What Pet Poisons Do You Have At Home?
We all have potential pet poisons at home that are harmful to our pets. Often we don't realise how dangerous they can be. Hopefully you will never need us here at Coolock Vets because of these items but best to be informed!
Chocolate
Chocolate poisoning in dogs and cats can cause vomiting and diarrhoea. This can be followed by increased heart rate, and muscle tremors. Severe cases can result in seizures, coma and death
Xylitol sweetner
This sugar substitute found in chewing gum and toothpaste can cause low blood sugar levels resulting in fainting. It can also cause liver damage in high doses which can be fatal sometimes.
raisins & grapes
Raisins and grapes are found to be very tasty by dogs and sometimes used as treats by owners. Both of them can cause kidney damage. This is oftentimes irreversible when large quantities are ingested.
paracetamol
Cats are particularly sensitive to paracetamol. But both dogs and cats can react very badly to paracetamol poisoning resulting in liver failure.
human pain relief drugs
There are many human pain relief drugs that cause severe damage to cats and dogs. Some of these can cause mild gastrointestinal issues but others can cause stomach ulcers and liver and kidney damage.
Slug & snail Pellets
Slug pellet poisoning in dogs and cats is an emergency. These pellets can cause severe seizures and neurological damage oftentimes leading to a coma.
Rat poison
Rat poison in dogs and cats can cause prolonged internal bleeding. This can be slow to develop and can persist over an extended period. This is a medical emergency.
antifreeze
Antifreeze from leaking car radiators is very sweet to taste and causes severe breathing difficulties in cats & dogs. It can lead to collapse and ultimately be fatal.
lily flowers
Lily flowers are toxic to cats. Lillies can cause sudden kidney failure in cats which is oftentimes irreversible leading to death. Homes with cats should avoid these flowers.
Onions
Onion poisoning in dogs and cats can cause problems with red blood cells. This can result in similar issues to rat poisons with breathlessness, weakness, collapse, vomiting and diarrhoea.
E-cigarettes
The fluid in e-cigarettes contains concentrated nicotine which is very harmfull to dogs. It can cause collapse and death very quickly in small dogs.
Rock salt
Cats and dogs often ingest rock salt during the winter months after licking it from their paws. It can cause weakness, dehydration, vomiting and diarrhoea