TOP TOXINS FOR DOGS AND CATS
Each year we get to see several patients at our clinic, and many more have to take trips to our local emergency clinics, to have their pets evaluated and treated for intoxications. We tend to recognize the repeat offenders such as chocolate, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and rodenticides. But some of the toxins that make the TOP 10 list we don’t always recognize. One that can be very sneaky is Xylitol. Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol normally found in small amounts in fruits and vegetable. It is found in many human products now due to the sweet taste and plaque-fighting properties. It is sold in bulk as a substitute for sugar as well. One poison control center ranked this #2 on the list of toxins in our dogs in 2013. The challenging aspect of determining if a dog has ingested a toxic dose has to do with labels. Products containing Xylitol rarely have the exact amount listed on the package. If you are concerned that your pet has ingested any amount of a product with Xylitol, you should seek immediate advice from either your veterinarian or a pet poison control center. Examples of products Xylitol is currently found in are dietary supplements, vitamins, nasal products, prescription drugs, certain sugar-free foods, and certain sugar-free gums. If consumed in toxic doses, our dogs can become hypoglycemic and even experience liver toxicity. Be safe and keep all of these products stored safely up and away!
Top 10 Toxins for dogs
1. Chocolate
2. Xylitol
3. NSAIDS
4. OTC cough, cold, and allergy medications
5. Rodenticides (mouse poison)
6. Grapes and raisins
7. Insect bait stations
8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medication
9. Glucosamine joint supplements
10. Oxygen absorbers and silica gel packets
Top 10 Toxins for cats
1. Lilies
2. Household cleaners
3. Flea and tick spot-on products for dogs
4. Antidepressants
5. NSAIDS
6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications
7. OTC cough, cold, and allergy medication
8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals
9. Household insecticides
10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry
(Pet poison Helpline report 2013)