7 Most Common Causes of Poisoning in Cats & Dogs

 

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These innocuous stuff commonly found in our homes are huge hazards for your furkids and can be fatal for them. To arm yourself with knowledge for prevention, read on:

But first, if you suspect your pet has swallowed any of these items, contact your vet or Gaia Veterinary Centre immediately.


1. Chocolate

Chocolates are toxic to dogs & cats.

Your kids love them, you love them and the festive season means you’ll have heaps lying around the house.

Chocolates are toxic because of theobromine and caffeine content.

  • The darker the chocolate, the higher theobromine and caffeine content.

  • Size matters. A small-sized dog ingesting a small amount of chocolate may experience more severe symptoms compared to a larger dog.



Signs to watch:

  • Increased thirst

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Hyperactivity



  • Abnormal heart rhythms

  • Elevated blood pressure

  • Elevated body temperature

  • Tremors & seizures

2. Rat Poison

Mouse or rat poison are toxic to pets.

Used to control rat populations in buildings and around their perimeters. Your pets can get very sick if they accidentally swallow them. Your best defence is to be vigilant because it is more common and found closer to home than you think.

There are 3 types in the market, listed via their active ingredients below.

Why is it important for you to know?  Knowing the type of poison ingested can help your vet decide the right course of treatment.

 

1) Anti-coagulant rodenticide

Signs to watch:

  • Lethargy

  • Breathing difficulties

  • Decreased appetite

  • Bleeding gums

  • Bloody urine

Results in:

Internal bleeding by preventing blood clotting

2) Bromethalin rodent baits

Signs to watch:

  • Lethargy

  • Weakness

  • Wobbling when walking

  • Lack of coordination

  • Tremors

  • Seizures

Results in:

Brain swelling

3) Cholecalciferol (Activated Vitamin D3)

Signs to watch:

  • Lethargy

  • Lack of appetite

  • Weakness

  • Increased thirst

  • Increased urination

Results in:

Kidney failure from elevated blood calcium levels

3. Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen is especially dangerous for cats.

Sold as ‘Nurofen’ in Singapore pharmacies, these painkillers are easily obtained over the counter. Just one or two pills can be dangerous for pets.

Signs to watch:

Cats are more sensitive to ibuprofen’s effects.

  • Bloody vomitus

  • Diarrhoea

  • Black-tarry stools

  • Tremors

  • Seizures

  • Lethargy

  • Weakness

  • Loss of appetite

  • Pale gums (a sign of anaemia)

  • Vomiting

Small doses can result in:

Severe stomach ulcers

Larger doses can result in:

  • Kidney failure

  • Liver failure

  • Neurological problems

4. Xylitol

Xylitol, toxic to dogs, is found in so many food products.

This sugar substitute can be found in many products e.g., mints, soft drinks, chewable vitamins, peanut butter, mouth wash, toothpaste, and the list goes on.

Product labels touting terms 'sugar-free', 'all natural and sugar-free', ‘no sugars added’ etc. warrant a second look.


This sugar alcohol is especially dangerous to dogs.

Signs to watch:

  • Vomiting

  • Weakness

  • Lack of coordination

  • Seizures

*More severe effects show up via decreased appetite, continuous vomiting and jaundice.

Results in:

  • Drastic drop in blood sugar level

  • Liver injury













Grapes and raisins are lethal to dogs.

5. Grapes & Raisins

Healthy snack for us but especially hazardous to dogs.

Signs to watch:

  • Vomiting

  • Lethargy

  • Changes in thirst and urination

Results in:

Kidney failure

Panadol, commonly found at home, is toxic to cats and dogs.

6. Paracetamol or Acetaminophen (aka Panadol)

We take this to ease common ailments from headaches to menstrual cramps, but this can cause serious issues in pets.

Cats are especially sensitive to them;  a single pill is enough to make them very sick.

Signs to watch:

  • Decreased appetite

  • Lethargy

  • Drooling

  • Vomiting

  • Swelling of the face and paws

  • Breathing difficulties

Be careful that your pet doesn’t accidentally eat some fertilisers.

7. Fertilisers

Great for garden plants, but detrimental to dogs and cats.

Natural fertilisers may contain ingredients such as bone, fish meal etc. which becomes extra tempting for your pets.

Signs to watch:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

So take concrete steps to ensure these common food items are not easily accessible to your furkids, and never let your guard down (be on your mobile phone) while walking your pet.

Call us immediately or your vet if you observe any of the signs mentioned above, even if you did not see your pet ingest the item.

Reference.

 
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