Pick Your Poison

Twenty first century humans keep a lot of products in our homes that are life threateningly toxic to our pets. Dogs especially tend to eat things they shouldn't. Whenever a pet owner calls the ER to say their pet got into something toxic, we always recommend they call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680. Both services request a fee up front and are available 24/7.

Gastrointestinal Irritants are toxins that primarily cause drooling, vomiting and oral ulcers. Bleach must be properly diluted. One and a half teaspoons in a gallon of water is enough to disinfect. Bleach fumes will irritate nasal passages. Citrus fruit when eaten in large amounts or any part of a citrus plant will produce symptoms. Other gastrointestinal irritants include Carpet Freshener, Carpet shampoo, Fabric softener sheets and Poinsettias.

Laxatives are toxins that may cause diarrhea as well as vomiting and drooling. With foods like Milk and Dairy products, Nuts, Raw or Undercooked Meat, Eggs or Bones and Coconut Oil, pets will develop diarrhea within a day or two of ingestion, regardless of whether they vomit. Another concern with ingesting large quantities of fatty foods is pancreatitis, a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas. Petroleum jelly and other oils will lubricate the colon, causing diarrhea.

Central Nervous System toxins may cause vomiting initially but quickly progress to tremors and/or seizures. These pets need immediate treatment and hospitalization. Some of the toxins are so potent, these pets die regardless of treatment. Alcohol is just as dangerous to our pets as it is for us, especially when the pet is small. Theobromine is the active ingredient in Chocolate that causes our pets to seize. Large quantities of Coffee or anything containing Caffeine will cause tremors. Tremors are different from seizures. While they both produce all over body shaking, tremors tend to be less severe, and the pet remains alert and aware. A seizing pet will usually fall over shaking violently and is not aware of its surroundings during the seizure. Seizing pets can be difficult to handle so take precautions. Other foods that affect the central nervous system are Macadamia Nuts, Coconut Water and Salt or very Salty foods, like country hams.

Non-food products that cause tremors and seizures are insecticides of any kind and mosquito repellants containing DEET as well as many pharmaceuticals like Adderall and Pseudoephedrine

Nicotine is lethal! I watched a 6-month-old St Bernard puppy die in front of us from eating a nicotine vape cartridge. There was nothing we could do to stop it. Before vapes were a thing, the nicotine-stained filters from smoked cigarettes were the most likely source.

Marijuana is legal in Virginia but that does not make it safe for our pets. It comes in a lot of different forms now. What they all have in common is more concentrated THC levels. Most pets won't eat enough plant material to make themselves sick. However, it only takes a small amount of edible or other concentrated forms to render a small pet unconscious and in need of supportive care. Larger pets often arrive stumbling and urinating uncontrollably.

Topical creams containing any of these ingredients: baclofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, ketamine, lidocaine, dibucaine, 5-flourouracil, calcipotriene or cyclosporin are potentially lethal. These products may be safe enough for humans to use tiny amounts topically. The problem is our dogs tend to chew on or eat the whole tube of cream. I saw a dog die within an hour of arrival at the ER after eating a tube of cyclosporin cream. When we called Poison Control, they said there was nothing we could do to save that pet.

Last but not least, some Unique Poisons that don't really fit into the other categories but may be life threatening.

Sorbitol and Xylitol are sugar substitutes used in sugar free gums and candy. While humans tolerate sorbitol and xylitol, it has the effect of driving our pets blood sugar down to dangerous levels and can lead to liver failure.

Onions, garlic and related plants (Allium sp) may cause gastrointestinal signs at first. The real concern is the possibility of severe hemolytic anemia, which often requires blood transfusions to reverse. Raw Garlic has the highest concentration of toxin but dried, powdered and cooked forms of onion and garlic are just as toxic.

Grapes, raisins and NSAID medications may lead to kidney failure. NSAID medications include ibuprofen and naproxen.

Grout or any product that is alkaline or corrosive will cause drooling and oral and esophageal ulcers.

Aspirin in excess may lead to stomach ulcers and liver failure.

Yeast dough will cause severe bloating and alcohol toxicity.

Some Essential Oils, when inhaled, may lead to pneumonia and liver damage.

This is not a comprehensive list of all the toxins out there. For more information, refer to the ASPCA Poison Control website at

aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control