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Did You Know

ALCOHOL
Did you know that alcoholic beverages can be potentially dangerous to pets?

During the winter season, holiday parties abound, with many
festivities including cocktails and other alcoholic libations. The
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners to avoid leaving
alcoholic drinks unattended; such beverages should always be kept well
out of the reach of pets.

Depending on the amount ingested, alcohol ingestions can potentially
result in vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, central nervous system
depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma and even
death.

AVOCADO
Did You Know… Avocado
(Persea americana) is not an advisable food to give to pets? Avocado
leaves, fruit, seeds and bark contain a toxic principle known as
Persin. The Guatemalan variety, which is the most common variety found
in stores, appears to be the most problematic.

The primary concern in dogs is with gastrointestinal (GI)
irritation, including vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, these effects
occur in dogs that have scavenged on significant quantities of fruit,
branches or other material from the plant. Birds and rodents appear to
be particularly sensitive, and can develop respiratory distress,
generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the tissues of the
heart, and possibly death from consuming avocado.

BATTERIES
Did You Know… batteries can cause more than just stomach upset if eaten by pets?

Many families have acquired an assortment of toys, electronics and
other gizmos from recent holiday gift exchanges, many requiring various
types of batteries to power them up.  Because of the possible increase
in battery usage this time of year, it is important for pet owners to
be aware of the risks that batteries can pose, and take precautions
against accidental exposures.

Alkaline batteries are generally the most common type of batteries,
and are used in a wide variety of gadgets.  This form of battery
contains corrosives, which if  chewed or punctured, can potentially
result in the development of oral and gastrointestinal (GI) ulcers, or
even perforation of the GI tract.  Due to their corrosive nature, pet
owners should never attempt to induce vomiting if their pet is
suspected of having chewed and ingested an alkaline battery.  These
batteries also contain zinc, and while zinc poisoning is uncommon from
battery ingestions, the possibility still exists if enough zinc leaks
out of the battery casing.

Other types of batteries used in cameras, MP3 players, watches and
other electronic devices include nickel cadmium (often labeled as
“NiCd”), lithium, nickel metal hydride (usually referred to as “NiMH)
and button cell.  NiCd batteries contain cadmium, which could lead to
the development of gastrointestinal irritation, and in cases where a
large ingestion has occurred, neurologic effects may also be possible. 
While lithium can be poisonous, toxicity does not typically occur from
lithium containing batteries.  Button cell batteries can contain
mercury, which may also present a hazard to pets if swallowed.

Pet owners should note that even if a pet swallows a battery whole
without puncturing it, problems could still result- such as an
intestinal obstruction.  An obstruction from a foreign object like a
battery could result in an emergency situation, possibly requiring
surgery to remove the object.  Because of these potential risks,
batteries should always be securely stored in areas completely
inaccessible to pets to avoid an accidental ingestion.

CHOCOLATE
Did you know…chocolate can be harmful or even deadly to pets?

Depending on the form involved, chocolate can contain high amounts
of fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines. If
ingested in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce
clinical effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting,
excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm,
tremors, seizures and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for
clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning. White chocolate has
the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the
highest. As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces
of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. While
white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms to
cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter
chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the
possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory
condition of the pancreas.

CICADAS
Cicadas are not a toxic
risk to pets. News reports of the upcoming emergence of 17-year cicadas
(Magicicada) in East coast and Midwestern states during 2004 have many
pet owners wondering if the insects are harmful to their pets. These
insects do not bite or sting, nor are they poisonous if ingested (as a
matter of fact, they are eaten by a variety of animals including pigs,
foxes and humans).  If ingested, the hard exoskeleton of the cicada
might cause mechanical irritation of the stomach, leading to mild
vomiting; if ingested in very large amounts, there may be the potential
for gastrointestinal foreign body obstruction. For more information on
periodical cicadas, visit the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.

FIREFLIES
Did You Know… Fireflies have been shown to be poisonous to various types of reptiles?

For many regions of North America, summer evenings would not be
complete without the magical flashing glow of fireflies (also known as
lightning bugs) dancing in the sultry night air. But while these
charming little creatures are a pleasure to watch, they actually
contain toxic substances that can produce fatal effects in some animals.

Fireflies belonging to the genus Photinus, which are quite common in
many parts of the United States, contain chemical components called
lucibufagins- which are similar to the toxic secretions of some
poisonous toads. Many animals can be affected by this toxic chemical,
but most will avoid eating these insects. Exposures resulting in death
have occurred in certain kinds of lizards after being fed fireflies,
particularly the Bearded Dragon, a native to Australia that has become
a popular pet. Possibly because they evolved in a firefly-free
environment, bearded dragons don’t appear to have the innate aversion
to fireflies that is present in most native animals. Therefore, it is
important for reptile caretakers to avoid offering these insects to
their pets.

FRUITS
Did You Know...the arrival
of Spring and Summer brings lots of fresh oranges, grapefruits,
peaches, cherries, apples and many other delectable fruits. However,
certain parts of these fruits can be potentially irritating - or even
occasionally toxic in some situations- to our companion animals.

The peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants such as lemons, oranges,
limes and grapefruits contain varying amounts of citric acid, limonin
and volatile oils that can cause gastrointestinal irritation such as
vomiting or diarrhea if ingested. In some cases, exposures to high
concentrations of these substances (such as those found in certain
citrus-based cleaners) could possibly result in central nervous system
depression as well. The stems, leaves and seeds of apples, cherries,
peaches, apricots and certain other fruit trees contain cyanogenic
glycosides that have the potential to cause vomiting and loss of
appetite, and in severe cases weakness, incoordination, difficulty in
breathing, hyperventilation, shock, coma and even death could occur.

Typically, these severe effects develop from very large ingestions
of plant material that are more likely to occur with grazing animals
such as horses or other livestock. The consumption of a few segments of
citrus fruit, an apple or two or a few cherries would usually not be
expected to cause serious problems beyond perhaps minor stomach upset.
However, it is important for animal owners to be aware of the potential
for problems that these fruit trees can produce.

GLOW JEWELRY
Did You Know… Colorful
plastic glow-in-the-dark jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and even
hand-held glow sticks are popular items often sold at fairs, festivals
and other summer time events. While the luminescent liquid inside these
products might look like it could be poisonous, the relatively small
quantity of fluid generally has a low potential for toxicity.

This oily, glowing substance is called dibutyl phthalate and can be
found in a wide variety of products, from plastics to insect
repellents. Based on ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experience,
most animals that chew into glow jewelry can exhibit signs such as
profuse drooling, hyperactivity, agitation or aggressive behavior.
However, while these effects may seem serious and quite alarming to pet
owners, they are typically transient (lasting only a few minutes) and
are only a response to the unpleasant taste of the liquid. Generally,
the only treatment needed is diluting the taste residue with a small
amount of milk, tuna juice or soft pet food; if the residue is on the
skin or hair coat, mild soap and water can be used to wash it off and
avoid the possibility of further ingestion via grooming.

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
Did You Know… 3%
Hydrogen Peroxide, the same solution used for the cleansing of cuts and
scrapes that can be found at your local drugstore, is the safest way to
induce vomiting in your pet at home?

Of course, pet owners should only induce vomiting when directed to
do so by a veterinarian, but should your vet consider it necessary, 3%
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) can be given at home as a first aid step to
help remove potentially harmful substances from your pet’s stomach.
Other home “remedies” such as salt, mustard, or ipecac are not reliable
means of getting pets to vomit, and could actually result in
potentially serious complications such as sodium poisoning or cardiac
arrhythmias.

Generally, H2O2 is very effective, producing vomiting in about 10 - 15
minutes after dosing; once it has “fizzed”, it breaks down into water
and oxygen and is quite harmless. The typical dose for inducing
vomiting is about 1 ml per pound of body weight, not to exceed 45 ml or
3 tablespoons. It is advisable to offer your pet a small amount of
moist pet food or a slice of bread with milk before giving H2O2, as
having food in the stomach can make vomiting a little easier. It is
important to never force H2O2 or any other liquid into your pet’s
mouth, because he or she may accidentally inhale it, which could lead
to pneumonia. Vomiting should also not be induced in animals exhibiting
tremors or other neurologic signs, or with ingestions of certain
substances such as caustic chemicals, oils or other items that could
damage the gastrointestinal tract or become inhaled.

IRON
Did you know that depending on
the form, iron is not only potentially toxic to pets, but can be found
in a variety of forms and in many different products and substances?

Iron poisoning is the number one toxic fatality in children, and
pets can be susceptible to iron poisoning as well. Some vitamin
formulations are chewable and may be eaten in large amounts. Depending
on the brand and formulation, as little as 2 prenatal vitamin tablets
with iron can cause stomach upset in a 20 lb dog, whereas as few as 6
tablets can potentially cause more serious problems.

Depending on the form of iron and amount ingested, within the first
few hours animals may initially exhibit signs of significant
gastrointestinal irritation and pain, including vomiting and diarrhea
which can be bloody. Subsequently, the pet may appear to recover, but
approximately 12 - 24 hours following ingestion, gastrointestinal signs
may reappear, along with severe depression, shock, low blood sugar,
seizures, hemorrhage from blood clotting problems, fluid accumulation
in the lungs, liver damage with jaundice, and possibly even kidney
failure.

MISTLETOE
Did You Know… Mistletoe, a popular yuletide decorative plant, can be potentially toxic to pets if eaten?

American mistletoe (Phoradendron serotinum) is the most common
species of mistletoe recognized as a symbol of the holiday season. It
is actually a parasitic plant which lives off of a variety of different
tree species, and can be found throughout the United States.

If ingested in large enough quantities, mistletoe has the potential
to produce gastrointestinal irritation, excessive thirst and urination,
incoordination, a drop in blood pressure and heart rate, and in severe
cases, difficulty breathing, seizures, coma and even death. According
to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center data, however, most animal
ingestions involve small quantities- not more than the amount found in
a sprig or two- and typically result in mild stomach upset that
resolves with little to no treatment.

MOTHBALLS
Did You Know…Mothballs
can be potentially toxic to dogs, cats and other animals, particularly
those containing an ingredient known as naphthalene. Some mothball
formulations may alternatively contain an insecticide known as
dichlorobenzene, which is somewhat less toxic than naphthalene.
However, it can still cause stomach upset and potentially even
neurologic effects, if large enough amounts are consumed. In 2005, the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed close to four dozen cases
involving animals exposed to mothball products.

Naphthalene can cause serious illness, including, vomiting,
diarrhea, abdominal pain, liver, kidney and blood cell damage, swelling
of the brain tissues, seizures, coma and death if ingested—and
respiratory tract damage, if inhaled. Just one mothball can potentially
produce significant illness.

MUSHROOMS
Certain species of
mushrooms are considered to be relatively non-toxic, while other
species can be very toxic. Of the toxic species, some can potentially
cause liver or kidney damage, while others may produce severe
gastrointestinal or even neurological effects. Toxic mushrooms can
often be found growing right alongside non-toxic ones.  Because of
this, identifying each type of mushroom existing on your property can
be very difficult. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises
keeping all wild mushrooms out of the reach of pets, and recommends
that all wild mushroom ingestions should be treated very seriously. If
accidental exposures to wild mushrooms occur, seek immediate veterinary
assistance by contacting your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center.

ONIONS, GARLIC, CHIVES
Did You Know… Onions, garlic, chives and other species of the plant genus Allium can be potentially toxic to pets?

Allium species contain sulfur compounds known as disulfildes, which
if ingested in large quantities can cause gastrointestinal irritation
and could even result in damage to red blood cells. While cats are more
sensitive to disulfides, dogs and other species of animals are also
susceptible to Allium poisoning if enough plant material is consumed.
Therefore, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises companion
animal owners to avoid feeding pets onions, garlic and other Allium
plants.

POINSETTIAS
Did you know that Poinsettias are not the deadly flowers that popular legend has made them out to be?

Poinsettias (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are part of a family of plants
known as spurges.  During the 1820s Joel Robert Poinsett, the U.S.
Ambassador to Mexico at the time, first brought poinsettias to the U.S.
from a Mexican city he had visited. It was during the early part of the
20th century that the myth of the plant's toxicity began when the
two-year-old child of a U.S. Army officer was alleged to have become
ill and died from consuming a poinsettia leaf.

As a result of this rumor, the toxic potential of poinsettia has
become highly exaggerated.  In reality, poinsettia ingestions typically
produce only mild to moderate gastrointestinal tract irritation, which
may include drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhea. Therefore, while
keeping this plant out of the reach of your pet to avoid stomach upset
is still a good idea, pet owners need not fear the poinsettia and
banish it from their homes for fear of a fatal exposure.

RODENTICIDES
The ASPCA Animal
Poison Control Center advises pet owners to exercise caution when using
products to eradicate rodents, known as rodenticides. In 2003, the
Center received over 6,900 calls involving animal exposures to
rodenticides. The most dangerous forms include zinc phosphide,
strychnine, and various commercial rat and mouse baits. Some baits also
contain inactive ingredients meant to attract rodents, and these
ingredients can sometimes be attractive to pets as well.

If a pet ingests a rodenticide, potentially serious or even
life-threatening problems can result, which may include bleeding,
seizures, or damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. Therefore,
when using any rodenticide it is important to place the product in
areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals. Poisonings
resulting from the consumption of rats, mice or other rodents that have
ingested a rodenticide are not typically a concern in companion
animals, unless their staple diet consists mainly of rodents.

Should accidental exposure occur, immediately contact your local
veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for
assistance, and be sure to have the container or package information
readily available so that a proper identification of the rodenticide's
ingredients can be made for appropriate treatment.

SAGO PALMS
Sago Palm (Cycas
revoluta) and other cycad palms can be potentially deadly to pets.
These popular ornamental plants, native to subtropical climates such as
the Southeastern U.S., contain toxic compounds that can potentially
produce vomiting and diarrhea, depression, seizures and even liver
failure.   All parts of the plant are poisonous, but the seeds or
"nuts" appear to contain the largest amount of toxins.  Just one or two
seeds can produce serious problems, so it is important to keep pets
from accessing these plants. 

SILICA GEL
Did You Know…The statement “DESSICANT- DO NOT EAT” commonly found on
the
little packets of silica gel contained in medications, leather goods,
certain pasta products and vitamins is not really as ominous as it
sounds?
 
Silica gel is used to absorb moisture in many different
products, and is usually packaged in plastic cylinders or paper
packets.  Silica gel is also used in certain cat litters for the same
purpose.  While it is indeed true that it is not meant for consumption,
with most ingestions silica gel produces only mild stomach upset which
typically resolves with minimal to no treatment.  If very large
quantities are eaten, however, such as with ingestions of multiple
packets or mouthfuls of kitty litter, intestinal obstruction is a
possibility- especially in very small animals.

SLUG AND SNAIL BAIT (Metaldehyde)
Did
You Know…certain products used for the control of slugs and snails
contain metaldehyde, which can potentially be very dangerous or even
lethal to pets?

Slug and snail bait products are most commonly used in the moist,
temperate regions of the United States such as the Pacific coast and
the South, where these molluscs tend to live in abundance, but are sold
nationwide.They are commercially available in a variety of forms,
including pellets, liquid and powder.

Depending on the amount ingested, these metaldehyde-containing baits
can rapidly produce clinical effects, from within a few minutes to a
couple of hours after ingestion.Signs can range from drooling,
vomiting, diarrhea, panting and anxiety to incoordination, accelerated
heart rate, dilated pupils and even seizures, central nervous system
depression, coma and death from respiratory failure.

Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using
metaldehyde-containing baits, taking steps to ensure that the product
is applied only to areas completely inaccessible to pets.Any unused
bait should be stored in a secure container and cabinet out of the
reach of pets. Alternatively, other less toxic formulations of snail
and slug bait could be considered, such as those containing ferric
phosphate.

SYSTEMIC INSECTICIDES (Disulfoton)
Did
You Know…while systemic insecticides used to protect delicate roses and
other floral plants are quite effective at eliminating pesky aphids and
other bugs that can cause plant damage, certain types—such as
disulfoton—can be extremely hazardous to pets.

Insecticides are called “systemic” when they are absorbed throughout
the whole plant by the roots.Disulfoton is a very potent
organophosphate insecticide, which works by affecting the nervous
system of insects.Unfortunately, disulfoton’s neurologic effects are
not limited to bugs, and therefore dogs, cats and other pets can be
susceptible to poisoning as well.

Depending on the amount ingested, disulfoton can rapidly produce
clinical effects, including excessive saliva, urine and tear
production, vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, difficulty
breathing, incoordination, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, coma and
potentially death.

Pet owners should exercise extreme caution when using insecticides
such as disulfoton, always reading and following label directions for
safe use and storage.Occasionally, potted roses and certain other
flowering plants may have already been treated with disulfoton prior to
being sold, so it is a good idea to check with your local nursery or
lawn and garden store before purchasing such plants.Additionally, this
insecticide may be mixed with organic fertilizers, which can be
attractive to dogs.When treating plants with disulfoton, owners should
take steps to ensure that it is applied only to areas completely
inaccessible to animals.Any unused product should be stored in a secure
container and cabinet well out of the reach of pets.

VALENTINE TREATS
Did You
Know…Certain types of candy and other goodies that are so popular
during this romantic time of year can be harmful to pets? 

For example, dogs ingesting significant amounts of gum or candies
solely or largely sweetened with xylitol may develop a fairly sudden
drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and
seizures. These signs can develop quite rapidly, so it is important
that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.  According to
experts at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, some data also
appears to point to a possible link between xylitol ingestions and the
development of liver failure in dogs.

Chocolate is another treat well loved by humans that could make pets
ill.  Depending on the form involved, it can contain high amounts of
fat and caffeine-like substances known as methylxanthines.  If ingested
in significant amounts, chocolate can potentially produce clinical
effects ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to panting, excessive thirst
and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures
and even death in severe cases.

Typically, the darker the chocolate, the higher the potential for
clinical problems from methylxanthine poisoning.  White chocolate has
the lowest methylxanthine content, while baking chocolate contains the
highest.  As little as 20 ounces of milk chocolate, or only two ounces
of baking chocolate can cause serious problems in a 10-pound dog. 
While white chocolate may not have the same potential as darker forms
to cause a methylxanthine poisoning, the high fat content of lighter
chocolates could still lead to vomiting and diarrhea, as well as the
possible development of life-threatening pancreatitis, an inflammatory
condition of the pancreas.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises pet owners avoid
offering their animals food meant for human consumption, and to be
especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing
chocolate or xylitol out of the reach of pets.

YEAST DOUGH
Did You Know… the
dough used to make many of the delicious fresh-baked goodies during the
holiday season could pose a serious problem to our pets if eaten?

Raw or uncooked yeast-based dough can not only expand in the stomach
as it rises, causing an obstruction or intestinal rupture, yeast can
form alcohol when it rises, which could potentially result in alcohol
poisoning. Pet owners should take care to keep pets out of the kitchen
while preparing meals, and never allow food items- such as rising yeast
dough- to be left on countertops or other areas where pets can reach
them.