A dumpster-diving dog or a curious cat can be exposed to or ingest a toxin, potentially experiencing serious health consequences. Learn how toxicity affects pets by reading our Commonwealth Animal Care team’s pet poisoning case reports. 

George, a 5-year-old black Labrador retriever stole his owner’s Valentine’s day chocolate and ingested the entire box 

George’s owner came home to find him surrounded by candy wrappers, and he seemed to be experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) upset. On presentation, George’s heart and respiratory rates were elevated, but his blood work was normal. Our team induced vomiting, and administered activated charcoal to help prevent further absorption of caffeine and theobromine, chocolates’ pet-toxic ingredients. We also kept George on fluids overnight and monitored his heart rate and rhythm, and blood pressure. George was back to normal the following morning and was discharged to his owner. 

Many pet owners know that chocolate is toxic for pets. However, they may not realize how many human foods are off-limits for our furry friends. Other foods that are toxic to pets include:

  • Grapes — Grapes and raisins are a healthy treat for people, but these fruits can cause pets to experience kidney failure.
  • Xylitol — Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly used in sugar-free gums, candies, and baked goods. Pets don’t process the ingredient like humans do, and ingestion causes hypoglycemia.
  • Onions — Allium vegetables, such as onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives, and scallions, contain a toxin that causes pets to experience red blood cell damage, leading to anemia.
  • Macadamia nuts — In general, nuts are high in fat and can cause pets to experience GI upset or pancreatitis. However, if your pet ingests macadamia nuts, they can experience muscle weakness, depression, and hyperthermia.

Sylvie, a 2-year-old rottweiler, looted her mom’s purse and ate several ibuprofen tablets 

Sylvie’s owner caught her just as she was gobbling down the last ibuprofen tablet. Aware of ibuprofen’s dangerous effects on dogs, she immediately sought veterinary care. Sylvie’s physical examination and blood work were completely normal, and she wasn’t exhibiting any toxicity signs. Our Commonwealth Animal Care team induced vomiting and administered activated charcoal. We kept Sylvie overnight for monitoring and intravenous (IV) fluid administration, rechecking her blood work the following morning. She was given a clean bill of health and sent home. 

Many prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications are toxic to pets. Medications to keep away from you pet include:

  • Acetaminophen — Pets metabolize acetaminophen differently than humans, and the drug can cause liver damage and decrease red blood cells’ oxygen-carrying ability. Cats are especially susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity.
  • Blood pressure medications — If your pet ingests calcium channel blockers or angiotensin-converting-enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, they can experience heart rate changes, lung fluid accumulation, kidney failure, and hypotension.
  • Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications — These medications are stimulants, and if your pet ingests an ADHD drug, they can experience agitation, high heart rate and blood pressure, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Charlie, a 4-year-old domestic shorthair cat, drank water from a vase with lilies and chewed the petals 

Charlie’s owner came home to find him depressed and vomiting, and saw lily petal pieces in Charlie’s vomit. He determined that Charlie had been poisoned. Charlie was lethargic and drooling on presentation. His blood work was normal, but kidney failure typically occurs 24 to 48 hours after lily toxicity. We administered activated charcoal and put Charlie on IV fluids. His kidney levels rose slightly the next day, and we continued treatment. After 72 hours, his kidney levels normalized, and our Commonwealth Animal Care team kept Charlie for another 48 hours to administer fluids and monitor his kidney function. Charlie is currently doing well, but we monitor his kidney values every six months to ensure he stays healthy. 

Lilies are particularly toxic to cats; however, other plants that are pet-toxic include:

  • Azalea — These plants contain toxins that affect skeletal and cardiac muscles, causing GI upset, cardiovascular abnormalities, and central nervous system (CNS) disruption.
  • Chrysanthemum — All plants in the chrysanthemum family are toxic to pets. They contain pyrethrins, which irritate a pet’s GI tract, causing vomiting, drooling, and diarrhea.
  • Foxglove — Foxglove is extremely toxic to pets. This plant contains cardiac glycoside toxins that interfere with the heart muscle’s electrolyte balance. Foxglove toxicity signs include abnormal heart rate and rhythm, electrolyte abnormalities, GI upset, dilated pupils, muscle tremors, and seizures.

Kayla, a 10-year-old Rhodesian ridgeback, ingested rat poison that she found in the garage

After work, Kayla’s owner came home to find her exhibiting muscle tremors. He noticed that bromethalin rat bait he had put in the garage had been disturbed. Kayla began seizing on the way to the veterinary clinic. She was still seizing when she arrived, and her owner sadly opted for euthanasia, because her prognosis was poor. 

All rodenticides are extremely dangerous for pets. Other household products that are extremely toxic to pets include: 

  • Antifreeze — Many antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, and this chemical’s sweet smell and flavor attracts pets. If your pet ingests a product that contains ethylene glycol, they can experience severe kidney injury. Initial signs include lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, and seizures. Kidney shutdown can occur in 36 to 72 hours.
  • Deicing salts — These products contain ingredients such as sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and magnesium chloride. If your pet ingests deicing salts, they can experience GI upset, dehydration, mouth and stomach ulcerations, and electrolyte imbalances.

Numerous pets develop serious health problems due to toxic exposure each year. To safeguard your pet from toxins, ensure you keep these foods and chemicals out of your furry pal’s reach. However, if your pet ingests a toxin, immediately contact our Commonwealth Animal Care team so we can provide effective treatment.