Here are the most common toxic items I see pets get into and their possible effects:
Chocolate, especially dark and baking chocolate (vomiting/diarrhea, heart rate elevations and seizures)
Grapes and raisins (kidney failure)
Xylitol found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods (low blood sugar, liver issues)
THC/Marijuana – lethargy, incoordination, seizures and coma)
Antiinflammatory/Antipyretics like ibuprofen, naproxen and acetaminophen (GI issues, liver disease and kidney disease)
Antidepressant meds (vomiting, tremors, heart issues)
Plants such as lilies (highly toxic kidney disease in cats)
Cleaning products and chemicals, rodenticides (rat bait), insecticides (bug poisons), and other variable toxic plants
What to do
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxin, remain calm and immediately call your veterinarian. With less common toxins or complicated cases, your veterinarian may instruct you to contact a pet poison control center with access to toxin databases.
What not to do
DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING AT HOME WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE. I see it so frequently – it can cause horrible GI ulcers and generally doesn’t work. This significantly delays treatment and/or worsens prognosis and should be kept to a last resort when veterinary care is not at all accessible. NEVER induce vomiting in brachycephalic breeds (like Bulldogs, Bostons and Pugs) as they are more likely to aspirate their vomit and get severe pneumonias.
How do I treat these cases
When I get these cases to the hospital, we obtain a full history and physical exam and as efficiently as possible outline our major concerns and a treatment plan. We often decontaminate first by inducing vomiting with injectable meds followed by anti nausea meds. Treatment for toxin ingestion varies depending on the substance type, the dose and the size of the animal. Depending on the severity and type of toxicity, additional treatments such as hospitalization, intravenous fluids, or further diagnostic tests might be recommended based on your pet’s specific needs.
Dr. Ezra Ameis is an emergency veterinarian and the owner of Paw Priority in West Hollywood, a clinic providing general practice, urgent care, and acupuncture. To suggest a topic or ask a pet-related question, email hello@pp.vet.