There are many items kept in and around our home that we never give a second thought to, however many of those things can be severely dangerous and poisonous to our furry friends. The following is just a partial list of items that should be kept far from the reach of our pets and neighborhood animals
Acids (such as bleach and drain cleaners) - Can cause drooling and abdominal pain.
Alkalis (such as ammonia, laundry detergent, drain cleaners, toilet bowl cleaners and alkali batteries) - Can cause ulcers in the mouth and stomach, pain, seizures, drooling and possibly rapid death.
Antifreeze - Can cause increased thirst and urination, diarrhea, vomiting, seizures, panting, loss of appetite, kidney damage and possibly death.
Citrus Oils (such as limonene and linalool) - Can cause drooling, weakness, depression, trembling, falling over, hyperthermia, low blood pressure and possibly death.
Cocoa Bean Mulch - Can cause irregular heart rate and rhythm, restlessness, panting, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle tremors, increased body temperature, seizures, abdominal pain, bloody urine, coma or even death.
DEET (found in insect repellants) - Can cause vomiting, tremors, excitement, skin irritation and seizures.
Flea Products - Some flea products when ingested or inhaled may cause muscle twitches, shivering, sneezing, apprehension, drooling, diarrhea, hyperactivity, depression and seizures.
Ice Melting Products - Can cause irritation to the skin and mouth, drooling, vomiting, depression and electrolyte imbalances.
Lawn Fertilizers - Can cause gastric upset and gastrointestinal obstruction.
Lead (such as that found in paint, ceramics, linoleum and golf balls) - Can cause abdominal pain, seizures, vomiting, excitement and hysteria, weakness, lack of coordination, blindness and excessive chewing.
Mothballs - Can cause seizures, vomiting, increased heart rate, brown or blue colored gums, liver inflammation, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting and lethargy.
Pain Medicine (such as aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen) - Can cause loss of appetite, bloody vomit, drooling, drunken behavior. Acetaminophen in cats can cause blue gums and breathing problems.
Pest Bait (such as warfarin, arsenic, strychnine etc) - Can cause bloody diarrhea and urine, bleeding from orifices, increased thirst, abdominal pain, cramps, paralysis, staggering, seizures, depression and coma.
Petroleum Products (such as gas, motor oil, paint, turpentine, paint thinner, paint remover, kerosene and lighter fluid)- Can cause tremors, breathing problems, coma, seizures, vomiting, respiratory failure and even death.
Pine Oils - Can cause drooling, vomiting, retching, abdominal pain, weakness, increased body temperature and coma.
Zinc (this includes pennies that have been made since 1982 which contain large amounts of zinc)- Can cause diarrhea, vomiting, lack of appetite, depression, abdominal pain, bloody urine, weakness, organ failure and even death.
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, contact the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. This is 24 hour a day hotline. (Note that in some cases a consultation fee may be charged to your credit card.)
by Dawn Forster for Earth Clinic, LLC
