Poisoning of pets

Substances that are toxic to dogs and cats

Dogs and cats can become poisoned by many substances found in their living environment. You must keep cats and dogs away from at least the following toxic substances:

• Blue-green algae. The cyanobacteria in blue-green algae produce liver and nerve toxins, among other things. When drunk, water containing blue-green algae causes symptoms of poisoning in cats and dogs, the most common of which are restlessness, tremors and vomiting. In addition, there may be problems with balance and cramps. The symptoms typically start within an hour of drinking water contaminated with blue-green algae and can quickly lead to death.
• Poisonous fungi. All mushrooms that are poisonous to humans also cause symptoms of poisoning in dogs. Some mushrooms that are edible for humans are also poisonous when uncooked. Mushrooms can cause stomach irritation, liver or kidney damage or hallucinogenic symptoms such as coordination problems.
• Toxic plants. Many common houseplants and flowers are toxic to dogs and cats. Toxic indoor plants include dumb canes (dieffenbachia), lilies, daffodils, tulips, crocuses, hyacinths, and poinsettias. Lilies are extremely toxic to cats.
• Chocolate. The cocoa contained in chocolate is toxic to both dogs and cats. Symptoms caused by chocolate include vomiting, diarrhoea, restlessness, increased drinking and urination and dehydration. In the most serious cases, chocolate poisoning can cause the animal to fall into a coma or even die.
• Raisins and grapes. A large number of grapes can cause acute kidney damage in dogs. Initial symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and dehydration.
• Onions. Onions damage the red blood cells of dogs and cats, which can lead to anaemia. Do not feed your dog food scraps that contain onions. The most common symptoms caused by onions are vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and weakness.
• Medications for humans. Medications meant for humans must be kept out of the reach of dogs and cats. If symptoms of poisoning appear, contact a veterinarian who can advise on treatment and, if necessary, instruct you to bring your pet to the clinic.
• Xylitol. Xylitol is life-threatening to dogs and cats, as it causes blood sugar levels to drop dangerously low. The initial symptoms of xylitol poisoning are vomiting, fatigue and tremors. In the worst cases, poisoning can lead to death.
• Nicotine. Nicotine products can cause life-threatening poisoning in dogs and cats. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness or hyperactivity, excessive drooling and coordination problems. Your pet should be taken to the vet to be treated as quickly as possible.
• Coolant. Ethylene glycol in coolant is highly toxic, and even small doses can lead to the death of a dog or cat. Glycol makes coolant taste sweet, which is why dogs and cats like to eat coolant if they find it. Therefore, always keep coolant out of the reach of pets. The first symptoms are increased drinking and urination, vomiting and neurological symptoms. More serious symptoms include rapid or slow heartbeat, hypothermia, coma and kidney damage.
• Rat poison. Rat poisons either prevent blood clotting, resulting in bleeding, or affect the central nervous system. Dogs and cats can develop symptoms either by eating the poison or by eating a rodent that has previously eaten rat poison. If you suspect that your dog or cat has eaten rat poison, seek veterinary attention immediately.

Source: Evidensia – Koirien myrkytykset (poisoning of dogs)

First aid for poisoning

• You should always have some 3% hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting as well as activated carbon to stop the absorption of harmful substances. In this way you can begin first aid immediately according to the instructions received from a veterinary clinic.

Dogs are more likely to suffer from poisoning than cats because they are more omnivorous and curious to taste new things.

When an animal is poisoned, it is important to begin treatment as soon as possible, because in some cases the symptoms are already a sign of irreversible damage.

Most common toxins for cats

List of toxins cats are most commonly exposed to:

-the lily family
-permethrin (which is found in, for example, external parasite treatments for dogs)
-anti-freeze products
-flea products containing imidacloprid
-painkillers containing paracetamol
-disinfectants containing benzalkonium chloride and many other disinfecting products
-white spirit
-anthelmintic drugs (dewormers) containing moxidectin
-unidentified toxins: although the animal is showing signs of poisoning, the toxin cannot be identified

Source: Koira-Kissaklinikka (Dog and cat clinic)

What to do if I suspect a cat has been exposed to poison?

-Make sure the cat cannot access the toxin.
-Contact a vet.
-Try to wash the cat (remember to wear protective gloves). Cats will try to clean their own fur, which makes them ingest more of the toxin.

How to prevent a cat from getting poisoned at home

1. Keep your cleaning and disinfecting agents out of reach of pets.

   With cats, it is not enough to move them to the top shelf, but they should at least be behind closed doors.

2. Hide all medications.

   Keep medications out of reach of pets as well.

3. Always follow the vet’s instructions.

   Never give a cat any medication that has not been prescribed for it, such as medication intended for dogs or humans.

4. Remember that a dog’s antiparasitic drug may be toxic for cats.

   The safest thing would be to separate a medicated dog from cats for 24 hours.

5. Hide all chemicals.

   Keep chemicals, such as anti-freeze products, away from the areas where cats live.

6. Recognise poisonous plants.

   Check if you have any plants that are poisonous. Avoid lilies.

7. Hide all craft supplies.

   Keep all craft supplies and substances in cupboards.

8. Don’t put off visiting the vet.

   Remember to take a poisoned cat to the vet as soon as possible.

    

   Source: Koira-Kissaklinikka (Cat and dog clinic)

Why are cats more affected by certain substances than other species?

• Cats keep themselves very clean. While they treat their fur, harmful substances may enter the body.
• Cats’ bodies process certain chemicals differently than dogs, for example.
• Cats move around more freely than dogs. Therefore, the owner may not necessarily be aware of the risk of poisoning, and it may take a long time before it is noticed.
• Due to the small size of cats even a small amount of toxin can end up being fatal.