Even when our pets live indoor for most of the day and under our supervision, the potential for exposure to harmful toxins can still exist.
According to the ASPCA and Pet Poison Hotline some of the most commonly reported toxins and recommendations following ingestion or exposure are:
1. Human Prescription Medications – for example Anti-depressants, pain medications that are opioid based, amphetamines and hormone supplements.
a. What to do: If the medication was ingested within 1 hours of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Make sure the hydrogen peroxide is active (it should bubble and fizz). Feeding a few pieces of bread may improve vomiting efficiency and give bulk to push out the agent and call your veterinarian.
b. If it has been more than 1 hour since ingestion – call your veterinarian before giving any treatment!
2. Over the counter Products – for example Ibuprofen, Vitamin D, Aspirin and Tylenol
a. What to do: If the medication was ingested within 2 hours of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Feeding a small moist meal may help initiate vomiting and call your veterinarian.
b. If it has been more than 2 hours since ingestion – call your veterinarian before giving any treatment!
3. Toxic Foods – for example macadamia nuts, raisins, onions, and gum that contains xylitol
a. What to do: If the medication was ingested within 2 hours of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Feeding a small moist meal may help initiate vomiting and call your veterinarian.
b. If it has been more than 2 hours since ingestion – call your veterinarian before giving any treatment!
4. Veterinary Products – for example arthritis medication (NSAIDS), antibiotics, cardiac medications etc.
a. What to do: If the medication was ingested within 2 hours of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Feeding a small moist meal may help initiate vomiting and call your veterinarian.
b. If it has been more than 2 hours since ingestion – call your veterinarian before giving any treatment!
5. Household Products – for example bleach, Acidic cleaners (toilet cleaners, pool cleaners), Alkaline cleaners (drain cleaners, dishwasher detergents), and fabric softeners.
a. What to do: CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN – your pet will need immediate care and support to help! DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. You can start treatment by offering Milk prior to visiting your veterinarian.
6. Chocolate
a. What to do: If the medication was ingested within 1 hour of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Feeding a small moist meal may help initiate vomiting and call your veterinarian.
b. Chocolate is rapidly absorbed in the body so if an hour has passed the likelihood of eliminating the toxic amount will have be low --- Call your veterinarian and discuss how much chocolate and the type ingested to determine the correct treatment and what to expect.
7. Insecticides – for example pyrethrins and pyrethroid products. These products are often used in DOG flea and tick products and in foggers and yard sprays. They are the most common cause of insecticide poisoning in cats. Nicotine and rotenone are “organic” insecticides but they are toxic. Citrus extracts such as d-limonene are toxic to cats. Pennyroyal is toxic to dogs. Melaleuca oil is toxic as well.
a. What to do: If the animal is NOT tremoring or seizing, bath with warm water and dish soap remove as much of the chemical as possible from the skin. If insecticide was ingested or if animal is tremoring or acting neurologic, call your veterinarian as treatment in hospital will be needed in order to survive this toxic exposure.
8. Rodenticides –For example mouse poison and rat poisons. Depending if they are short acting or long acting poisons will determine treatment course and outcome. Decontamination by inducing vomiting is only effective if exposure was relatively recent (within a few hours).
a. What to do: If the poison was ingested within 1 hour of discovering, it is safe to induce vomiting using Hydrogen peroxide 3 %: 5-10 ml given orally and may be repeated once. Feeding a small moist meal may help initiate vomiting and call your veterinarian. **BE SURE TO TELL YOUR VET WHAT THE NAME OF THE RODENTICIDE IS**
b. Aggressive decontamination and supportive care and treatment is needed in all cases of rodenticide poisoning so your pet WILL need to be seen by a veterinarian.
9. Poisonous Plants –for example Lilies, Sago Palm, Azalea’s, Tulips and Oleander.
a. What to do: CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN, treatment needs to begin as soon as possible. Aggressive decontamination and fluid therapy are indicated if the ingestion occurred within 8 hours of presentation to the veterinary clinic.
10. Gardening and Outdoor Products – For example ethylene glycol, compost/mold, mole/gopher bait and some mushrooms.
a. What to do: CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN, treatment should begin as soon as possible. Aggressive decontamination and fluid therapy are typically indicated if the ingestion occurred within 8 hours of presentation to the veterinary clinic.