Amidst the bustle of getting ready to start the school year, potential pet toxins probably aren’t foremost in our minds, but they should be! The risks associated with seemingly harmless items are a very real threat to our pets, and here are a few important toxins to keep in mind.
Snacks
Common snacks like grapes and raisins can cause severe renal failure in pets, even in small amounts, and chocolate is always a major risk. Nuts can be a healthy snack, but large ingestions can pose a risk for painful inflammation of the pancreas while macadamia nuts can also cause neurological signs. Keep lunch boxes out of reach, both before and after school, and watch your pet for vomiting or diarrhea, which may provide a clue they ingested something they shouldn’t have.
Sweeteners
The sugar alcohol, xylitol (also marketed as “birch sugar”), is extremely toxic to dogs and can be found in gum, sugar-free and other types of candies, peanut butter, weight loss products and baked goods. Pets that ingest this end up with dangerously low blood sugar, and possible liver failure, both of which can be fatal.
Medications
Children may carry over the counter or prescription medications to school with them, many of which can be extremely dangerous to pets. Ingestion of NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen can lead to stomach ulceration, kidney failure or neurological signs, while pain relievers like Tylenol can cause liver damage or damage to red blood cells. Prescription medications for ADHD, depression, anxiety, or other psychological disorders can cause severe cardiovascular or neurological symptoms when swallowed by pets. Science Projects
Science is cool, but eating science supplies is not! Volcano simulations use baking soda, which can lead to bloat, electrolyte abnormalities, vomiting and diarrhea if ingested in large amounts. Chemistry experiments using Alka seltzer can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach ulceration, and even neurological signs with high dose ingestions. Electrical cords, batteries and other electronic bits can cause electrical burns to your pet’s mouth and throat. Biology experiments using toxic vegetables like onions or garlic can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and anemia secondary to red blood cell damage if the vegetables are swallowed by pets. Fermentation experiments with yeast and bread dough can lead to bloat, vomiting, low blood sugar, collapse, coma or even death when raw bread dough is ingested.
Craft supplies
Homemade playdough, as well as salt dough ornaments can have toxic levels of sodium in them, which can cause tremors and seizures in your pet when ingested in large amounts. Glue used in projects may cause vomiting and diarrhea or may lead to an obstruction of a pet’s stomach or bowel depending on the type of glue that is swallowed. Ingestion of boric acid, or hydrogen peroxide can cause diarrhea and vomiting, while swallowing erasers, markers, pen caps or other objects can obstruct your pet’s stomach or bowel, leading to possible surgical intervention.
As we go back to school, stay informed to keep your pet safe. Keep backpacks and purses off the floor and safely zipped up.
If you think your pet has ingested something poisonous, get help sooner than later. It’s always easier, less expensive, and safer for your pet to be treated earlier. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately at 855-764-7661.
