Does your pet have cravings for sweets? Hopefully not! Believe it our not, chocolate can actually be poisonous to animals if ingested in large enough amounts. Chocolate contains an ingredient similar to caffeine and can cause symptoms such as restlessness, muscle tremors and even seizures.
The severity of the signs depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. Onset of signs can occur within 6-12 hours and include bloating, vomiting, diarrhea, drinking more and restlessness which can progress to agitation, tremors, wobbliness, seizures, collapse and coma.
If you see that your pet has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian. Vomiting may be induced with 3% hydrogen peroxide (not 30% used for hair bleaching) using ½ teaspoon per 10 lbs. of body weight. Vomiting should occur within 5-10 minutes and if not, repeat the dose. Be sure to keep the dog’s head raised. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous.
It is best to watch where you place that Halloween candy and Easter basket!! Another household item which can be toxic is Tylenol, primarily to cats.
Cats are unable to metabolize (break down) the drug, and it can cause death. Symptoms of Tylenol toxicity include pale to blue-tinged gums, depression, weakness, vomiting, facial swelling and respiratory distress, all occurring within 1-4 hour of ingestion. So be careful not to drop any capsules on the floor when taking your medication!
Xylitol is promoted as a “natural sugar product” and is used in many different products such as sugar-free chewing gum and candy, baked goods, desserts, oral care products and chewable vitamins. (Gum brands include Orbit, Epic, Spry, Zapp, B-fresh, Xponent, Trident Advantage, and Ice Breakers.) This sugar substitute is often used by diabetics and low carb dieters as it causes little insulin release. Though xylitol is safe in people (>130 g/day may cause diarrhea), dogs are much more sensitive absorbing 100% of the sugar substitute with peak blood levels in 30 minutes. One gram of xylitol is toxic to a 20 pound dog (that is one stick of gum if xylitol is listed as the first ingredient). Any dog ingesting greater than 0.1 g/kg is in danger and needs immediate and aggressive treatment to avoid possible life-threatening consequences.
Other household items which can be poisonous to your pet are certain plants (vomiting and salivation), rodent baits (weakness and hemorrhage), antifreeze (tremors, seizures, kidney failure), and lead (paint, linoleum, plaster, caulking materials, batteries) which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures and blindness. Antifreeze is actually sweet tasting, so be sure your vehicle does not have a leaky radiator.
One last poison I will mention is the horrible liquid emitted from the glands of the Bufo Toad. I’m sure you’ve seen these nasty looking toads, and unfortunately, some dogs think they might make a good toy! If you ever catch your dog chomping on one of these creatures, IMMEDIATELY get a garden hose and rinse the mouth from side to side (the direction you flush is important as you don’t want to drown your dog!). The Bufo toxin can cause salivation, seizures and even death due to its effect on the heart. You should consult your veterinarian about anything of which your pet may ingest if you are not sure if it is poisonous. You can also call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-800-548-2423.
Also see HOUSE PLANTS AND YOUR CAT for a listing of house plants that may be poisons to your kitty.
