Rodenticides
When it comes to rodent baits it does not matter what form or color it comes in (block, pellet, granule, blue, green, red, tan etc.) they are all highly toxic. There are 3 important things to remember if you suspect your pet has ingested rodent poison:
- Contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! The toxins in most rodent baits are fast acting.
- The doctor is going to need the information off the box so BRING IT WITH YOU. The active ingredient, the concentration, and/ or the EPA # all can be found on the box and this information will determine what type of treatment your pet will need. (Not all rodenticides are the same) Exterminators put most of that information on the invoice, so be sure to check.
- STAY CALM! If you panic so will your pet.
First signs are vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, increased drinking, and agitation that can quickly lead to anorexia, hemorrhaging, acute renal failure and death. Potential long term effects can be lameness, seizures, and paralysis. Some rodenticides show no signs initially, but can cause death several days later.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze is a serious threat to our pets because it is found in almost every home or garage, and can easily be found spilled on streets and/or parking lots. The most common ingestion is from licking it off the ground or off paws after walking through it. A lethal dose in cats can be as little as 1 teaspoon and in dogs as little as 1 tablespoon. Antifreeze is fast acting so time is important. Contact your veterinarian immediately. If treated within 4 hours for cats and 8 hours for dog prognosis is fair to good. If untreated final stages are seen within 24-48 hours after exposure. Signs are neurological: in coordination, depression, coma, and then death. The longer between ingestion and treatment the greater amount of kidney damage long term.
Cleaning Products
The main concern with detergents is chemical burns on the skin, the pads of the feet or the GI tract if ingested. Anything from Drano, Ajax, Windex, bleach and so many other should be watched carefully when in use and stored in a safe place when not in use. The chemicals destroy tissue on contact by acid or alkaline burns. Even soap and detergents can be mild irritants. More deep penetrating tissue damage can occur from more alkaline products and severe systemic disease can be caused by pine oils or other oil based products. Also be careful of toilet bowl cleaner and dogs that think the toilet is their water bowl. The best remedy for chemical burns is prevention.
Heavy Metals
Heavy metals can be very toxic to your pet and surprisingly accessible. The main source of Zinc toxicity in dogs is by ingesting pennies. The metal interacts with the dog’s Red Blood Cells (RBC) and can cause weakness, trembling, loss of appetite and the pennies themselves can lead to Gastrointestinal (GI) blockage. Lead is also commonly found in toys, drapery weights, fishing weights, even batteries. Signs can be anything from vomiting constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, blindness, tremors, to in-coordination. Onset is usually quick. Other signs may be anorexia, convulsions, tremors, blindness, anemia, or renal failure.
Liquid Potpourri
Cats are attracted to the heated liquid potpourri. Liquid potpourri can cause severe oral, ocular, and dermal burns (mouth, eyes, skin) in cats. This occurs when cats lick the heated liquid in simmer pots or by walking through spills and then grooming the heated liquid off themselves or licking the spilled liquid.
Ice Melt
Ice melts are irritants to the skin (from walking on it) and mouth (from licking it off their feet) of our pets. If you use ice melts in the winter be sure to wipe your pets feet after every excursion outside. Ingestion of ice melt results in excessive drooling, depression, vomiting, or electrolyte imbalance. If you suspect your pet is reacting to exposure to ice melt contact your veterinarian immediately.
Pesticides
Herbicides, insecticides, and fertilizers are highly toxic. If used be sure to keep your pet out of any area that has been treated with a pesticide. Most pesticides contain heavy metals that cause severe intestinal upset and possible GI obstruction. Most dangerous pesticides are snail bait (metaldehyde) fly bait (methomyl) and Zinc Phosphide (Mole and gopher bait) Zinc Phosphide creates a toxic gas that build up inside the animal that is also very toxic to people. If you find an animal that you suspect was exposed to a Zinc Phosphide pesticide stay away from the animal and call your local Animal Control or ASPCA.