Poisoning in animals... common poisons and what to do if you suspect poisoning
This section of the website contains information and advice on substances which may be harmful to your pet, how to help prevent poisoning and what to do if you suspect your pet has been poisoned. There are also some case studies of poisoned pets we have treated here at Abbeyfields Vet in Rocester.
Suspected Poisoning:
- If you suspect your pet has been poisoned then stay calm, remove them from the source of poison and contact us immediately on 01889 590449.
- Keep any product packaging as knowing the exact chemical may help us to initiate specific treatment.
- Do NOT attempt to treat your pet yourself as some medications are poisonous to animals, and unless your vet instructs you to do NOT attempt to make your pet vomit.
- If your pet's skin or fur is contaminated, if possible wash them thoroughly using mild shampoo and lukewarm water, rinse them well and dry them.
- Keep your pet away from any other pets in the household to avoid cross-contamination, and take care not to contaminate yourself accidentally.
Preventing Poisoning:
- Always store medicines where your pet cannot access them, and NEVER give human medication to your pet as they may be poisonous.
- Safely store any household and garden products (e.g. cleaning products, slug pellets etc) out of reach of pets, and keep them separate to food-storage areas.
- If spillages of potentially toxic substances (e.g. antifreeze) occur, then clean them up immediately and keep your pets away.
- Remember that some pets, such as cats, like to keep themselves very clean and are likely to groom any potentially toxic substances off their coat and paws. Where there has been coat contamination, it can be helpful to put a buster collar on your pet, to prevent further ingestion of poison, whilst you seek help
Poisons:
Please note this list is NOT complete so if you are concerned about any other substance that your pet has eaten or been exposed to, then contact us immediately on 01889 590449.
NSAID's (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs):
Commonly available "over-the-counter" human painkillers, for example ibuprofen, diclofenac and carprofen. Poisoning can result in vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding from the gut, severe stomach ulceration and kidney failure, so contact your vet immediately if you suspect poisoning. Never give your pet products intended for people, unless your vet tells you to do so!
Anticoagulant rodenticides (rat/mice poisons):
Anticoagulant rodent-poisons, for example warfarin, act by preventing blood-clotting, so if your pet ingests them it could result in life-threatening bleeding. Bleeding may be internal and therefore not visible, or could appear as bruising or bleeding from the mouth, nose and rectum. It is not uncommon for the poison to have been consumed some days previously. These poisons can be slow, but persistent on their onset and take some days to treat.
Treatment directly requires vitamin K to be given in high doses by mouthor by injection. In extremely bad cases, a blood transfusion can be given, not only to replace red cells, but also clotting factors.
Contact your vet immediately if you suspect ingestion as signs may take several days to appear, andthe antidote vitamin K is available as well as a blood test which can help to confirm poisoning and monitor recovery.
Click here to read a case study.
Chocolate:
Chocolate contains a powerful stimulant (similar to caffeine) called theobromine, which is toxic to animals. Dark chocolate, cocoa mulch and cocoa contain very high levels of theobromine. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration, hyperactivity and agitation, high temperature and blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythm and tremors, and in severe cases death.
If your pet has eaten some chocolate, it is very useful to know what type and how much, so your vet can work out how much theobromine has been consumed.
Treatment requires supportive help including blood testing and intravenous fluids
Never give your pet chocolate as a treat and be careful with Christmas tree decorations!
Paracetamol:
Paracetamol is very toxic to animals, especially cats, and just one tablet is enough to cause severe illness or even death. Signs of poisoning include depression, vomiting, facial swelling and a blue tinge to the skin from damage to the liver and red cell pigments.
Treatment is supportive, including intravenous fluids and gastric lavage but there is also an effective antidote ( acetlycysteine) available. This can be given together with ascorbic acid to help protect red cells. It needs to be given soon afer the ingestion of the tablet; dont delay in ringing. your Vet ! Never give your pet products intended for people, unless your vet tells you to do so!
Permethrin (an insecticide):
Permethrin is highly poisonous to cats but may be found in spot-on flea treatments for dogs, so poisoning can occur if cats are accidentally treated with them or if they groom other animals treated with them. Signs can include excessive salivation or thirst, a high temperature or tremors and convulsions – seek urgent veterinary advice.
Treatment. No antidote is available and signs can be very severe in affected pets.Attempts are made to wash any product off your pet's skin, and support withfluids, and if necessary sedation, until the product is eliminated. Unfortunately some pets can die from this toxicity.
.jpg)
Metaldehyde (an ingredient of slug/snail pellets):
Any amount of metaldehyde can be toxic to animals, causing salivation, unsteadiness on their legs, twitching and convulsions. These signs develop, and worsen, quickly, so urgent treatment is necessary, as death can result if left untreated. It is not advisable to use metaldehyde-containing products in your garden if you have pets.
There is no specific antidote to metaldehyde. It is important to remove as much of the metaldehyde as possible. If poisoning has happened less than an hour ago, then the patient can be made to vomit. Longer than this and if may not be wise, particularly if the pet is twitching. Charcoal to absorb the toxin is sometimes administered. In extreme cases pets can be operated upon to open the stomach and remove the poison. Pets must then be maintained on fluids and, if necessary, under deep sedation or anaesthesia until the poison is eliminated. Monitoring of the liver for damage and recovery is importnt too if your pet survives. Urgently seek help.
Lilies:
Cats are very sensitive to lilies, and all parts of the plant are toxic, including the flowers and pollen which may be groomed off a cat's coat. Eating less than one leaf can cause kidney failure, and the signs of poisoning are vomiting, inappetance and depression. Signs may appear within 6 hours of eating a part of the lily. And kidney failure can happen in 72 hours, frequently leading to death of your pet.
Treament requires aggressive intravenous fluid therapy and must be instigated within 12 hours of poisoning for any chances of a successful outcome. There is no specific antidote.Urgent veterinary treatment is needed.
Grapes, raisins, sultanas and currants:
It has recently been discovered that these fruits are toxic to dogs; the toxic-dose is highly variable and in some dogs just one grape can be enough to cause severe illness. Signs initially include vomiting and diarrhoea and can progress, sometimes after a few days, to kidney failure. Note that these fruits are still toxic when cooked or baked in cakes.
Treatment again requires aggressive fluid therapy, sometimes with diuretics, to protect renal or kidney function, plus gut protectants.
Antifreeze (contains ethylene glycol or methanol, which are also found in car screenwashes and de-icers):
Antifreeze is often ingested by animals who are attracted by its sweet taste, however if you suspect your pet has drank any then contact your vet immediately as it is highly poisonous. Signs can include weakness, hypothermia, breathing difficulties, convulsions and kidney damage.
There is an antidote to Antifreeze - ethanol - which, if given early, can prevent the conversion of antifreeze and therfore halt the progression of the poisoning. The damaging toxin is therefore not so likely to accumulate and cause kidney damage. Fluid therapy is again important to resist signs of kidney failure.
Decorating products:
A lot of decorating products (e.g. white spirit, creosote) contain petroleum distillates which can cause irritation, inflammation, blisters and burning to the feet if walked through, or the mouth if groomed off the coat. Fumes from such products can also cause breathing difficulties, so always keep your pets away from them and seek veterinary advice if concerned.
Treatment involves , once more, supportive care , plus perhaps gut absorbants to stop the product being absorbed, plus bicarbonate. Wash contamination off the coat if needed.
Psoriasis treatments / Vitamin D supplements:
Products containing vitamin D can be toxic to animals, resulting in signs including vomiting, diarrhoea, bleeding from the gut, convulsions, abnormal heart rhythm and kidney failure. The effects may be delayed for several days and can be permanent, so contact your vet if you suspect exposure.
Batteries:
Most batteries (e.g. AA, AAA) contain a strong acid or alkali, as well as potentially toxic metals, so ingestion can result in serious chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach, impairing both breathing and swallowing. You may see raw edges or patches on the pet's tongue. Your pet may salivate also.
Treatment - if only a small amount of toxin has been consumed, then drinking milk can helpt to neutralise the effects. Do not make your pet vomit, as this can further burn the stomach lining. Your Vet may recommend an X-ry to check whether parts of the battery are visible internally.
Adder bites:
The European Adder is the only venomous snake native to the UK, and adder bites tend to happen seasonally, usually in the spring and summer. Bites (especially to the face) are potentially very serious, and can result in severe swelling, bleeding and fever, and can lead to shock and even death. Kidney and liver poisoning has also been reported.
There is an antidote available - adder anti-venom. This given together with supportive therapy can be successful to save your pet. If you suspect an adder bite contact your vet immediately, and be vigilant when walking your dog in the warmer months as adders tend to attack when they feel threatened (for example if being sniffed by an inquisitive dog!).
Fungi:
The ingestion of some species of fungi can lead to liver or kidney poisoning, but since there are more than 4000 species in the UK it can be hard to tell which are potentially toxic, so if you are in any doubt contact your vet.
Treatment requires, once more, supportive care. There is no specific antidote. Vomiting is sometimes induced to prevent further absorption, whilst supportive care is maintained
Blue-green algae:
Blue-green algae is often seen on water as massive "blooms" in the warmer months, and if ingested can result in severe vomiting and diarrhoea, breathing difficulties, coma and convulsion. Death can occur fairly rapidly so do NOT let your dog swim in or drink any water containing algae, and if you suspect exposure then contact your vet immediately.
Treatment - it is wise to wash off the algae immediately. There is no specific antidote and unfortunately if your pet is showing any signs, particularly tremorsor convulsions, death can rapidly ensue. Keep pets out of waters with a blue green algae cover in hot weather.
Xylitol (an artificial sweetener):
This is often found in sugar-free chewing gum and sweets, some medications and nicotine-replacement chewing gums. It is very harmful to dogs, causing low blood sugar and liver damage.
Treatment, if instigated ealy on, may include vomiting to limit absorption of the product.Vets need to monitor blood glucose and administer dextrose intravenously if needed over 12 - 24 hours. The liver can require supportive help and sometimes blood transfusions are required.
Onions and garlic:
Onions and garlic are toxic to animals, in particular cats, causing anaemia. Don't feed your pet scraps of human food as it may inadvertently be harmful to them!
Treatment again is supportive and may include inducing vomiting if ingestion is recent. Or activated charcoal to absorb toxins in the gut. Fluid therapy is vital too, plus, perhaps immunosuppressants and blood transfusions.
Ivy (Hedera helix):
Ivy, particularly the leaves and berries, is toxic to rabbits, commonly causing lethargy, diarrhoea and loss of appetite. In severe cases twitching or fitting, collapse and fatal paralysis can occur. In rodents signs include hunching (due to abdominal tenderness), diarrhoea, twitching and a low body temperature, and recovery can take a long time. In dogs and cats, signs of poisoning are generally those of skin irritation and blisters.
Treatmnet is decontamination where possible, skin soothers and supportive treatment if the poison has been ingested.
Rhubarb (Rheum spp):
All parts of rhubarb are toxic to animals if eaten raw, and in rabbits it can cause irritation of the mouth, loss of appetite, lethargy, diarrhoea, abdominal tenderness, severe dehydration and rarely death. The toxic part is oxalic acid, particularly released in rhubarb leaves.
Treatment - generally supportive once more , with induction of vomiting if recent ingestion, plus charcoal gut absorbers to soak uptoxin. It is hard to ingest enough of this toxin for it to be fatal.
Foxgloves (Digitalis spp):
Foxgloves contain toxic substances known as cardiac glycosides, which can be dangerous in any amount. In rabbits poisoning can result in diarrhoea, dehydration, abdominal pain, weakness and an irregular heart rhythm, and sometimes tremors and fits too. In rodents signs of poisoning include weakness, collapse, tremors or twitching, a change in heart rate, and in severe cases can lead to death.
Treatment is to remove the toxin if possible, use fluids once more intravenously to flush out the toxin. It is important also to monitor the heart, since digitalis can be cardiotoxic.
Herbicides containing glyphosate:
Poisoning can result from rabbits eating recently sprayed weeds and plants, and signs include lethargy, weakness and loss of appetite. Death can occur so if you suspect exposure to this poison then contact your vet.
