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Substances poisonous to dogs

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Many poisonings happen simply because dogs are curious and dog owners are not aware of what should be kept out of reach of their pet.

There are a wide variety of substances poisonous to dogs. Many pet owners have a general knowledge of dog health, but not of the larger scope of common substances poisonous to dogs. Recognizing the signs of poisoning will enable dog owners to get the help their dogs need when exposed to poisons. Dogs can be exposed to poisons in several ways: ingestion, contact, and inhalation. The most common poisonous substances include some human foods and medications, household products, and many plants. Understanding exposure and symptoms of poisoning and poisonous substances will assist dog owners in identifying how to get the correct treatment for their pet.

Exposure and signs of poisoning

Signs of poisoning in dogs are different based on the cause and the type of exposure. If a dog has been exposed to a poison, a vet or emergency vet center should be contacted. There are three basic types of exposure a dog owner should be aware of: ingestion, contact, and inhalation.

Ingestion

Poisons ingested are usually due to a curious dog eating or chewing on something that is poisonous or has some level of toxin in it. Unknowing dog owners also sometimes give their pet medications that the dog is unable to break down and metabolize, thus becoming poisonous to the dog. Keeping toxic substances out of a dog's reach will avoid such scenarios. Medications and food intended for human consumption should not be given to any dog.[1] Ingesting poisons may cause drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, irritability, tremors, twitching, seizures, rapid heart beat, coma, or death. The extent of the symptoms will change based on what and how much of a poison has been ingested.[2]

Dog showing signs of lethargy and disorientation. Walking or standing with the head down can be a sign that a dog does not feel well or is in pain.

Contact

Poisoning in dogs by contact happens when a dog gets the substance on its skin or coat. These can cause skin irritation and burns, but also become more dangerous when the dog attempts to clean the substance off his skin/coat by licking. Some of the substances can simply be immediately removed from the skin or coat. However, the dog may still need attention from a veterinarian.[3]

Inhalation

Inhaled toxins usually cause a dog to have difficulty breathing. If a dog owner is aware of inhalation of poisonous substances, professional medical intervention is recommended.[4]

Substances

Human food

Many human foods may cause irritation to dogs or more serious problems when ingested in large amounts. In 2011, consumption of toxic foods was the number one cause of poisoning in dogs.[5] In 2017, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 199,000 poisoning cases, almost one-fifth of which were the result of ingesting human foods.[6] Knowing which foods are poisonous to dogs will protect your dog and keep them healthy. Every pet owner wants to share a "treat" with their dog; however, dogs can not break down many of the substances that humans can, thus the "treat" for the human could become detrimental to the dog.

Carob is sometimes used as a chocolate substitute and is not toxic to dogs.

Chocolate

Chocolate is dangerous for dogs because they are unable to break down theobromine nor caffeine contained in the chocolate. Darker chocolate and baking chocolate contain a higher amount of theobromine, thus they are more dangerous than milk chocolate or white chocolate. Smaller doses may cause vomiting or diarrhea, but larger doses begin to affect the heart and brain. At higher doses the dog may essentially suffer a heart attack.[7] Note that some dog treats that claim they include chocolate use carob which looks like chocolate.

Grapes/raisins/currants

These include any fruit of the Vitis species. The substance within these fruits that causes toxicity to dogs is not clear. There are two theories: mycotoxin or salicylate naturally found in grapes, which decreases blood flow to the kidneys. There may be no dose information to show how much is too much. This varies and one dog may tolerate grapes/raisins more than another. The safest amount is NONE, as it eliminates the possibility and is safest for the pet.[8]

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts have been included in the top foods to not give dogs. Like grapes or raisins it has not been clearly identified what is in the nut that causes negative reactions in dogs. Very small amounts of the nut can cause adverse reactions – "as little as 1/10th of an ounce per roughly 2 pounds of body weight."[9] Macadamia nuts are singled out as having higher toxicity. Other nuts in general, are high in fat and can cause a dog to become ill.[10] Dogs do not metabolize substances as humans can so keep pets safe by not taking the risk of feeding them any type of nut.

Xylitol

The FDA has issued alerts to notify the public that xylitol, a sugar substitute, is harmful to dogs. It is used in sugar free foods including gum and candy, and oral hygiene products. Some peanut butter will also contain xylitol. Xylitol can cause liver failure in dogs, as well as hypoglycemia due to the fact that it stimulates rapid insulin production in the canine pancreas.[11] Some possible signs to watch for are loss of coordination, vomiting, or seizures.[12] Xylitol is not always clearly labeled on sugar free foods. Ingredient listings should indicate if xylitol is in the product. Food labels with the listing for "sugar alcohol" may contain xylitol.[13] Other names for xylitol include birch sugar, E967, Meso-Xylitol, Xilitol, Xylit, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-Pentol, and Sucre de Bouleau.[14]

Members of the Onion family can be dangerous to dogs.

Fruit pits and seeds

Apples are safe for dogs, but apple seeds are not. Apple seeds, persimmon, peach, and plum pits, as well as other fruit seeds or pits have "cyanogenic glycosides". For example, if an apple seed skin is broken as a dog is eating an apple, then cyanide could be released. Apple seeds should be removed before a dog is given the apple to eat.[15]

Onions and garlic

The Alliaceae family, of the Allium genus, or the onion family, includes onion, garlic, shallots, scallions, chives, and leeks.[16] These contain thiosulphate which can cause red blood cell damage and anemia. Thiosulphate poisoning from onions can cause orange to dark red-tinged urine, vomiting, and diarrhea.[17]

Medication

Over the counter medication

Human vitamin supplements can damage the digestive tract lining, especially those containing iron, and can lead to kidney and liver damage.[15]

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen

These are commonly known as Motrin or Advil and Tylenol and can cause liver damage in dogs.

Prescription

Human antidepressant drugs like Celexa can cause neurological problems in dogs.

ADHD medications contain stimulants, such as methylphenidate, that if ingested even in small amounts can be life-threatening to dogs. Examples are Concerta, Vyvanse, Adderall, and Dexadrine.[18]

Household products

"Each year, there are almost 214,000 cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. Many of these were caused by household substances that may seem perfectly harmless."[19]

Substances with a pH greater than 7 are considered alkalis. Usually exposure is some level of irritation. However, these substances generally have no taste odor which increases the chance of larger amounts being ingested by a dog. At high levels of consumption alkalis become a greater danger for dogs. Bleach oven and drain/pipe cleaners, hair relaxers, and lye are examples of alkaline products.[20]

Ethylene glycol, antifreeze, is extremely toxic to dogs. It has a sweet taste and thus dogs will drink it. As little as 2 1/2 tablespoons can kill a medium-sized dog in 2-3 days. This type of poisoning is often fatal because dog owners do not know their pet has ingested the antifreeze. De-icing fluids can also contain ethylene glycol.

Paraquat is used for weed and grass control. It is so toxic that blue dye is added so it is not confused with coffee, a pungent odor is added as a warning and a vomiting agent in case it is ingested. In the US, it can only be used by those with a commercial license for its use. It is one of the most commonly used herbicides worldwide. Outside of the US, the licensing requirements may not exist.[21]

Pesticides

Pesticides containing organophosphates can be fatal to dogs. "Disulfoton is an example found in rose care products."[22] "They're considered junior-strength nerve agents because they have the same mechanism of action as nerve gases like sarin", explained Dana Boyd Barr, an exposure scientist at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, who has studied organophosphate poisoning.[23] Organophosphates are not banned from use, but require licensing for use.

Rodenticides

Zinc phosphide is a common ingredient in rat poison or rodenticide. Zinc phosphide is a combination of phosphorus and zinc. If ingested, acid in a dog's stomach turns the compound into phosphine, which is a toxic gas. The phosphine gas crosses into the dog's cells and causes the cell to die. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, anxiety, and loss of coordination. If a dog has not eaten and has an empty stomach when ingesting zinc phosphide, signs may not be apparent for up to 12 hours.[24]

Strychnine is another rodenticide that is dangerous and causes similar reactions to zinc phosphide exposure. If a dog survives 24-48 hours after this type of poisoning, they generally recover well.[25]

Veterinary Products

Rimadyl, Dermaxx and Previcox are types of NSAIDs specifically for veterinary use for osteoarthritis, inflammation, and pain control in dogs. These can cause liver/kidney issues in dogs.

In most cases issues of poisoning by veterinary products are due to incorrect administration by the veterinarian or the dog owner.[18]

Daffodils can be various shades of yellow. Some can be mixed shades of yellow or yellow and orange.

Plants

Daffodil

Daffodils contain lycorine which can cause vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, stomach ache, heart, and breathing issues.[26] Any part of the plant may induce side effects, but the bulb is the most toxic. At higher amounts the toxin can cause gastrointestinal issues or drop in blood pressure.

Tulips come in a variety of colors

Tulip

Any part of the tulip[26] can be poisonous but the bulb is the most toxic causing irritation in the mouth and throat. Signs of this type of poisoning are drooling, vomiting, stomach ache, and diarrhea.

Azalea's come in a variety of pink, red and purple as well as white. They can vary in size based on the variety and some have double blooms.

Azalea

Azaleas contain grayanotoxins. This toxin passes through the dog's body quickly and symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, weakness, or abnormal hear rate usually subside in a few hours.

Oleander

Oleander

Oleander contains cardiac glycosides oleandrin and nerioside, and when ingested can result in fatal heart abnormalities, muscle tremors, incoordination, vomiting, and bloody diarrhea. The signs can start with in a few hours and cause a dog's condition to decline quickly, thus treatment is often not successful.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia is a common indoor plant.

Dieffenbachia causes oral irritation, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing in dogs. This plant contains calcium oxalate crystals. After ingestion, a dog may have a hard time swallowing, begin drooling, or coughing as if choking. Dieffenbachia can cause damage to the liver and kidneys leading to death, comas or permanent damage to critical organs, including the liver and kidneys, which may even lead to death.[27]

Sago palm

"Sago palms are toxic to all pets and the symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure, and potentially death", says Laura Stern, DVM, DABVT, director of client programs for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. And while the leaves and bark will harm your pup, “the seeds or ‘nuts’ contain the largest amount of toxins,” she claims.[28]

Cyclamen

Possibly all species of cyclamen are toxic to dogs. Cyclamen contains triterpenoid saponins that irritate skin and are toxic to dogs.

Castor bean

Castor beans or the castor oil plant contain ricin which is toxic to dogs. It can be fatal depending on how much of the plant is ingested. The beans of the plant have a higher concentration of ricin and if chewed instead of swallowed whole will cause increased toxicity levels.[29]

Hemlock

The USDA lists water hemlock as “the most violently toxic plant that grows in North America.” Dog deaths due to hemlock poisoning are unusual. Most animal deaths are cows or other grazing animals. If a dog does ingest hemlock, the cicutoxin in the plant can be fatal very quickly as it causes the heart and nervous system to not be able to function normally.[30]

Treatment

There are many possible treatment paths for poisoning in dogs. One of the most important parts of any treatment is timing. A dog that has been exposed to a toxic substance has a better chance of recovery if treatment is initiated quickly.[31] A veterinarian can determine if inducing vomiting is an appropriate action to remove a poisonous substance from a dog's stomach. Treatment for swelling may require an anti-histamine or other inflammatory drug to reduce swelling. Dogs may be put under anesthesia in order for their stomach to be flushed or given an activated charcoal solution to prevent absorption in the stomach.

Blood tests will indicate enzyme levels related to liver, kidney and bowel functions. Blood tests will also show levels of red and white blood cells and platelet levels. Just as in humans there are established ranges for normal functions and blood tests results will indicate what may be malfunctioning in a dog's body.

In the case of poisons that cause liver damage, intravenous fluids assist in flushing toxins from the dog's body and may be combined with medications to help liver functions.[25]

Treatment will be more effective if the type of poison is known.

References

  1. ^ "Poisons (Swallowed)". Pet MD. Archived from the original on November 23, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  2. ^ "Poisons (General Overview)". Pet MD. Archived from the original on November 24, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  3. ^ "Poisons (Topical)". Pet MD. Archived from the original on June 29, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  4. ^ "Poisons (Inhaled)". Pet MD. Archived from the original on November 24, 2017. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  5. ^ Michelle, Schenker (March 4, 2019). "Watch Out For These Symptoms Of Dog Poisoning". Canine Journal. Archived from the original on July 4, 2017. Retrieved February 7, 2020.
  6. ^ Quach, Cindy. "The Most Dangerous Human Foods for Dogs". Nom Nom Now. Archived from the original on February 21, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  7. ^ Brutlag, Ahna. "Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs". VCA. Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  8. ^ Brutlag, Ahna. "Grape, Raisin, and Currant Poisoning in Dogs". VCA. Archived from the original on February 17, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  9. ^ Reisen, Jan. "Can Dogs Eat Macadamia Nuts?". AKC. Archived from the original on June 12, 2020. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  10. ^ "People Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Pets". ASPCA. Archived from the original on February 10, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  11. ^ Commissioner, Office of the (2021-07-07). "Paws Off Xylitol; It's Dangerous for Dogs". FDA.
  12. ^ "FDA issues new warning about xyfitol poisoning in dogs, ferrets". DVM Magazine. 42, 4: 12. April 2011. Archived from the original on 2020-09-01. Retrieved 2020-02-10 – via Galileo.
  13. ^ Coates, Jennifer. "6 Dangerous (and Surprising) Items That Contain Xylitol". Pet MD. Archived from the original on March 23, 2019. Retrieved February 10, 2020.
  14. ^ "Can Dogs Eat Maple Syrup? - What Dogs Can Eat". 2021-09-26. Retrieved 2021-09-27.
  15. ^ a b "Which Foods are Poisonous to Dogs". Vetinfo. Archived from the original on November 18, 2014. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  16. ^ "Meet the Onion Family". Better Homes & Gardens. Archived from the original on September 19, 2018. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  17. ^ Gholipour, Bahar (May 24, 2016). "These 7 Foods Cause the Most Pet Deaths". Live Science. Archived from the original on June 9, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  18. ^ a b "Top 10 Animal Toxins of 2018". ASPCA. March 7, 2019. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  19. ^ Flowers, Amy (May 5, 2019). "Top 10 Dog Poisons". Fetch by WebMD. Archived from the original on December 25, 2019. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
  20. ^ "Alkalis". PetPoison Hotline. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  21. ^ "Facts about Paraquat". Centers for Disease Control and Preventions. April 4, 2018. Archived from the original on February 18, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  22. ^ "Top 10 Most Frequently Reported Poison dangers for Dogs". Pet Poison Helpline. 24 January 2012. Archived from the original on 28 December 2019. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  23. ^ Than, Ker (July 18, 2013). "Organophosphates: A Common But Deadly Pesticide". National Geographic. Archived from the original on March 9, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  24. ^ Dollison, Robert M. (2010). "The National Map: New Viewer, Services, and Data Download". Fact Sheet. doi:10.3133/fs20103055. ISSN 2327-6932.
  25. ^ a b Baxter, Roberta (2010). Mini Encyclopedia of Dog Health. china: Interpet Publishing. p. 160. ISBN 9780764145506.
  26. ^ a b "Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs". ASPCA. Retrieved 2020-12-23.
  27. ^ Koch, Dana. "6 Common Plants that are Poisonous to Pets". Pet Coach. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  28. ^ Buzhardt, Lynn (2017). "Sago Palm Poisoning". VCA. Archived from the original on May 14, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2020.
  29. ^ Albretsen, J.C. (May 2000). "Evaluation of castor bean toxicosis in dogs: 98 cases". Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 36 (3): 229–33. doi:10.5326/15473317-36-3-229. PMID 10825094.
  30. ^ Coates, Jennifer (July 13, 2015). "'Violently Toxic' Plant to Blame for Colorado Dog's Sudden Death". St.Louis Post-Dispatch. Archived from the original on February 22, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2020.
  31. ^ Staff. "Common Dog Poisons". Victoria State Government. Archived from the original on February 3, 2020. Retrieved February 8, 2020.
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