PET TOXINS

CHOCOLATE

Chocolate poses a bigger threat to dogs than to cats and in general, unsweetened, dark chocolates have a higher level of toxicity than milk chocolate. Why? All chocolate contains methylxanines such as caffeine and theobromine (the main toxic compound). Dark chocolate contain as much as 10 times the amount of theobromines than milk chocolate. These are both toxic ingredients to pets because they adversely affect the central nervous system, increase blood pressure, stimulate the cardiovascular system and can cause nausea and vomiting. The severity of your pet’s symptoms depends on the type and amount of chocolate ingested. Having said all this, death is actually rare among dogs that have accidentally ingested chocolate, although the risks may be greater if your pet has a pre-existing health condition.

What do I do if my dog has ingested chocolate?

You have two options:

1. Call your veterinarian immediately
2. Call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680

Assess your dog’s health and take the appropriate action. If your dog is vomiting or having a seizure, it is obvious that you need to take it to the vet ASAP. If the situation is less dire, the Pet Poison Helpline can help you assess the severity of the poisoning and will let you know what to expect and how you can help ease your dog’s symptoms.

How do I prevent future chocolate poisoning?
Keep all holiday candy and otherwise, in places that your pet cannot reach {e.g. kitchen cabinet, high shelves, locked compartments).

GRAPES & RAISINS

Depending on the quantity of grapes or raisins that have been ingested and the size/weight of your dog, these delicious human snacks can be potentially fatal for your dog. Grapes and raisins have been associated with acute renal (kidney) failure in dogs, which decreases the ability to produce urine to filter toxins out of their body.

What are some symptoms of grape/raisin poisoning?
If you suspect that your dog might have eaten some grapes or raisins, look for lethargy, diarrhea, shivers, abdominal pain, weakness, and decreased appetite. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately and he/she may induce vomiting to purge the body of the toxin or administer activated charcoal to absorb the toxin. In severe cases, he/she may start fluid therapy and medications to keep your dog’s kidneys functioning.

ONIONS

The toxic ingredient in onions called thiosulphate can cause hemolytic anemia in dogs and cats that have ingested even small quantities of onion. Hemolytic anemia is a disease in which the body’s immune system attacks and kills its own red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissue.

What are some symptoms of hemolytic anemia?

• Vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Weakness
• Pale gums
• Dark yellow urine
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite

What should I do if my dog or cat ate onions?
Call your veterinarian immediately even if you are unsure if your dog or cat ate it a while ago or just a few minutes ago. Prevention is key. Think about the foods you eat that often come with onions and keep these foods away from your pet. Things like pizza, tomato sauce, and burgers should never be fed to your dog or cat and be careful about the table scraps!

XYLITOL

Xylitol is a sugar substitute present in many common products that humans use on a daily basis. It can be found in gum, toothpaste, mouthwash, multi-vitamins and baked goods among other products. While xylitol is not known to have negative side effects in humans, it causes decreased blood sugar levels in dogs resulting in hypoglycemia. Signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia present rather quickly following ingestion of xylitol because it rapidly releases insulin into the blood stream.

Something as simple as your dog getting into your purse or bag and eating sticks of gum can poison your dog. Watch for signs of vomiting, weakness, depression, seizures, coma, or uncoordinated movements. If you suspect Xylitol poisoning, call the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 or your vet immediately.

PLANTS

Toxicity levels depend on various factors:

• Type of plant
• Amount ingested
• What part of the plant was ingested
• Weight of your pet

Below, you will find a list ofplants to keep away from your pets:

• Autumn crocus
• Azalea
• Bittersweet
• Caladium
• Calla lily
• Clematis
• Day lily
• Death Camas
• Easter lily
• Elephant's ear
• Ferns
• Foxglove
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Iris
• Japanese pieris
• Larkspur
• Lily of the Valley
• Lupine
• Morning glory
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Tiger lily
• Tulip
• Yew

If your pet ingests any of these plants, watch for signs of rapid breathing, irregular pulse, vomiting, and lethargy. Call your veterinarian immediately. It is helpful to bring a sample of the plant that has been ingested.