Poison Prevention Awareness Month

As we continue to recognize March as poison prevention awareness, we will focus on common household, yard, and garage toxic substances. We have to remember that our companion pets are not humans, and will expose themselves to toxic substances without knowing any better. As responsible pet owner’s we need to advocate for their safety. Hopefully the information we will provide will help to decrease the number of toxicities of our companions.

Rodenticides (indoor and outdoor toxicity)
Rodenticide toxicity in our feline and canine pets is commonly seen and if left untreated is deadly. In dogs, rodenticides are the THIRD MOST COMMONLY reported toxicity, and cats are susceptible as well (eating mice that have been poisoned). Rodenticides are found in pastes and pelleted formulas that are often placed in high traffic areas inside or outside of the house around the yard/garage. A majority of the rodenticides available contain toxic substances that are designed to kill the rodent by inhibiting coagulation (clotting). In simplistic terms our bodies are continuously in the process of coagulating (clotting) microscopic bleeding that occurs naturally. When an animal ingests a rodenticide that contains an anti-coagulant the normally controlled microscopic bleeding is inhibited and the animal begins to bleed internally. Eventually, if not treated, the animal will die from blood loss anemia. Symptoms begin to start around 6-12 hours after ingestion. You might notice trouble breathing, lethargy, weakness, pale gums or bleeding in the mouth, anorexia, dark tarry feces, and collapse. The sooner you notice these symptoms and contact a veterinarian the better. If treated the prognosis for recovery is good, left untreated rodenticide toxicity can be fatal.

Some rodenticides (less common) work to kill rodents by a different mechanism. Some rodenticide products may contain the compound cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). When ingested the rodenticide leads to toxic levels of calcium within your pet. Symptoms usually begin 12-36 hours after ingestion and will include depression, anorexia, vomiting, increased thirst and urination and possible bad breath. Ultimately, left untreated, cholecalciferol toxicity will result in multi-organ failure (heart, kidneys, liver). Left untreated most pets will die within 2-5 days after ingesting the toxin.

If you are using a rodenticide around your property or house, educate yourself as to what type, what active chemicals, and safe guard your pet. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the emergency clinic right away.

Ethylene Glycol Toxicity:
Ethylene glycol is a chemical that is found in about 95% of commercial radiator antifreeze and 75% of windshield deicers. It is the second most common cause of fatal poisonings in small animals. Antifreeze and deicers can taste sweet to animals, making it appealing. Cats in general are more sensitive (1-2 licks of a puddle can cause death) however dogs are susceptible as well. As ethylene glycol is metabolized, its intermediates (metabolic products) are highly toxic. Symptoms include central nervous system depression in the early stages: “drunken” stagger, lethargy, incoordination, anorexia, vomiting. As the ethylene glycol is further processed by the body crystals form in the kidneys and urine. Ultimately intoxicated animals go into kidney failure, and you may notice bad breath, urination, increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, inability to walk, and neurological symptoms (eyes moving abnormally). If caught early, ethylene glycol is a treatable intoxication, but aggressive action is needed. There are some formulations of deicers and anti-freeze that are safe for animals and should be used when possible. Always make sure these chemicals are far away from your pets, and any animals that may be around outside as well. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic if you witness or suspect an intoxication.

Household Cleaning Products

General Cleaners, Deodorizers, Disinfectants (Pine sol, Lysol, bleach products)

Products such as Pine sol contain pine oil. This compound, even at low levels, is highly toxic (cats are more susceptible). Pine oil is readily absorbed and can cause gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, kidney failure and death. If your pet ingests Pine sol or a cleaner with Pine Oil, give your pet milk and/or water and call your veterinarian right away. DO NOT induce vomiting.
Alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, Lysol) can cause central nervous system depression. As little at 1ml per 5 pounds in weight can cause symptoms such as lethargy, incoordination, decreased respiration and heart rate. If ingested call your veterinarian or/and emergency clinic and follow their direction to induce vomiting.
Household bleach solutions are mild to moderate toxicants that mainly affect the lungs and eyes. Ingestion can cause difficulty breathing, salivation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The vapors from the bleach solutions can cause damage to the eyes and lungs. If your pet steps in the residue from the cleaners and then cleans themselves (cats mostly) it can cause trauma directly to your pet’s skin which can look like a superficial burn. If ingested try and dilute the bleach with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away.

Detergents
There are three chemical classifications of detergents (nonionic, anionic, cationic) that determine their relative toxicity and treatment if ingested.

Non-ionic Detergents (Hand Dishwashing detergents, shampoos, some laundry detergents) are considered to be almost non-toxic. However, if ingested mild irritation can occur and you may notice vomiting or diarrhea Even though considered non-toxic, if a large amount is ingested check in with your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic to be on the safe side.

Anionic Detergents (ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, some shampoos) are considered to be mildly-moderately toxic. ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent can be highly toxic due to its alkalinity. When ingested injury and irritation can occur to the esophagus. Once absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract these substances can cause red blood cells to burst open and potentially cause kidney failure. Exposure to the eye can cause eye damage. If your pets ingest one of these substances DO NOT MAKE THEM VOMIT!!!! Causing your pet to vomit is CONTRAINDICATED and can cause severe irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Call your veterinarian and/or local emergency hospital and give your pet some water and milk to help dilute the toxin and counteract the alkalinity of the toxic product.

Cationic Detergents (Fabric softeners, germicides (germ killing), sanitizers) are considered HIGHLY TOXIC. These compounds often contain ammonias that can cause corrosive burns to the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. Effects on your pet after ingestion include drooling, weakness, respiratory depression, shock, seizures, and collapse. In case of ingestion DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT!!! These compounds if vomited can cause even more corrosive burning of your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away and dilute your pet’s stomach with milk and water.

Soaps (bar soap, hand soap)
Bar soap and hand soap you have within your house are the salts of fat that has been rendered. Their toxicity is considered mild, and usually results in mild-moderate gastrointestinal illness. Homemade soap has the potential to be more toxic than commercial soap due to a higher alkaline content (high pH). You might notice vomiting and/or diarrhea in your companion pet. If a very significant amount has been ingested (greater than 40 grams per pound of your pet) contact your veterinarian or the closest emergency clinic to discuss inducing vomiting at home.


Corrosive Chemicals are considered acids (Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Metal Cleaners, Anti-rust Compounds, Battery Fluid, Swimming Pool Acids). These chemicals tend to cause very LOCALIZED symptoms. Dermal (skin) exposure causes significant pain, and usually does not progress to ingestion (esophageal damage). Acute inflammation within the mouth or on the skin is followed by scarring. Treatment requires dilution of the chemical with water and/or milk. DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Call your veterinarian or emergency hospital right away as immediate treatment is beneficial.

Caustic chemicals (corroding/dissolving) are considered to be localized toxicities and are considered alkalis (Drain and Toilet bowl cleaners, denture cleaner, ammonias, disc batteries). These compounds are common sources of toxicities and in general are more serious when ingested than acids (previously discussed). These chemicals can easily penetrate the skin and result in significant toxicity such as seizures (within 5 minutes of ingestion) sloughing of the skin and mucosa of the esophagus, and irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. If ingestion occurs DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Dilute your pet’s ingestion with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic.

Thank you for following us as we strive to increase awareness about some common sources of toxicity among our companion animals! Stay with us next week as we continue this discussion. As always, call us anytime at 725-8117 with any questions or concerns, and please let us know if you would like to hear information about any particular topic! We appreciate your dedication to being a responsible pet owner!

Dr. Santspree, Jen LVT