Definition
Accidental poisoning refers to a situation where a pet is exposed to household or environmental toxins that make them sick and can even, in severe cases, cause death.
Causes
Aspirin and Pain Relievers
Aspirin and other pain relievers common in most homes can be poisonous to pets. When aspirin is prescribed for animals, the dosage must be strictly followed. Too much aspirin can lead to anemia and bleeding stomach ulcers. Ibuprofen and naproxen can cause painful gastrointestinal problems. Even one 200 mg ibuprofen tablet is toxic to a small dog.
Never give acetaminophen (Tylenol and the like) to a dog or cat. The drug produces abdominal pain in dogs and affects the blood oxygen levels in cats, producing severe depression. Just two extra-strength tables within 24 hours can kill a small pet.
Symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning in cats appear in as little as one to two hours and include excessive salivation, paw and facial swelling, depression, and ash-gray gums. In dogs, watch for anorexia, vomiting, depression, and abdominal pain. High doses are typically fatal.
Lawn and Garden Pesticides
Many lawn and garden pesticides are neurologically poisonous to pets. These include insecticidal aerosols, dips, and certain shampoo products. Additionally, using a flea control product that is intended for dogs on a cat can also result in poisoning.
Symptoms of toxicity include apprehension; excessive salivation, urination, and defecation; tremors; seizures; hyper-excitability; depression; and pinpoint pupils. If sufficient neurological toxin has been ingested, sudden death may be the only sign.
Rat and Mouse Poisons
Coumarins (D-Con) are rat and mouse poisons that affect the blood’s ability to clot. Mice that ingest this poison essentially bleed to death. Your pets can be affected the same way, even if they eat a mouse that has been poisoned.
Symptoms of poisoning include labored breathing; anorexia; nosebleeds; bloody urine or feces; and pinpoint hemorrhages of the gums. If you observe any of these symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Other Toxins
The list below is a guide to common house and garden plans and foods that are toxic to most animals and children. If your home contains any of these items, you need to keep them away from animals. For a more complete list of toxins, go to
Pet Poison Helpline.
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Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, fruit, skin) to birds and pocket pets -
Azalea (entire rhododendron family) -
Bleeding heart -
Castor bean -
Foxglove (Digitalis) -
Japanese pieris -
Kalanchoe
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Lily-of-the-valley -
Mistletoe berries -
Mountain laurel Oleander -
Hyacinth bulbs -
Hydrangea -
Rosary Pea -
Tobacco Products Yew
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Avocado (leaves, seeds, stem, fruit, skin) to dogs -
Amaryllis bulb -
Azalea (entire rhododendron family) -
Bleeding heart -
Buckeye caffeine castor bean -
Chocolate -
Choke cherry, unripe berries
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Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins) -
Crocus bulb, delphinium, larkspur, monkshood -
Eggplant -
Jimson weed -
Lupine species -
Macadamia nuts -
Marijuana (Cannabis)
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Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins
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Amanita mushrooms -
Anthurium -
Asiatic lily -
Begonia -
Calla lily -
Castor beans -
Day lily
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Elephant’s ear -
Easter lily -
Grapes/raisins -
Jack-in-the-pulpit -
Lantana -
Oak -
Rhubarb leaves
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Scheffelera -
Shamrock -
Stargazer lily
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Neurological Toxins
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Alcohol (all beverages, ethanol, methanol, isopropyl) -
Amaryllis bulb -
Azalea (entire rhododendron family) -
Bleeding heart -
Buckeye Caffeine Castor bean -
Chocolate -
Choke cherry, unripe berries -
Chrysanthemum (natural source of pyrethrins) -
Crocus bulb Delphinium, larkspur, monkshood -
Eggplant
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Kidney/Organ Failure Toxins
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Amanita mushrooms -
Anthurium -
Asiatic lily -
Begonia -
Calla lily -
Castor beans -
Day lily -
Elephant’s ear -
Easter lily
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Grapes/raisons -
Jack-in-the-pulpit -
Lantana -
Oak -
Rhubarb leaves -
Scheffelera -
Shamrock -
Star-gazer Lilly
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Toxins that affect the blood
Diagnosis and Treatment
Stay as calm as possible when you discover your pet may have been poisoned in order to think clearly and be able to help your pet as quickly as possible. Immediately call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 ($65 consultation fee) or contact your local veterinarian. If your pet is having seizures, losing consciousness, unconscious or having trouble breathing, phone the veterinarian and get to your regular veterinary office or an emergency clinic immediately.
When you call for help or visit the veterinarian’s office have the following information in hand:
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Your pet’s species, breed, sex, weight, and age
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Your pet’s symptoms
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The name of the poisoning agent (if known), the amount consumed and the time lapsed since exposure
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The actual packaging for the poisoning agent
Prevention
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Properly dispose of and store all pesticide containers up and out of sight of your pets. Make sure lids are on tightly and that containers are undamaged.
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Use cords or locking lids on garbage cans. Use a heavy frame to prevent knock-over.
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Keep pets off lawns sprayed with chemicals. Ask your lawn care company for information on drying time and compounds used. Wash your pets’ feet with mild soap and water if exposed to chemical lawn treatments.
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Keep your pets out of vegetable and flower gardens
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Encase compost piles or use commercially made containers.
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Never assume that a human drug is appropriate to give an animal, unless a veterinarian instructs you to use it.
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Keep all plants listed above out of reach of your pets.
FAQ
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Q. |
What should I do if I believe my pet has been poisoned? |
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A. |
Immediately phone your veterinary clinic and seek advice. If your pet has ingested a pesticide or other such commercially prepared toxin, bring the container with you to the veterinarian’s office. Act quickly. Time is critical. |
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Q. |
Where can I turn for more information about emergency care for poisoning? |
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A. |
Go online to ASPCA for more information about emergency care when poisoning occurs. Another resource is the pet poison helpline® at 800-213-6680 or visit the website Pet Poison Hotline. petpoisonhelpline.com. |
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Q. |
Where can I find a complete list of items that are poisonous to pets? |
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A. |
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Q. |
Are all cats in danger of poisoning? |
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A. |
Because cats are fastidious animals that are careful about what they ingest, cat poisoning is rare. Kittens or cats that are confined indoors are most at risk from poisoning by chewing houseplants. Keep houseplants out of the reach of cats. |