syringe or turkey baster. Run the dog around afterwards, as this agitates the stomach and helps to induce vomiting. After 10 minutes, if vomiting has not occurred, a second dose of Hydrogen Peroxide can be given as long as the total given does not exceed 3 tablespoons.

Over the counter medications like Tylenol, Ibuprofen, and Aleve are not safe to give dogs and cats as pain relievers. They metabolize things different than humans. Tylenol will cause liver damage while Ibuprofen and Aleve cause bleeding stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Other common household foods such as grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and chocolate also pose toxicity concerns. Grapes and raisins cause kidney failure while garlic and onions cause damage to red blood cells so they are not able to transport oxygen effectively.

The darker the chocolate the greater the toxicity risk. The toxic component in chocolate is Theobromine. High enough doses of Theobromine cause GI upset, cardiovascular changes, and central nervous symptom signs.

Many household plants pose toxicity risks and it is important to research which ones are safe before having the around your pets. For example, lilies are deadly to cats as they cause kidney failure. Just licking pollen or ingesting water that a lily has sat in is enough to cause kidney failure.

Rodenticides are commonly put out to control rodent populations, but these active ingredients will poison and kill dogs and cats the same as rodents. If they are put out, it is important to put them where household pets cannot reach them. There are 3 main active ingredients used in rat baits. Long-Acting Anticoagulants (LAAC’s), Bromethalin, and Cholecalciferol. LLAC’s prevent the body from making Vitamin K which is a component needed for blood to clot. If an animal is not making Vitamin K there is a risk for them bleeding out internally. Fortunately, if an animal eats this bait and it is caught in time, prescription strength Vitamin K can be given until the animal is making it again on its own. Bromethalin is a neruo toxin and causes brain swelling. The animal will develop central nervous sign symptoms and ultimately die from seizures. Cholecalciferol is an overdose of Vitamin D which cause kidney failure.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to something toxic, move them away from the toxin. Assess to make sure they are alert and breathing normally. Try to ascertain what was eaten and how much and then contact your veterinarian or pet poison.

Hydrogen peroxide can induce vomiting in dogs but should never be used for cats