What are the top 5 pet poison emergencies? Be prepared, dog owners
March 22, 2011 • Health & Wellness •
At the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES) in Langhorne, PA, it’s a problem doctors see weekly. Pets are rushed in for emergency treatment due to exposure to poison. In honor of National Poison Prevention Week (March 19th – 25th) CARES is educating pet parents about the top 5 poison emergencies seen at their hospital on a regular basis.
Flea and Tick Control. “The problem is the unsuspecting pet owner grabs something off the shelf and puts it on their cat, not realizing the product is actually for dogs,” according to veterinarian Dr. Jon Rappaport, Co-Director of CARES. The dog products are very concentrated and toxic to cats. Dr. Rappaport advises pet parents to check the label carefully to be sure the product is appropriate for cats. “There are labeled cat products out there. But, some are not as clearly labeled as they should be.”
Ibuprofen. “Pets are getting into their owners’ medication,” says Dr. Rappaport. “The standard 200mg tablet size can cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, gastrointestinal ulcer disease, lethargy, kidney and liver damage.” Dr. Rappaport adds that it’s best to keep all medications out of reach of pets. Also, never give your pet medication unless directed by a veterinarian.
Chocolate. The Easter holiday is just around the corner. It’s a time when many households have extra chocolate on hand. For dogs admitted to CARES with chocolate toxicity, “we see excitement, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, diarrhea, and more. Sometimes their heart rate skyrockets,” adds Dr. Rappaport. Dark chocolate is more toxic than milk chocolate. A 35 lb dog would be expected to be ill following ingestion of 34 oz of milk chocolate, but could get ill on as little as 3.8 oz of dark/unsweetened chocolate.
Acetaminophen. “This can be fatal for a cat who eats just one pill (i.e. Tylenol),” according to Dr. Rappaport. It causes changes in the red blood cells that affect the way the cat delivers oxygen. It’s also toxic to the liver for cats and dogs. In fact, human medications are number one on the ASPCA’s list of common hazards for pets. The ASPCA managed more than 45,000 calls in 2009 involving prescription and over the counter drugs. They say pets often “snatch pill vials from counters and nightstands or gobble up medications accidentally dropped on the floor.”
Rodenticide. “All rodenticide is toxic,” says Dr. Rappaport. “If you have it in the house, it’s important to know exactly what kind, so that your pet can be treated properly, if ingested. Keep your pets away from rodenticide and only put it in areas where pets will not come in contact with it. Never use Bromethalin or Strichnine. If your pet gets into it, there’s a horrible prognosis.” Dr. Rappaport adds, “Many people put down rodenticides and then forget about it. It’s also a problem with people who move into a pre-owned home where rodenticide has been applied. A lot of rodenticides contain poisons that affect the body’s ability to clot blood. So, pets wind up bleeding internally. They can bleed into their abdomen, chest or any area of the body.”
About the Center for Animal Referral and Emergency Services (CARES):
CARES is a full service specialty referral, emergency and critical care veterinary hospital, located in Langhorne, PA. Specialty cases are seen by referral from the primary care veterinarian. Specialty services include: The Cancer Center at CARES, Cardiology, Clinical Pathology, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Ophthalmology, Radiology, Surgery and Client Support. The hospital also offers 24 hour emergency care. For more information, visit www.vetcares.com
