Many pet poisonings are caused by household substances are not toxic to humans. Some of the most dangerous pet poisons are medications we take and foods we eat regularly. Take special care to poison proof your home for your furry friends just as you would for your human friends. Here is a list of common pet poisons:
Dogs
- Chocolate
- Insect bait stations
- Rodenticides (i.e., mouse and rat poison)
- Fertilizers
- Xylitol-containing products (i.e., sugar-free gums and candies)
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® in brand name or generic form)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol® in brand name or generic form)
- Grapes & raisins
- Amphetamines, such as ADD/ADHD drugs
- Household cleaners
Cats
- Lilies
- Canine pyrethroid insecticides (topical flea and tick medicine designed for dogs but erroneously placed on cats)
- Household cleaners
- Rodenticides (i.e., mouse and rat poison)
- Paints and varnishes
- Veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®)
- Glow sticks/glow jewelry
- Amphetamines (such as ADD/ADHD drugs)
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol® in brand name or generic form)
- Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin® in brand name or generic form)
Take special care to keep these items out of your pet’s reach and pet-proof your house! If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call your vet or the Indiana Poison Center (IPC) for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is very important. Having the container, package or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.
Depending on how a particular substance affects your pet’s body and how much was ingested or inhaled, pet poisoning symptoms can include but are not limited to:
- Gastrointestinal and neurological problems
- Cardiac and respiratory distress
- Coma
- Death