If you witnessed or strongly suspect your pet ingested a toxic item, this is considered an āORANGEā ā or urgent case ā on our Fast Track Triage system. We recommend calling ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435 for help determining if your pet consumed a toxic amount and for guidance on what to do next. If veterinary care is advised, call your family veterinarian or local animal emergency hospital ahead of your arrival.
Springtime often encourages people to spruce up their homes. From fixing things to cleaning and organizing ā thereās a lot of work to get done! But before you dive into that to-do list, make sure you are keeping your pets safe! There are many potential pet dangers around the home that pet owners often overlook.Ā So,Ā put your feet upĀ andĀ take a quick break as you review this list of the six most common household items that are hazardous to pets:
1. Household Cleaning ProductsĀ
Many pets love strong smellsĀ andĀ mayĀ attempt to lick upĀ cleaning supplies. Pine-Sol is the most toxic, as it contains pine oils. Air fresheners, furniture polish, all-purpose cleaners, and disinfectant cleaners that contain Phenols are also toxic. (Note: Lotions, hair products, dental hygiene products, cold medications, and a variety of other items may also contain Phenols). Most often, cleaning products irritate a petās mouth and skin when exposed. Keep in mind that cats are much more likely to be affected than dogs, and sadly, they often experience neurological and cardiovascular symptoms.
2. Soaps & DetergentsĀ
Soaps and detergents such as Tide Pods, fabric softeners, and laundry detergents contain alcohols and surfactants that help to lift stains from clothes. If ingested by your pet, they become rapidly absorbed and often cause GI issues such as drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. They can also irritate the mouth and cause drooling, gagging, and bleeding inside the mouth. Itās very important that you do NOT try to induce vomiting at home with these types of products as they can cause aspiration pneumonia.Ā
3. Gorilla GlueĀ
Gorilla glue and diisocyanate glues are very dangerous to pets. These glues rapidly expand and they become incredibly firm. A large, firm object in your petās stomach can cause obstruction which usually requires surgery. Your family veterinarian will recommend x-rays and an ultrasound to confirm the glueās presence. Signs often include GI upset such as drooling, retching, and abdominal pain.Ā
4. MagnetsĀ
One small magnet most likely wonāt do too much damage, but if your pet swallows multiple magnets or a magnet and a metal object, the magnetās power of attraction can wreak havoc on your petās internal organs. If you suspect your pet swallowed multiple magnets, seek immediate veterinary attention for x-rays.Ā Ā
5. MothballsĀ
Mothballs are very toxic to pets because they are typically made of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (with naphthalene being the more toxic of the two). These toxins can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin. If your pet is exposed, almost all organ systems can be affected including the eyes, skin, cardiovascular system, central nervous system, and gastrointestinal tract. Common signs include nausea, vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, depression, trembling, tremors, walking ādrunkā, seizures, pale gums, rapid breathing, and respiratory distress. These signs may be visible within minutes to hours. Ā
6. Artificial Scents & Essential OilsĀ
We recently discussed the dangers of essential oils in a previous blog post. BewareĀ that other artificial scents and spraysĀ are also toxic to your pets. Many of the types of products are irritating if your petās eyes, skin, and mouthĀ are directlyĀ exposed. The strong fumes often cause respiratory distress due to inflammation if inhaled ā this is especially dangerous for pet birds. Seek immediate veterinary attention if your aerosolized scent has holes on it or if you suspect your pet was accidentally directly exposed!
Now, weād hate to add on to your to-do list, but we highly encourage you moving any of these hazardous items to a secure location out of your petās reach! If your pet does get into any of these items or if you have any concerns, contact your family veterinarian.Ā In the eventĀ thatĀ you experienceĀ a petĀ emergencyĀ and your family veterinarian is unavailable, contact ASPCA Animal PoisonĀ Control atĀ 888-426-4435 or your local animal emergency hospital.Ā Ā
Written by Jo Daney, DVMĀ