Top 10 Most Frequent Dog and Cat Toxins of 2013

 

     The items below are presented in order of frequency, with number one being the item that caused the most emergency calls to Pet Poison Helpline.

                                              

                            Dogs: Top 10 Toxins of 2013

1. Chocolate: Bakers and dark chocolate are the most toxic. Milk chocolate can also be toxic if ingested in large amounts.
2. Xylitol: This sweetener is found in sugarless chewing gum, candy, medications, and nasal sprays and can causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure in dogs.
3. NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, etc. Found in products like Advil, Motrin, and Aleve. Dogs don’t metabolize these drugs well so ingestion can result in stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
4. Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those that contain acetaminophen or decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine are particularly toxic.
5. Rodenticides (mouse poison): These may cause internal bleeding or brain swelling even in small amounts.
6. Grapes and raisins: These harmless human foods cause kidney damage in dogs.
7. Insect bait stations: These rarely cause poisoning in dogs. The bigger risk is bowel obstruction when dogs swallow the plastic casing.
8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death in pets.
9. Glucosamine joint supplements: Overdose of products typically only cause diarrhea, however, in rare cases, liver failure can develop.
10. Silica gel packets and oxygen absorbers: Silica gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks, is rarely a concern. The real threats are the iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages like beef jerky or pet treats, which can cause iron poisoning.

 

                            Cats: Top 10 Toxins of 2013

1. Lilies: Plants in the Lilium species, such as Easter, Tiger, and Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats. All cat owners need to be aware of these highly toxic plants since we all know cats love to chew on plants.
2. Household cleaners: Most general purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns.
3. Flea and tick spot-on products for dogs: Those that are pyrethroid based (e.g., Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant’s, etc.) cause tremors and seizures and can be deadly to cats.
4. Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped our antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications. Beware – ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects.
5. NSAIDs: Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Even veterinary specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution.
6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems and death.
7. Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure.
8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: Common houseplants like the peace lily, philodendron, and pothos can cause oral/upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon.
9. Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it’s best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled.
10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry: These irresistible “toys” contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate. When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming can occur.

*List courtesy of Pet Poison Helpline.

The most important thing an animal owner can do for their pet is to become educated on household dangers. Hopefully the list above will help. Further research can always be done on the internet. Here at Veterinary Associates of Cape Cod, your pets health is what's important to us so if there are ever any questions and/or concerns, please don't hesitate to ask. When is comes to pet safety, there are no "stupid" questions.