Common Pet Poisons

Be sure to “pet proof” your home and yard against these common pet poisons.  Please Note: This is NOT a list of all potential poisons and toxics that may cause harm to your pet.

Foods

• Alcoholic beverages
• Chocolate (baker's, semi-sweet, milk chocolate)
• Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)
• Moldy or spoiled foods
• Onions, onion powder
• Salt
• Yeast dough
• Dogs: Grapes and Raisins
  According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, grapes and raisins are dangerous for dogs.  After ingesting raisins or grapes in the amounts ranging from 9 oz. to 2 lbs., a veterinary toxicologists' report stated that symptoms included vomiting, kidney dysfunction, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy and abdominal pain.

Household Items and Plants

Liquid potpourris:

Cats are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, or by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers on themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming.  Exposure of cats to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe mouth, skin, and eye damage.

Medications:

Prescriptions and over-the-counter drugs must be kept out of the reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets.  Common examples of human medication that could be potentially lethal even in small dosages include:

• Pain killers
• Cold medicines
• Anti-cancer drugs
• Anti-depressants
• Vitamins
• Diet pills

During the holidays, many vet clinics have limited office hours.  Sometimes pet owners try to medicate their animals without their veterinarian's advice.  Never give your pet any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian.  Many that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately.  For example, less than one regular strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) (Motrin, Advil) or less than one regular strength acetaminophen tablet (325mg)(Tylenol) can be fatal to a 7 pound cat.

Plants:

This list is a collection of common toxic plants.  It is NOT a list of ALL poisonous plants.  In some vegetation, only certain parts of the plants are toxic.  In others, all parts are poisonous.  If your pet ingests a toxic plant, do not delay in getting your pet to a veterinarian.  Death can occur from nibbling even a small portion of a poisonous plant.

• Lilies that may be found in holiday flower arrangements could be deadly to your cat, such as: Tiger, Asian, Japanese Show, Easter, Stargazer, and the Casa Blanca. These can cause kidney failure in cats.
• Poinsettias are generally over-rated in toxicity, but if ingested, can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.
• Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems, but usually only causes gastrointestinal upset.
• Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.
• Other plants include: dieffenbachia, ivy all varieties, lilies of the valley, caladium, cala lilies, oleander, primroses, philodendrons and rhododendrons.

Yard Chemicals

Anti-freeze:

Even in small amounts anti-freeze is very dangerous.  As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a pet.  Thoroughly clean up any spills, store antifreeze in tightly closed containers and store in secured cabinets.

Ice melting products:

These can be irritating to skin and mouth.  Depending on the actual ingredient of the ice melt and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.

Be Prepared!

Your pet may become poisoned in spite of your best efforts to prevent it.  Keep the telephone numbers for your own vet, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435) in a convenient location.  If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.