Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that some foods that we eat are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends. While we would NEVER think about eating our pet’s food, our pets don’t know the distinction between their food and ours. It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.
In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!

Foods are listed in order of severity of reaction

Moderate to Severe reactions

Caffeine: Caffeine affects dogs and cats much more aggressively than people. It is easy for a pet to overdose on caffeine due to its toxicity and the pet’s smaller body size. Examples of common forms of caffeine that our pets enjoy are:

Baker’s chocolate, cocoa mulch, diet pills,
no-sleep aids, coffee, energy drinks and cocoa powder.

Play Dough – Homemade: This child’s craft toy, when homemade, usually contains high amounts of food coloring and salt. Ingestion of this tasty toy can result in salt poisoning (see next category).

Salt: **PLEASE NOTE: the old method of using table salt to induce vomiting in our pets is NO LONGER recommended**. Salt poisoning is very dangerous to our pets, and, since it is used to make things taste better, is very attractive to our cats and dogs. Common forms of salt ingested are: Table salt, de-icers (rock salt), paint balls, sea water, and enemas containing sodium phosphate.

Mild to Severe reactions

(greatly depends on amount ingested in relation to size of pet)

Alcohol: Alcohol poisoning is a very real threat to our pets, especially due to their size. Common forms of alcohol ingested are rumsoaked fruitcake, unbaked bread dough, and alcohol in all forms, such as beer and hard liquor. Please don’t share happy hour with your pets!

Bread Dough: unbaked bread dough and unbaked pizza dough are extremely dangerous for our pet to ingest. Always keep them away from prying noses when rising or preparing for the oven. Both of these products contain yeast, which, if ingested in sufficient quantities, will result in alcohol poisoning and other life-threatening problems.

Chocolate: see Caffeine

Currants: Even in small doses, currants, grapes, raisins and grapeseed extract can cause renal failure in both cats and dogs.

Mushrooms: Luckily, there are only 3 species of mushrooms that are toxic to cats and dogs: Amanita, Galerina, and Lepiota.

Star Fruit: Plants that contain soluble calcium oxylate, such as the Star Fruit, Rhubarb and Shamrock Plant, can be harmful to our pets.

Xylitol: This is a natural, sugar-free sweetener found in many sugar-free foods. It is, unfortunately, harmful to our pets if ingested. Common foods that contain Xylitol are sugar-free chewing gums, mints, oral rinses, toothpaste, chewable vitamins, and sugar-free desserts, such as puddings and gelatin snacks.

Mild to Moderate Reactions

Apricots: the seeds, leaves and stems of the apricot tree contain cyanide, a dangerous substance for our pets.

Cherry: Cherry trees and shrubs – all parts other than the ripe pulp around the seeds – also contain cyanide.

Garlic: Onions, garlic, chives and leeks are all dangerous to our pets if ingested in high enough doses. Please note that garlic is five times more toxic than onions.

Onions: see Garlic

Macadamia Nuts: toxic to our pets if eaten in a big enough dose.

Moldy foods: Since dogs and cats are typically “trash hounds,” moldy foods found in the garbage or compost piles put our pets at risk for toxicity due to mycotoxins, found in the mold. Always keep your garbage in a container that is pet-proof and your compost bin properly protected from wandering mouths.

Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that medications that our doctors have prescribed for us are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends.  While we would NEVER think about taking our pet’s medications, our pets don’t know the distinction between their medications and ours.  It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.

 In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months.  As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!

**Please, always consult a veterinarian before administering ANY medication to your pet**

Medications are listed in order of severity of reaction to drug

Severe Reaction

Calcipotriene: these drugs are a source of Vitamin D, commonly found in human medications for psoriasis.  Ingestion of these medications can be deadly to dogs and cats due to the life-threateningly high calcium levels that they cause.  Common name brands include Taclonex and Dovonex.

Imidazoline: found in nasal sprays and eye drops.  This medication is extremely poisonous when ingested orally, such as when a dog or cat chews the bottle.

Isoniazid: this is the main ingredients in a common Tuberculosis medication.  It is extremely toxic to pets.

Opiods & Opiates: these are found in drugs designed to provide pain relief in both humans and pets. The illegal form of this drug called Heroin. The most common incident of overdose of these drugs is when a pet ingests an oral tablet or chews up a patch of this medication.  Common name brands include Lortab, Demerol, Oxycontin, Percocet and Percodan.

Moderate to Severe Reactions

NSAIDS:  There are several variations of NSAIDs on the market. They are safe for pet use in very CONTROLLED doses.  Common names include Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Carprofen (Rimadyl), Deroxicob (Deramaxx), Etogesic (Etodolac), Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), Firocoxib (Previcox), Meloxicam (Metacam), and Naproxen (Alever, Midol). Overdoses of these drugs should be taken very seriously and immediate veterinary care should be considered.

Amphetamines: these are typically found in medications used for ADD & ADHD, as well as ecstasy and crystal meth.  They are very dangerous to our pets.

Antidepressants: One of the top accidental poisonings reported to the Pet Poison Hotline.  Veterinary doses are available for some of these medications, but they should NEVER be used without consulting a veterinarian.  Common name brands include Prozac, Cymbalta, Paxil and Zoloft.

Aspirin: this can cause severe poisoning if not used in strictly controlled doses.  Most common poisonings occur involving aspirin in accidental ingestion of BenGay, HEET, Icy Hot, Pepto Bismal, or oil of wintergreen.

Asthma Inhalers: the poisonous exposure to this drug involves chewing the medication canister and the exposure to massive amounts of the drug when the canister is punctured.  Always keep this medication, and all medication, stored away from curious pets.

Baclofen: used as a muscle relaxant; can be deadly to our pets when overdosed. Common brand names include Kemstro, Lioresal and Gablofen.

Beta Blockers: these are common heart medications used in both human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of heart disease and/or the regulation of blood pressure.   There is a very NARROW margin of safety for these drugs in veterinary medicine. 

Calcium Channel Blockers: another common heart medication used in both human and veterinary medicine for the treatment of heart disease and/or the regulation of blood pressure. Accidental overdosing can result in severe, life-threatening poisoning of our pets due to their narrow margin of safety. 

Decongestants: these medications can be deadly if ingested in toxic amounts by our pets.  Cold medicines and Cough medicines and Diet Pills are the most common forms found in the pharmacy.

Nicotine: the ingestion of nicotine in all of its forms can cause moderate to severe reactions in our pets.  These forms include cigarettes, cigars, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and cigarette butts found on the ground!!  Be diligent when walking your dog to make sure s/he does not eat these discarded remnants.

Mild to Severe

(based on amount ingested in relation to size of pet)

Antihistamines: commonly used in veterinary medicine.  The only harm is in overdosing.  Common form is Benadryl (diphenhydramine).

Benzodiazepines: contained in medications used for sedatives and anti-anxiety.   They can be lethal in high doses, but are very safe in prescribed dosing.  Common brand names include Xanax, Valium, Ativan and Versed.

Flea and Tick Medications/Treatments: these products and the drugs they contain are most commonly toxic to cats that have been exposed/ingested medications prescribed for dogs.   Dog toxicity may occur, but it is uncommon if the package directions are followed correctly.

Ivermectin: while a safe drug for dogs in prescribed doses, dogs that eat feces of a horse that has just been dewormed with Ivermectin or eat the horse dose of Ivermectin are at a high risk of toxicity.

Mild to Moderate

Ace Inhibitors: these are common cardiac medications used in both human and veterinary medicine.  In proper doses, these drugs are very safe.  When ingested in poisonous amounts, negative, but treatable, medical conditions may occur.

Diuretics: excessive use of these medications can cause dehydration or high blood pressure.  IV fluid therapy can usually reverse these conditions.

Sleep Aids: human sleep aids typically cause the exact opposite effect in our pets. Common name brands include Ambien and Lunestra.

**Please, always consult a veterinarian before administering ANY medication to your pet**

Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that things or substances we see everyday are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends. It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.

In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!

Envenomations

(Creepy, crawly things)

Black Widow Spider: This type of spider is poisonous to both cats and dogs.

Brown Recluse Spider: This type of spider is typically found in the southern Midwest region of the US, including Kansas and Missouri.

Coral Snake: Extremely poisonous to cats, dogs and people! “Red next to black is a friend of Jack, red next to yellow, a dangerous fellow.”

Hornets: including wasps, bees and honeybees.

Rattlesnake: snakes in this same family are cottonmouths, water moccasins and copperheads.  All are extremely poisonous to our furry friends.

Scorpions:  The only type of scorpion that is considered venomous is the Arizona Black Scorpion, with is not usually found in the Midwest.

Toads: The only two toads that are considered poisonous to our pets are not typically found in the Midwest.  The Colorado River Toad and Marine Toad are usually found either in Southwest US or tropical areas, such as Florida and Hawaii.

Toxic Gases

Carbon Monoxide: All species, including dogs and cats are affected by the toxic effects of Carbon Monoxide. Common sources of this gas are fires, car exhaust systems, and generators.

Smoke Inhalation: House fires are the most common source of smoke inhalation for our pets.  Be sure to have prominent postings on your windows and doors to alert firefighters about the existence of pets in your home!!!

Illicit Drugs

Marijuana: Dogs and cats can be poisoned by marijuana from second hand smoke exposure, or from direct ingestion of marijuana or baked foods (e.g., pot brownies, pot butter, etc.) laced with THC.

Cocaine: Cocaine is well absorbed across the oral or nasal mucosa, but not typically orally. Dogs can be accidentally (hopefully not maliciously) exposed when they sniff a table or towel that has cocaine on it. 

Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that things or substances we use everyday are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends. While we would NEVER think about eating or drinking chemical cleaners, our pets actually find some of them tasty, and, given their naturally curious nature, can get themselves in trouble. It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.

In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!



Metals

Iron: ingestion of any iron metal can cause iron poisoning. Items that have been reported to the Pet Poison Hotline as having been ingested by dogs or cats include: Hand/foot warmers, prenatal vitamins, iron supplements, and fertilizers.

Lead: lead poisoning can affect our pets also, Items reported include paint, batteries, fishing sinkers, leaded glass, ceramic, pottery, plumbing items, solder, linoleum, buckshot and bullets.



Zinc: zinc poisoning is yet another threat to our pets. Remember, for all of these items listed here and above, ingestion can lead to toxicity OR obstruction. Items containing zinc that have been reported include coins, pennies, metallic nuts, staples, galvanized metal, zippers, toys, zinc oxide and diaper rash creams.


Garage Items

Antifreeze: all antifreeze products, including those labeled “pet –safe” can be harmful to our pets. Pet-safe products will cause gastrointestinal upset, while all the others will cause much more severe problems, including death. Antifreeze solutions are usually sweet smelling and sweet tasting, which actually tempts the dogs and cats to drink them, so safe storage is essential.

Mouse/Rat Poisons: these poisons actually cause death by not allowing the blood to coagulate. Depending on the amount that the pet ingests, it could do the same to your pet. Be very careful when placing these poisons so that they are not in an area where your pets, or someone else’s, can get to them.

Gasoline products: Items such as gasoline, kerosene, motor oil,
tiki torch fluid, transmission and brake fluids are all harmful to our pets.

Pesticides: Once again, careful storage and application of these products is essential in order to protect our pets from ingesting them.

Gopher bait: since this poisonous to gophers, it is also poisonous to our pets.

Windshield Wiper Fluid: Proper storage and clean up of any spills is essential.

Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day

We, as humans, sometimes forget that things or substances we use everyday are actually hazardous to our four-legged friends. While we would NEVER think about eating or drinking chemical cleaners, our pets actually find some of them tasty, and, given their naturally curious nature, can get themselves in trouble. It is our responsibility, as their owners, to protect them from these situations.

In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!

Household Items

Acids: battery fluid, toilet bowl cleaners, vinegar, metal cleaners, drain cleaners. These acids can harm our pets both through the skin and if ingested.

Alkalis: bleach, automatic dishwasher detergent, oven cleaners, lye,drain cleaners. These products typically have little taste or odor, so larger ingestions may occur. As with acids, alkalis can harm both topically and internally.

Batteries: dry cell batteries, such as 9Volt, D, C, AA, AAA, are the most common types that are ingested, but button/disk batteries run a close second.

Detergents: soaps, fabric softeners, deodorizers.

     


Firestarter logs: These logs are made of compressed wax and sawdust, which will cause obstructions in the stomach when mixed with saliva and stomach acid. They also can contain heavy metals, which cause metal toxicity when ingested.

Fluoride: toothpaste and mouthwash. ALWAYS use pet approved toothpastes with your pets, NEVER human formulas.

Glow jewelry: these popular jewelry items contain a clear-to-yellow oily liquid called DBP, which can be ingested or can cause skin irritation.

Gorilla Glue and other types of wood or construction glue. When the chemicals in the glue mix with the stomach acids, the glue expands into a very large, foam firm foreign body obstruction.

Hand Sanitizer: Most hand sanitizers contain ethanol, which is highly toxic to both cats and dogs.

Liquid Potpourri: The liquid base causes chemical burns to the mouth. Liquid potpourris are most dangerous to cats due to their grooming habits.

Matches: These contain sulfur, charcoal and potassium nitrate, all of which can cause metal toxicity. The danger of ingestion is relative to the amount ingested.

Mothballs: This pesticide can be inhaled, absorbed through the skin or ingested.

Paintballs: Although uncommon, paintball ingestion can be life-threatening to our pets.

SuperGlue: Need I say more.

Tinsel: While not “poisonous”, tinsel is extremely dangerous to dogs and cats when ingested. It wraps around the tongue and/or internal organs, creating major problems internally.

Protecting our Pets from Products that we use every day.

Some of you may have read the article in Sunday’s Kansas City Star Magazine about things that pet do and why they do them. I found some of the topics rather interesting!

What I did notice, though, was the number of things that we use every day that are actually toxic, or even poisonous, to our pets. In that vein, I would like to spotlight some of these items throughout the next few months. As with all medical issues, prevention is always better, and cheaper, than treatment!!

Gardening Items

Mulch, while lovely to look at and very helpful against weeds, can be toxic to our pets. When eaten in great quantities, mulch can cause major stomach issues, including blockage.

Cocoa bean mulch is made of discarded hulls or shells of the cocoa bean, which are by-products of chocolate production. The tempting “chocolate-like” smell often attracts dogs and may encourage them to eat mulch. Processed cocoa bean hulls can contain theobromine and caffeine, the two toxins of concern in chocolate. Unfortunately, determining the amount of toxins in mulch can be difficult as it varies greatly from product to product. Many varieties contain very low amounts of the toxins and are as dangerous as dog owners are often led to believe; however, varieties with higher toxin concentrations can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and in extreme cases, death. Since it is not always apparent how much of the toxin the mulch contains, it is best to keep dogs a safe distance away, to always supervise your pet while outside, or to not use the mulch at all.

While fertilizers are typically fairly safe for pets, those that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron may be especially tasty – and dangerous to dogs. Large ingestions of the meal-containing products can form a concretion in the stomach, potentially obstructing the gastrointestinal tract and causing sever pancreatitis, and those that contain iron may result in iron poisoning. Also, ingestion of pesticides and insecticides, especially if they contain organophosphates (often found in rose care products), can be life-threatening, even when ingested in small amounts.

Available in a variety of forms (pellets, granular, powder and liquid), slug and snail baits contain the active ingredient metaldehyde, which is highly poisonous to dogs and cats. When ingested, metaldehyde produces clinical signs of distress within one to two hours, including salivation, restlessness, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and life-threateningly high body temperature. These baits are highly toxic and without immediate veterinary attention, symptoms can last for several days and can be fatal.

Gardeners love their compost; however, it can be toxic to pets and wildlife so please keep it fenced off. As the organic matter decomposes, it is common for molds to grow, some of which produce hazardous tremorgenic mycotoxins. When consumed by an animal, moldy food or compost ingestion can result in sickness and physical distress in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms include agitation, panting, drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary treatment with appropriate supportive care usually results in a good prognosis.


Watch for the next installment…..Household items that may harm our pets.

Top 10 Things To Do Before Bringing Your New Cat Home

Congratulations, the cat's out of the bag! You've just entered into a wonderful relationship that's bound to be filled with fun and affection. By starting off on the right foot—that is, by being well-prepared for your new arrival—you can move through that rocky adjustment period most new relationships go through and get right down to the lovin'!

1. Make Sure Everyone In The House Is Prepared To Have A Cat

Talk to your family members before bringing a new cat home. Make sure everyone knows that the fun begins only after kitty feels safe and her needs are met. Once you're sure everyone is ready for feeding, litter changing and grooming, you can divvy up chores among family members so everyone is prepared to care for kitty before she arrives.

2. Do You Know What Your Cat Is Trying To Tell You?

The average cat has a vocabulary of more than 16 different sounds, including purring, howling, hissing and meowing—not to mention a wide-range of playful and serious body language. Taking a glance at our Cat Care section will help you understand your cat's behavior before you're faced with her mysterious cat calls, pouncing and nocturnal romps.

3. Stock Up On Supplies Before Kitty Arrives

Have all of your cat's needs ready so she can get right down to the business of making herself at home. Kitty will need:

• A litter box and the brand of litter she's been using
• Food and water bowls and the food she's used to eating
• A sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—that allows her to stretch completely while scratching
• Safe, stimulating toys. Hint: If you give her toys that make noises, you'll know when she's playing.
• A bed lined with a soft, warm blanket or towel
• Grooming tools: a high-quality brush and nail clipper are a good start

4. Identity Is Key

Proper identification is a necessity. If your kitty is indoors-only, an ID tag or implanted microchip will help ensure she'll be returned to you if she gets out and can't find her way home. A safety collar with an elastic panel will allow your cat to break loose if the collar gets caught on something. We caution against letting cats outdoors, but if you do—or if a window or door is left open—a safety collar and an ID tag may be what bring your missing cat home.

5. A Room Of One's Own

Choose a low-traffic room your kids and other pets don't frequent—this will be your cat's safe space to sniff, eat, scratch and play while she gets her bearings. Arrange her food and water bowls, bed and litter box—and scatter her toys around. You can even clean off a windowsill for her and have soft music playing. She'll appreciate the chance to feel out her new family from inside her haven.

6. Routine Behavior

Give your cat a little structure to lean on. For the first few weeks, provide him with the same kind of food and feeding schedule he had before living with you—and give him the same brand of litter, too, for a familiar scent and feel on his paws. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, you can make a slow transition.

7. What's New, Pussycat?

With a whole new life in store for her, Kitty will need some time and space to check out her surroundings and all of her new play things. Give her time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play with her. If you have other pets, it's a good idea to leave your new cat in her own room for a few days will allow the other animals in the house to get used to her sounds and scent. (Hint: Watch from the door to see how she leaves her carrier. Whether she pussyfoots into a dark corner or zooms out into the room, you'll know how she feels about her new surroundings.)

8. Introducing Kitty To The Pack

Go slow at first. A cat may need seven to fourteen days to relax into her new environment. If you have kids, let them introduce themselves one at a time. Hold up on the meet-and-greets with friends, neighbors and relatives until your kitty is eating and eliminating on a normal schedule. If you have other pets, don't let your new addition have free run of the house. This is the territory of the animals who have lived with you already. Allow all of your pets to meet in the new cat's territory—and make sure you're there to supervise.

9. Cat-Proof Your Home

When your cat is ready to explore the rest of her new home (for short excursions at first), be sure to get rid of stray items she might chew on or swallow, like toilet paper, tissues and paper towels. Pens and pencils may need to be kept in drawers. You may also have to tape wires to baseboards and put caps on outlets.
Put away harsh cleaning products, human medications and household poisons, and rehome any houseplants that might be toxic to her. Make sure foods that aren't healthy for a cat's tummy are placed securely out of reach.

10. Visit The Vet Within Her First Week

Last but not least, bring your new feline to a caring veterinarian for a wellness exam within one week after adoption. Make this appointment even before you bring your kitty home.