Eden Valley Messenger

Pet’s Corner with Helen the vet

This month's topic is a brief overview of some of the most common poisoning cases that we see at the practice.

It is by no means a complete list of everything that can cause a problem and if you suspect your pet has eaten anything that may harm it you should ring your vets for advise. Remember to take the packet or container with you when you visit the vet as it can give vital information about the type of ingredients and therefore the likelihood of any problems it may cause.

Foods

Foods that can be poisonous to your pet come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to only feed your pet a commercially available pet food or to follow an approved recipe for home cooked diets. Dogs intestines are not designed to eat as varied a diet as our own and any variation in their diet can lead to upset of the bacteria in the gut. Anyone who's dog scavenges while out for a walk will know what I mean !! If you are going to feed your dog anything other than pet food or treats it is important to research whether that food may be toxic to your dog. Some common foods that are poisonous to dogs are listed below. This list is not exhaustive.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine which is poisonous to dogs and cats. Theobromine is most concentrated in dark or plain chocolate and less in milk and white chocolate. The amount of chocolate that can make a dog sick depends on how much it weighs and the type of chocolate it eats. A small bar of dark chocolate can be enough to make even a 30kg dog very sick and potentially die. We would recommend to never give your dog chocolate of any kind as they can develop a taste for it and hunt it out when you aren’t around ! This is especially relevant at Easter and Christmas …. If you think that your dog has eaten chocolate you should contact your vet immediately for advice.

Raisins/Grapes

Raisins and grapes are very poisonous to dogs and can cause them to stop eating to vomit or to have diarrhoea and in some cases even fatal kidney failure. Even a very small amount can cause severe problems in your pet.

Onions/Garlic/Shallots

All types of onion can cause toxicity in your pet. They contain thiosulphate which causes pets to develop serious anaemia which makes pets very sick. Onion poisoning can occur if your pet eats large quantities of onion or with repeated meals containing small amounts of onion. Signs include weakness and lethargy as well as pale gums. The only treatment available for onion toxicity is supportive and you should contact your vet immediately if you think your pet may have eaten onion.

　

Plants

There are a number of plants that are toxic to cats and dogs. A few of the most commonly encountered toxicities are mentioned below but this list again is not exhaustive.

　

Lily

These flowers tend to mainly cause problems in cats. All parts of these flowers are poisonous but the pollen tends to be the most common cause of toxicity. Cats are inherently clean animals who will lick off anything they get on their fur including pollen. Ingestion of Lily can lead to kidney failure in your pet. It is important to contact your vet as soon as possible if you think that your pet may have eaten Lily.

Foxglove, Rhododendron and Yew

These can also lead to toxicity in your pet. If you are concerned that your pet may have ingested any part of one of these plants please contact your vet for advice.

Tomato Plants and Rhubarb

These can both cause your pet to have and upset stomach if eaten leading to vomiting and or diarrhoea.

　

Chemicals

Please be aware that any product that is listed as harmful to humans will be harmful to your pet as well. Please read the label carefully before you use products around your pet. Below are a few products which commonly cause problems in dogs and cats.

Paracetamol and Ibuprofen

Although ibuprofen can be bought in any chemist as a painkiller for humans it is extremely toxic to dogs (and cats). Just one tablet can cause gastric ulceration, liver damage, kidney failure and death. It is one of the most common causes of poisoning in pets.

Dogs and cats cannot break down paracetamol safely and toxins quickly build up to dangerous levels - as little as half a 500mg tablet can kill an adult cat.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze has a sweet taste that makes it irresistible to pets. Antifreeze is made of Ethylene glycol which forms crystals in your pet’s kidneys. As little as 1 tsp per kg can kill so an average Labrador only needs to drink 100 ml for it to be fatal. Unfortunately we often find out that the pet has a problem too late for us to do anything to help. Signs of ingestion include wobbliness, weakness, vomiting, dehydration and thirst. If a large amount has been ingested it may cause seizures. It is essential that if you think your pet has had any access to antifreeze that you contact your vet immediately.

Slug Pellets

Most commonly available slug pellets contain Metaldehyde which is poisonous to slugs but also to your pet. The way that slug pellets are made is very similar to the making of dog biscuits which makes them attractive to dogs. No matter how thinly you spread these pellets it is still possible for your pet to eat enough to cause it a problem. Signs of ingestion include salivation, shaking and vomiting, restlessness and inco-ordination leading to neurological signs like fits. If you think your pet has eaten slug pellets contact your vet as soon as possible. The only way to prevent this problem is to not use slug pellets that are toxic to pets and children.

Rat Poison

Most rat poisons contain coumarins (warfarin or newer products with similar effects) warfarin. Dogs often eat the poison directly whilst cats are often by eating a rodent already poisoned. Animals remain well for several days after eating the poison until their clotting factors are depleted. Repeated small doses are more toxic than single large doses. Signs include depression, weakness, breathing problems, and prolonged bleeding from any minor wounds or abrasions. Poisoned animals can bleed to death without treatment. If you think your pet may have had access to rat poison contact your vet immediately.

Permethrin Flea Products

Flea products which contain permethrin are extremely toxic to cats. Some flea products which are for sale in supermarkets and pet shops will contain permethrin, read the label carefully before applying the product. If you use a permethrin based product on your dog it is recommended that you keep any cats away from your dog for 72 hours. Cats can show neurological signs when they have come in contact with this product. If you think your cat may have come in to contact with Permethrin containing products contact your vet as soon as possible.

Please note it is important not to try and make your pet vomit unless specifically instructed to do so by your vet.

Adder bites

Snake bites are rare in most of the UK (although may be seen more often in some areas e.g. Cumbria and Cornwall). Three factors affect the seriousness of snake bites

• size of animal bitten

• location of bite

• type of snake

Adder bites may require antiserum - in general dogs require more antiserum then humans. It is not always possible for vets to have immediate access to antiserum as it is held at hospitals for human use so the sooner we can start treatment after the bite the better.

　

　

Toad poisoning

The common toad is relatively harmless but all toads have glands in their skin which secrete unpleasant substances. Animals that have put toads in their mouth show excessive salivation and may paw at their mouth. Usually the signs resolve without treatment (pets may appreciate having their mouth washed out with a hose). In more severe poisonings signs include weakness, limb swelling and seizures.

That's it for this time. Enjoy the (hopefully!!) sunny July.

Helen Trory BSc (Hons) BVSc MRCVS

　

　

　

　

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