Cats and dogs, much like children, have a natural instinct to explore. Strange as it may seem, both are much more likely to proceed when the endeavor is risky and unsafe. Unfortunately, such endeavors often bring undesired outcomes. Not a week goes by that I don’t find myself helping at least one pet owner care for a furry family member shortly after they have consumed something their lips should never have touched.

Oh the things they eat! The trash, socks, underwear, electrical power cords, “sanitary” items, pens, pill vials (both full and empty), toys, diapers, food off the table, virtually anything they can sink their teeth into is fair game. Some of these items are toxic for pets.

I am quite certain most cat owners know the pain reliever Tylenol, and any other medication containing acetaminophen, kills cats! Toxicity results because cats lack the enzyme necessary to neutralize the acetaminophen. As a result, their hemoglobin fails to release the oxygen it carries causing the cat to become unconscious. Subsequently, they die of asphyxiation. Luckily, when an exposure is treated soon after ingestion there is a reasonable chance for survival, without permanent damage to the cat’s internal organs.

Raisins and grapes are safe for people, however they can be toxic to pets. There is no rhyme, nor reason as to whom or when it will strike. Nor is there a certain number that need be consumed to initiate a problem. That’s right, a single raisin or grape may be all it takes! Yet others eat enough of these to cause nothing more than profuse diarrhea (as if that’s not bad enough).

Chocolate is a powerful stimulant. It should be noted that milk chocolate tends to cause far fewer problems than dark chocolate. Pets suffering from eating too much chocolate are easily agitated and frequently become extremely hyper (including their bowels). Here is some good news; few require hospitalization. The effects of chocolate toxicity diminish within a few hours. Those requiring treatment generally respond well to a potent sedative with hospitalization.

One of the more inconspicuous toxins for pets is the sugar substitute xylitol found in many brands of sugarless gum. If you chew sugarless gum please dispose of the ABC gum (Already Been Chewed) in a way that pets cannot access it.

Is your pet munching on plants around your home? Did you know some are poisonous? Most cause little more than an upset stomach or mouth or throat irritation. Although rare, a few are lethal! For a very comprehensive list of commonly found plants toxic to animals feel free to visit the ASPCA web site http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic plant or other toxic material (antifreeze, Tylenol a.k.a. acetaminophen) and you want to know what, if anything, can be done, call Poison Control at 800-222-1222 ASAP! This number can be reached anywhere in the USA and the advice is free. They will need to know exactly what, when, and how much was consumed or touched.

You should also inform your veterinarian of any exposure to a toxic plant, drug, or other material. This information will be entered into the pet’s medical record. Knowledge of such an incident may influence what medications are used in the future to treat other ailments. If, down the line there is an unexplained problem, by knowing of a past exposure to a toxin, we may be able to make sense of the situation and save a life!

So what should you do to help your furry friend stay out of trouble? Obviously, indoor only pets tend to be at less risk. However, you must be certain to close the cabinets and keep the tops on bottles. Simply put, out of sight, out of mind. And, if items are kept out of a pet’s reach they can’t be consumed. 

So here is the skinny. If you think your pet has been poisoned or been in contact with a toxin, contact your veterinarian IMMEDIATELY! Signs we see in poisoned pets include vomiting, diarrhea, black tarry stools, excessive drooling, rapid heart rates, lethargy, and abnormal breathing. Then again, they may show no outward signs at all. We need to know exactly when, what, and how much was consumed or touched. This information is critical for formulating a plan of action and may save a life!