Pet poisoning is sadly a very common occurrence. The U.S. Humane Society estimates that as many as 10,000 cats or dogs die each year as a result of ingesting a toxic substance. One of the main reasons for this is that many owners aren’t fully aware of which things could be harmful to their pets, nor do they necessarily recognize the signs that their pet may have ingested something poisonous and needs medical help.
Top Pet Poisons:
Many different substances are known to be toxic to pets. These can typically be divided into groups based on their types.
Common Human Food Pet Poisons
- Chocolate
- Candies and sweet foods containing xylitol
- Anything containing caffeine
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Avocado
- Pits and seeds from fruits and vegetables
- Milk and dairy products
Common Indoor Pet Poisons
- Human medications
- Animal medications (taken without supervision has the potential for overdose)
- Cleaning products
- Toothpaste
- Indoor plants and flowers such as lilies, begonias, aloe, and Bird of Paradise
Common External Pet Poisons
- Antifreeze
- Pool cleaning chemicals
- Insecticides and rodenticides
- Paint
- Engine oil and other car fluids
- Fertilizers
- Outdoor plants and flowers, such as tulips, daffodils, and rhododendrons
Top Signs of Pet Poisoning
Every animal responds to poisoning slightly differently, and this can vary depending on their breed, size, age, and how much of the toxin they have ingested. The symptoms of poisoning can also progress if they aren’t noticed fairly quickly. Some of the most common signs of pet poisoning that owners should be aware of include:
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Excessive salivation
- Loss of appetite
- Racing heart rate
- Pale gums
- Coughing up/vomiting blood
- Excessive thirst
- Inability to urinate
- Black, tarry stools
- Confusion
- Lethargy
- Jaundice
- Collapse