Common Toxic Substances

There are many substances that are potentially toxic to pets, including some human foods or medications, as well as plants, cleaners and other chemicals. Common signs of toxicity poisoning are: drooling, trembling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma and disorientation. Here are some commonly found toxic substances:

• Human medications, including pain killers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins
• Rat poison, snail bait and fly bait
• Xylitol (artificial sweetener found in chewing gum, vitamins, candy, toothpaste)
• Chocolate, onions, grapes and raisins
• Many nuts and seeds, including almonds, macadamia nuts and fruit pits
• Caffeine
• Hops (beer)
• Zinc (pennies)
• Liquid potpourri
• Fabric softener sheets
• Nicotine
• Many plants, including daffodil, iris and tulip bulbs (especially for cats)
• Batteries
• Antifreeze and many ice-melting products

Halloween Tips

Halloween brings some dangers for pets that can be avoided if planned for ahead. Dr Rosen and Halloween Tips

• Pets and candy, the worst most toxic of the candy is dark chocolate, but keep all candy away from your pets, as it can make them sick. As a veterinary emergency hospital, we see many cases of chocolate toxicity. The symptoms to look for are:
  • Signals of discomfort such as tail down, bloated stomach, panting, not acting normal
  • Vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increased thirst, urination and elevated heart rate It’s important to get treatment as soon as possible because you want to get the toxic material out of the digestive system as early as possible.
• Halloween candy wrappers, costumes and decorations can be hazardous if ingested. Items can cause obstruction of the digestive system and, if metal, can cause toxic poisoning. Symptoms can appear similar to toxic ingestion: Lethargic, vomiting, diarrhea. 
  
  Again, it is important to get treatment as soon as possible to determine what is causing the problem and how best to remove any obstructions to the digestive system. There are minimally invasive options to surgery now available, such as endoscopy which may be effective if treatment is initiated quickly.

• Dogs and cats can be frightened by Halloween costumes and loud noises and dogs may chase visitors. Keep your pets confined in interior rooms or a crate for their safety.
  •  It’s a good idea to walk them before the visitors come.
  •  Be sure your pets have current identification tags. Microchips are always a good idea.
  • Take care that your pet doesn’t escape when you open the door.
• Keep black cats inside, many times black cats have been treated harshly or abused, so be aware.

• Keep your pets and your home safe. Be sure any candles cannot be knocked over. And remember, cats and dogs just love those glow sticks and sparkling decorations.

If you have any concerns or questions about your pets, you can call or visit Western Carolina Veterinary Emergency Hospital 24 hours a day.

Western Carolina Regional Animal Hospital and Veterinary Emergency Hospital
205 N Highland Lake Rd
Flat Rock, NC 28731
828-697-7767

Hot Weather Tips

We all love spending the long, sunny days of summer outdoors with our pets, but it is good to remember hot weather health tips to keep you and your pets healthy. We’re not the only ones who like summer! Righteous and Chris at Play

• Fleas and tick activity is high during the summer. Be sure to protect your pet with a flea and tick control program.

• We see a lot of snake bite cases at the hospital during the late spring through early fall. If your dogs are likely to encounter snakes, we suggest you talk with your veterinarian about whether a Rattlesnake Vaccination that may moderate the reaction to rattlesnake and copperhead bites is appropriate.

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it is hot. Make sure outdoor pets have a shady place to get out of the sun.

• Know the signs of overheating: According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, "symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. They can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees." Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle on a hot day – even with the windows open.

• Avoid chemicals. Commonly used pest control as well as garden insecticides, including citronella candles, can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested. Common signs of toxicity poisoning are: drooling, trembling, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma and disorientation. Watch for signs of toxic poisoning and call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance.