What to Do If Your Pet Gets into Poisonous Foods or Chemicals

 As much as we love our pets, they often don’t understand what is safe for them to eat or what could be harmful. It’s not uncommon for a pet wellness page, particularly dogs and curious cats, to ingest something they shouldn’t, such as toxic foods or chemicals. Whether it’s a simple mistake or an accidental ingestion, knowing how to react in these situations can make a huge difference in your pet’s health and safety.In this blog, we’ll walk through the most common poisonous substances for pets, how to identify the symptoms of poisoning, and what to do if your pet eats something harmful. We’ll also provide some emergency tips to ensure your pet gets the quick treatment they need.

Common Poisonous Foods and Chemicals for Pets

Certain foods and household chemicals can be highly toxic to pets. It’s important for pet owners to be aware of these substances and take preventive measures to keep them out of reach. Here are some of the most common toxins that can cause serious harm to pets:

1. Chocolate

Chocolate contains theobromine, a stimulant that can be toxic to both dogs and cats. While darker chocolate contains more theobromine, all types of chocolate (including milk chocolate) can cause poisoning in pets. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heart rate, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Grapes and raisins are known to cause kidney failure in dogs, though the exact cause is still unknown. Even small amounts can lead to poisoning. Symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity can include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain.

3. Onions and Garlic

Onions, garlic, leeks, and chives (all part of the allium family) contain compounds that can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats, leading to damage of red blood cells. Even small amounts over time can lead to poisoning. Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, and pale gums.

4. Xylitol

Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candies, baked goods, and some peanut butters. It can cause a rapid release of insulin in dogs, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, liver failure, and even death. Symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, loss of coordination, seizures, and lethargy.

5. Alcohol

Even small amounts of alcohol, whether from alcoholic beverages, raw bread dough, or household products, can be toxic to pets. Alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, respiratory depression, and coma.

6. Household Cleaning Products

Many common household cleaning products, such as bleach, ammonia, and toilet bowl cleaners, contain harmful chemicals that can cause poisoning if ingested. Symptoms may include drooling, pawing at the mouth, vomiting, and lethargy.

7. Certain Plants

Some plants, like lilies, azaleas, oleander, and poinsettias, are toxic to pets. While cats are particularly sensitive to lilies, dogs can also be affected by ingesting certain plants. Symptoms may include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and even organ failure in severe cases.

For a comprehensive list of foods and substances that can be toxic to pets, please visit our pet wellness page.

Signs Your Pet May Have Ingested Something Toxic

Recognizing the signs of poisoning quickly can make a significant difference in the outcome for your pet. Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the substance ingested, but common signs include:

  • Vomiting or diarrhea

  • Lethargy or weakness

  • Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth

  • Loss of coordination or difficulty walking

  • Tremors or seizures

  • Changes in behavior (e.g., restlessness or confusion)

  • Abdominal pain or bloating

  • Pale gums or a bluish tint to the skin

  • Rapid heart rate or irregular breathing

If you notice any of these symptoms and suspect your pet has ingested something harmful, it’s crucial to act immediately.

What to Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm

It’s important to stay calm and act quickly. Panic can make it harder to think clearly, so take a deep breath and focus on getting your pet the help they need.

2. Contact Your Veterinarian Immediately

Contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal hospital as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether the substance your pet has ingested is toxic, it’s always better to call and get expert advice. Many veterinary clinics, including Kainer Veterinary Hospital, offer emergency care and will be able to guide you on what to do next.

You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline at (800) 213-6680 for advice on what to do in case of poisoning.

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