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ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center - list of dangerous items for pets
Did You Know?- Alcohol - Avocado - Batteries - Chocolate - Cicadas
- Fireflies - Fruits - Glow Jewelry - Hydrogen Peroxide - Iron
- Mistletoe - Mothballs - Mushrooms - Onions, Garlic, Chives
- Poinsettias - Rodenticides - Sago Palms - Silica Gel - Slug and
Snail Bait - Systemic Insecticides - Valentine Treats - Yeast Dough
Alcohol
Did you know that alcoholic beverages can be potentially dangerous to
pets?
During the winter season, holiday parties abound, with many
festivities including cocktails and other alcoholic libations. The
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to avoid
leaving alcoholic drinks unattended; such beverages should always be
kept well out of the reach of pets.
Depending on the amount ingested, alcohol ingestions can potentially
result in vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous system
depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even
death.
AVOCADO
Did You Know… Avocado (Persea americana) is not an advisable food to
give to pets? Avocado leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic
principle known as Persin. The Guatemalan variety, which is the most
common variety found in stores, appears to be the most problematic.
The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal (GI) irritation,
including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects occur in
dogs that have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit, branches
or other material from the plant. Birds and rodents appear to be
particularly sensitive, and can develop respiratory distress,
generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the
heart, and possibly death from consuming avocado.
BATTERIES
Did You Know… batteries can cause more than just stomach upset if
eaten by pets?
Many families have acquired an assortment of toys, electronics and
other gizmos from recent holiday gift exchanges, many requiring
various types of batteries to power them up. Because of the possible
increase in battery usage this time of year, it is important for pet
owners to be aware of the risks that batteries can pose, and take
precautions against accidental exposures.
Alkaline batteries are generally the most common type of batteries,
and are used in a wide variety of gadgets. This form of battery
contains corrosives, which if chewed or punctured, can potentially
result in the development of oral and gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers,
or even perforation of the GI tract. Due to their corrosive nature,
pet owners should never attempt to induce vomiting if their pet is
suspected of having chewed and ingested an alkaline battery. These
batteries also contain zinc, and while zinc poisoning is uncommon
from battery ingestions, the possibility still exists if enough zinc
leaks out of the battery casing.
Other types of batteries used in cameras, MP3 players, watches and
other electronic devices include nickel cadmium (often labeled
as "NiCd"), lithium, nickel metal hydride (usually referred to
as "NiMH) and button cell. NiCd batteries contain cadmium, which
could lead to the development of gastrointestinal irritation, and in
cases where a large ingestion has occurred, neurologic effects may
also be possible. While lithium can be poisonous, toxicity does not
typically occur from lithium containing batteries. Button cell
batteries can contain mercury, which may also present a hazard to
pets if swallowed.
Pet owners should note that even if a pet swallows a battery whole
without puncturing it, problems could still result- such as an
intestinal obstruction. An obstruction from a foreign object like a
battery could result in an emergency situation, possibly requiring
surgery to remove the object. Because of these potential risks,
batteries should always be securely stored in areas completely
inaccessible to pets to avoid an accidental ingestion.
Chocolate
Did you know…chocolate can be harmful or even deadly to pets?
Depending on the form involved, chocolate can contain high amounts of
fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If
ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce
clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting,
excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm,
tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.
Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for
clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has
the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains
the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two
ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound
dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker
forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of
lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well
as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an
inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
Cicadas
Cicadas are not a toxic risk to pets. News reports of the upcoming
emergence of 17-year cicadas (Magicicada) in East coast and
Midwestern states during 2004 have many pet owners wondering if the
insects are harmful to their pets. These insects do not bite or
sting, nor are they poisonous if ingested (as a matter of fact, they
are eaten by a variety of animals including pigs, foxes and humans).
If ingested, the hard exoskeleton of the cicada might cause
mechanical irritation of the stomach, leading to mild vomiting; if
ingested in very large amounts, there may be the potential for
gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction. For more information on
periodical cicadas, visit the University of Michigan Museum of
Zoology.
Fireflies
Did You Know… Fireflies have been shown to be poisonous to various
types of reptiles?
For many regions of North America, summer evenings would not be
complete without the magical flashing glow of fireflies (also known
as lightning bugs) dancing in the sultry night air. But while these
charming little creatures are a pleasure to watch, they actually
contain toxic substances that can produce fatal effects in some
animals.
Fireflies belonging to the genus Photinus, which are quite common in
many parts of the United States, contain chemical components called
lucibufagins- which are similar to the toxic secretions of some
poisonous toads. Many animals can be affected by this toxic chemical,
but most will avoid eating these insects. Exposures resulting in
death have occurred in certain kinds of lizards after being fed
fireflies, particularly the Bearded Dragon, a native to Australia
that has become a popular pet. Possibly because they evolved in a
firefly-free environment, bearded dragons don't appear to have the
innate aversion to fireflies that is present in most native animals.
Therefore, it is important for reptile caretakers to avoid offering
these insects to their pets.
Fruits
Did You Know...the arrival of Spring and Summer brings lots of fresh
oranges, grapefruits, peaches, cherries, apples and many other
delectable fruits. However, certain parts of these fruits can be
potentially irritating - or even occasionally toxic in some
situations- to our companion animals.
The peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges,
limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin
and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation such as
vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. In some cases, exposures to high
concentrations of these substances (such as those found in certain
citrus-based cleaners) could possibly result in central nervous
system depression as well. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples,
cherries, peaches, apricots and certain other fruit trees contain
cyanogenic glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and
loss of appetite, and in severe cases weakness, incoordination,
difficulty in breathing, hyperventilation, shock, coma and even death
could occur.
Typically, these severe effects develop from very large ingestions of
plant material that are more likely to occur with grazing animals
such as horses or other livestock. The consumption of a few segments
of citrus fruit, an apple or two or a few cherries would usually not
be expected to cause serious problems beyond perhaps minor stomach
upset. However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the
potential for problems that these fruit trees can produce.
Glow Jewelry
Did You Know… Colorful plastic glow-in-the-dark jewelry such as
necklaces, bracelets and even hand-held glow sticks are popular items
often sold at fairs, festivals and other summer time events. While
the luminescent liquid inside these products might look like it could
be poisonous, the relatively small quantity of fluid generally has a
low potential for toxicity.
This oily, glowing substance is called dibutyl phthalate and can be
found in a wide variety of products, from plastics to insect
repellents. Based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experience,
most animals that chew into glow jewelry can exhibit signs such as
profuse drooling, hyperactivity, agitation or aggressive behavior.
However, while these effects may seem serious and quite alarming to
pet owners, they are typically transient (lasting only a few minutes)
and are only a response to the unpleasant taste of the liquid.
Generally, the only treatment needed is diluting the taste residue
with a small amount of milk, tuna juice or soft pet food; if the
residue is on the skin or hair coat, mild soap and water can be used
to wash it off and avoid the possibility of further ingestion via
grooming.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Did You Know… 3% Hydrogen Peroxide, the same solution used for the
cleansing of cuts and scrapes that can be found at your local
drugstore, is the safest way to induce vomiting in your pet at home?
Of course, pet owners should only induce vomiting when directed to do
so by a veterinarian, but should your vet consider it necessary, 3%
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be given at home as a first aid step to
help remove potentially harmful substances from your pet's stomach.
Other home "remedies" such as salt, mustard, or ipecac are not
reliable means of getting pets to vomit, and could actually result in
potentially serious complications such as sodium poisoning or cardiac
arrhythmias.
Generally, H2O2 is very effective, producing vomiting in about 10 15
minutes after dosing; once it has "fizzed", it breaks down into water
and oxygen and is quite harmless. The typical dose for inducing
vomiting is about 1 ml per pound of body weight, not to exceed 45 ml
or 3 tablespoons. It is advisable to offer your pet a small amount of
moist pet food or a slice of bread with milk before giving H2O2, as
having food in the stomach can make vomiting a little easier. It is
important to never force H2O2 or any other liquid into your pet's
mouth, because he or she may accidentally inhale it, which could lead
to pneumonia. Vomiting should also not be induced in animals
exhibiting tremors or other neurologic signs, or with ingestions of
certain substances such as caustic chemicals, oils or other items
that could damage the gastrointestinal tract or become inhaled.
Iron
Did you know that depending on the form, iron is not only potentially
toxic to pets, but can be found in a variety of forms and in many
different products and substances?
Iron poisoning is the number one toxic fatality in children, and pets
can be susceptible to iron poisoning as well. Some vitamin
formulations are chewable and may be eaten in large amounts.
Depending on the brand and formulation, as little as 2 prenatal
vitamin tablets with iron can cause stomach upset in a 20 lb dog,
whereas as few as 6 tablets can potentially cause more serious
problems.
Depending on the form of iron and amount ingested, within the first
few hours animals may initially exhibit signs of significant
gastrointestinal irritation and pain, including vomiting and diarrhea
which can be bloody. Subsequently, the pet may appear to recover, but
approximately 12 - 24 hours following ingestion, gastrointestinal
signs may reappear, along with severe depression, shock, low blood
sugar, seizures, hemorrhage from blood clotting problems, fluid
accumulation in the lungs, liver damage with jaundice, and possibly
even kidney failure.
Mistletoe
Did You Know… Mistletoe, a popular yuletide decorative plant, can be
potentially toxic to pets if eaten?
American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is the most common
species of mistletoe recognized as a symbol of the holiday season. It
is actually a parasitic plant which lives off of a variety of
different tree species, and can be found throughout the United States.
If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe has the potential
to produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and
urination, incoordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate,
and in severe cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even
death. According to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center data, however,
most animal ingestions involve small quantities- not more than the
amount found in a sprig or two- and typically result in mild stomach
upset that resolves with little to no treatment.
Mothballs
Did You Know…Mothballs can be potentially toxic to dogs, cats and
other animals, particularly those containing an ingredient known as
naphthalene. Some mothball formulations may alternatively contain an
insecticide known as dichlorobenzene, which is somewhat less toxic
than naphthalene. However, it can still cause stomach upset and
potentially even neurologic effects, if large enough amounts are
consumed. In 2005, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed
close to four dozen cases involving animals exposed to mothball
products.
Naphthalene can cause serious illness, including, vomiting, diarrhea,
abdominal pain, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling of the
brain tissues, seizures, coma and death if ingested—and respiratory
tract damage, if inhaled. Just one mothball can potentially produce
significant illness.
Mushrooms
Certain species of mushrooms are considered to be relatively non-
toxic, while other species can be very toxic. Of the toxic species,
some can potentially cause liver or kidney damage, while others may
produce severe gastrointestinal or even neurological effects. Toxic
mushrooms can often be found growing right alongside non-toxic ones.
Because of this, identifying each type of mushroom existing on your
property can be very difficult. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control
Center advises keeping all wild mushrooms out of the reach of pets,
and recommends that all wild mushroom ingestions should be treated
very seriously. If accidental exposures to wild mushrooms occur, seek
immediate veterinary assistance by contacting your local veterinarian
or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Onions, Garlic, Chives
Did You Know… Onions, garlic, chives and other species of the plant
genus Allium can be potentially toxic to pets?
Allium species contain sulfur compounds known as disulfildes, which
if ingested in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal irritation
and could even result in damage to red blood cells. While cats are
more sensitive to disulfides, dogs and other species of animals are
also susceptible to Allium poisoning if enough plant material is
consumed. Therefore, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises
companion animal owners to avoid feeding pets onions, garlic and
other Allium plants.
Poinsettias
Did you know that Poinsettias are not the deadly flowers that popular
legend has made them out to be?
Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are part of a family of plants
known as spurges. During the 1820s Joel Robert Poinsett, the U.S.
Ambassador to Mexico at the time, first brought poinsettias to the
U.S. from a Mexican city he had visited. It was during the early part
of the 20th century that the myth of the plant's toxicity began when
the two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have
become ill and died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.
As a result of this rumor, the toxic potential of poinsettia has
become highly exaggerated. In reality, poinsettia ingestions
typically produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract
irritation, which may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Therefore, while keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to
avoid stomach upset is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear
the poinsettia and banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal
exposure.
Rodenticides
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to exercise
caution when using products to eradicate rodents, known as
rodenticides. In 2003, the Center received over 6,900 calls involving
animal exposures to rodenticides. The most dangerous forms include
zinc phosphide, strychnine, and various commercial rat and mouse
baits. Some baits also contain inactive ingredients meant to attract
rodents, and these ingredients can sometimes be attractive to pets as
well.
If a pet ingests a rodenticide, potentially serious or even life-
threatening problems can result, which may include bleeding,
seizures, or damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. Therefore,
when using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in
areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals.
Poisonings resulting from the consumption of rats, mice or other
rodents that have ingested a rodenticide are not typically a concern
in companion animals, unless their staple diet consists mainly of
rodents.
Should accidental exposure occur, immediately contact your local
veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for
assistance, and be sure to have the container or package information
readily available so that a proper identification of the
rodenticide's ingredients can be made for appropriate treatment.
Sago Palms
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and other cycad palms can be potentially
deadly to pets. These popular ornamental plants, native to
subtropical climates such as the Southeastern U.S., contain toxic
compounds that can potentially produce vomiting and diarrhea,
depression, seizures and even liver failure. All parts of the plant
are poisonous, but the seeds or "nuts" appear to contain the largest
amount of toxins. Just one or two seeds can produce serious
problems, so it is important to keep pets from accessing these
plants.
Silica Gel
Did You Know…The statement "DESSICANT- DO NOT EAT" commonly found on
the little packets of silica gel contained in medications, leather
goods, certain pasta products and vitamins is not really as ominous
as it sounds?
Silica gel is used to absorb moisture in many different products, and
is usually packaged in plastic cylinders or paper packets. Silica
gel is also used in certain cat litters for the same purpose. While
it is indeed true that it is not meant for consumption, with most
ingestions silica gel produces only mild stomach upset which
typically resolves with minimal to no treatment. If very large
quantities are eaten, however, such as with ingestions of multiple
packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter, intestinal obstruction is a
possibility- especially in very small animals.
Slug and Snail Bait (Metaldehyde)
Did You Know…certain products used for the control of slugs and
snails contain metaldehyde, which can potentially be very dangerous
or even lethal to pets?
Slug and snail bait products are most commonly used in the moist,
temperate regions of the United States such as the Pacific coast and
the South, where these molluscs tend to live in abundance, but are
sold nationwide.They are commercially available in a variety of
forms, including pellets, liquid and powder.
Depending on the amount ingested, these metaldehyde-containing baits
can rapidly produce clinical effects, from within a few minutes to a
couple of hours after ingestion.Signs can range from drooling,
vomiting, diarrhea, panting and anxiety to incoordination,
accelerated heart rate, dilated pupils and even seizures, central
nervous system depression, coma and death from respiratory failure.
Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using metaldehyde-
containing baits, taking steps to ensure that the product is applied
only to areas completely inaccessible to pets.Any unused bait should
be stored in a secure container and cabinet out of the reach of pets.
Alternatively, other less toxic formulations of snail and slug bait
could be considered, such as those containing ferric phosphate.
Systemic Insecticides (Disulfoton)
Did You Know…while systemic insecticides used to protect delicate
roses and other floral plants are quite effective at eliminating
pesky aphids and other bugs that can cause plant damage, certain
types—such as disulfoton—can be extremely hazardous to pets.
Insecticides are called "systemic" when they are absorbed throughout
the whole plant by the roots.Disulfoton is a very potent
organophosphate insecticide, which works by affecting the nervous
system of insects.Unfortunately, disulfoton's neurologic effects are
not limited to bugs, and therefore dogs, cats and other pets can be
susceptible to poisoning as well.
Depending on the amount ingested, disulfoton can rapidly produce
clinical effects, including excessive saliva, urine and tear
production, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, difficulty
breathing, incoordination, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, coma
and potentially death.
Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using insecticides
such as disulfoton, always reading and following label directions for
safe use and storage.Occasionally, potted roses and certain other
flowering plants may have already been treated with disulfoton prior
to being sold, so it is a good idea to check with your local nursery
or lawn and garden store before purchasing such plants.Additionally,
this insecticide may be mixed with organic fertilizers, which can be
attractive to dogs.When treating plants with disulfoton, owners
should take steps to ensure that it is applied only to areas
completely inaccessible to animals.Any unused product should be
stored in a secure container and cabinet well out of the reach of
pets.
Valentine Treats
Did You Know…Certain types of candy and other goodies that are so
popular during this romantic time of year can be harmful to pets?
For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies
solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden
drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination
and seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is
important that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.
According to experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some
data also appears to point to a possible link between xylitol
ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.
Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets
ill. Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of
fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If
ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce
clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting,
excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm,
tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.
Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for
clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has
the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains
the highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two
ounces of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound
dog. While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker
forms to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of
lighter chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well
as the possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an
inflammatory condition of the pancreas.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid
offering their animals food meant for human consumption, and to be
especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing
chocolate or xylitol out of the reach of pets.
Yeast Dough
Did You Know… the dough used to make many of the delicious fresh-
baked goodies during the holiday season could pose a serious problem
to our pets if eaten?
Raw or uncooked yeast-based dough can not only expand in the stomach
as it rises, causing an obstruction or intestinal rupture, yeast can
form alcohol when it rises, which could potentially result in alcohol
poisoning. Pet owners should take care to keep pets out of the
kitchen while preparing meals, and never allow food items- such as
rising yeast dough- to be left on countertops or other areas where
pets can reach them.
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