WINTER
This is the time of year when we see more hazards in the home than outside. Many pets are kept inside and exposed to tasty foods and treats, household products, human medications, and other substances. In the North, as the temperature declines, many large dogs are kept in the garage where they have free access to many potentially harmful substances. If you think your pet has consumed a poisonous substance check with your veterinarian or the professionals at the Pet Poison Helpline™ before starting any therapy.
Chocolate : Tasty Valentine's Day candies, especially dark chocolate ones, generally spell trouble for dogs. Eating more than a taste or two of chocolate often results in vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts causes more serious signs. Some dogs are so greedy that they eat an entire box of candy, wrappers and all. They may need to see their veterinarian, not only for treatment of chocolate toxicity, but because the wrappers are stuck somewhere in their stomach or intestines.
Ethanol: Dogs, cats, pocket pets and even birds seem to like the taste of alcohol. It is not hard to understand why when one considers that it is often masked in creamy eggnog, sweet orange juice, or other flavorful mixes. Pets often take the opportunity to drink a cocktail or two that is left where they can access it or they may be intentionally fed alcohol for the entertainment value.
Ethanol (ethyl alcohol) is rapidly absorbed into the blood stream. Generally, a pet will begin to show symptoms of intoxication within the first hour of ingestion. The primary physiological effect of alcohol is central nervous system depression. The result of this can range from mild inebriation to a full coma. Ethanol intoxication can cause severe gastro-intestinal irritation with electrolyte abnormalities and metabolic acidosis. Dangerous drops in blood glucose, blood pressure and body temperature as well as seizures can occur. Ultimately, a full shutdown of the respiratory center takes place resulting in death.
Due to alcohol's rapid onset of effects, it is not recommended to make your pet vomit at home. If you know that your pet has consumed an alcoholic beverage, he or she should immediately be seen by a veterinarian for supportive care. Intravenous fluids, warming measures, blood monitoring, and medications to protect the lining of the stomach will be utilized. Abnormal blood pressure, blood glucose levels, or electrolyte imbalances will be corrected. Your pet will be closely monitored for seizure activity and the proper anti-convulsants will be delivered as needed. Quick action is important. The prognosis for a full recovery will be excellent with prompt medical care.
Ethylene Glycol: Antifreeze has a pleasant taste and smell which seems to attract dogs and cats. Sadly, even small amounts can be deadly. It takes less than a teaspoonful of antifreeze to kill a small cat. Spills from leaking automobile radiators should be cleaned up immediately and antifreeze stored in an area not accessible to pets. If you keep your dog in the garage or storeroom be sure to secure antifreeze in a locked cabinet. Pets ingesting antifreeze need to see their veterinarian immediately – don't wait for signs to develop or it may be too late.
Foods: Many foods eaten by human beings can spell trouble for pets. Party foods, especially chocolate, nuts, and alcoholic drinks, should be disposed of before pets have access to them. If your pet eats or drinks any of the products listed below contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline™ for advice:
- Alcoholic drinks
- Chocolate – especially dark chocolate
- Coffee – including coffee grounds and espresso beans
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia Nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Salt
- Xylitol containing products
- Yeast dough
- Hops: People making beer from kits they received for Christmas need to be alert to the danger of hops. Spent hops plugs are far more dangerous than hops pellets. Some breeds of dogs, in particular Greyhounds and other sight breeds, can develop a condition known as malignant hyperthermia. Signs include an elevated body temperature, increase in heart rate, and elevation in muscle enzymes. If you make beer and own a dog with this breeding, be alert to the presence of these signs. Should they occur take your animal to your veterinarian immediately.
Liquid Potpourri: Simmering pots of liquid potpourri are attractive to cats. Cats are exposed by licking liquid directly from the pot or from spills from an open container. Sometimes they rub against the pot, knock it over and walk through it. Grooming the liquid from their feet and hair coat often results in exposure. Depending on the ingredients, cats may develop serious oral and gastrointestinal lesions, skin sores, and ocular burns.
Medications: All medicines, both over the counter and prescription, should be kept locked or closed away from pets. Even small amounts can be deadly. Remember that the average cat is no bigger than many new born babies! Pets should not be deliberately treated with human medications as several “safe” human medications are very harmful to pets. This includes many of the over the counter pain medications, in particular aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Snow and Ice Melt Products: Products designed to melt snow and ice are usually irritating to the skin. Pellets often become stuck between the toe pads and dogs chew on their feet to remove them. If ingested, drooling, vomiting and diarrhea frequently occur.
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