7 Common Pet Poisoning Risks
March 08, 2022 • Health & Wellness
Keeping toxic substances out of our pet’s reach seems obvious, but many common household products, and even human food, can be deadly to our animals. In honor of Pet Poison Awareness Month, Embrace Pet Insurance is sharing common pet poisoning risks, and what to do if your pet encounters them.
7 Common Pet Poisoning Risks
1. Chocolate Chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats due to the caffeine and other chemicals it contains. Dark chocolate is the most toxic form of chocolate; however, no amount is safe for pets. The most common sign that your pet has ingested chocolate is vomiting.
2. Grapes & Raisins Although popular among kids and adults, grapes and raisins can cause kidney failurein dogs. You will begin to see your dog exhibit signs such as vomiting and diarrhea within 6-8 hours of ingestion.
3. Lilies Lilies are a beautiful flower for home décor, but all parts of lilies, including the water they sit in, is poisonous to cats. In fact, only a few bites can cause their kidneys to shut down. Common symptoms include vomiting, drinking and excessive urination.
4. Mushrooms Store bought mushrooms are not toxic to pets, but many varieties of mushrooms found outside are. It can be difficult to identify mushrooms by type, so if you suspect your pet is suffering from mushroom poisoning, bring the mushroom with you to the vet.
5. NSAIDs NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin and ibuprofen are staples of the average American's medicine cabinet. When even a regular human dose is consumed by pets, the small amount can prove fatal. Excessive ingestion damages the lining of the gastrointestinal tract and causes bleeding.
6. Rat Poison Rat poison may seem obvious, but many pet parents don’t think about their pets when they’re setting the traps. If your pet comes in contact with rat poison, you’ll need to tell the vet which type so they can treat them properly.
7. Xylitol Xylitol is a sugar substitute used in gum, candy, and other sugar-free foods. Xylitol creates a huge release of insulin in dogs, causing their blood glucose levels to drop dangerously low.
This video from Embrace Pet Insurance shares more common pet poisoning risks in the outdoors.
If you suspect your pet has gotten into any of the above substances, you should treat it as a medical emergency and seek care quickly. Veterinarians will be able to induce vomiting, administer medications and provide supportive care until your pet is feeling better.
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