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1. Chocolate- This is one of our standard toxins. The darker the chocolate, the more toxic, and it contains both caffeine and theobromine, which are both bad for animals. Signs of chocolate toxicity are vomiting, increased thirst and urination, diarrhea, restless, hyperactive, increased respiration, ataxia, tremors, seizures, weakness, and possibly coma. 2. Ice Melt- These are dermal and gastrointestinal irritants. Ingestion of Ice Melt can cause salt toxicosis as well. To avoid this, Ice Melts should be kept out of reach and the owners should wipe off their pets' paws after they have been outdoors. Consumption may lead to diarrhea, anorexia, tremors, disorientation, seizures or death. If your pet has it on them they should be bathes and monitored for skin irritation, hydration status, electrolyte concentrations and heart/muscle activity. 3. Moth Balls- These contain naphthalene (which is twice as toxic than the other) or paradichlorobenzene. Ingestion of one or two mothballs can be life threatening to most species. With these DO NOT INDUCE VOMITING!! Get your pet into an emergency hospital ASAP and bring the container of moth balls with you. 4. Old Walnuts- Rotting walnuts can grow a fungus that is toxic to animals. Usually around the holidays people buy fresh walnuts to leave out, but not everyone prefers to buy new walnuts each year. 5. Throat Lozenges- Many of these tasty tabs contain various chemical agents, including zinc, which is very poisonous to animals. 6. Alcohol- Alcohol poisoning can definitely occur quite easily, especially in the smaller breeds. Keep in mind the weight difference between you and your furry friend as to how much is truely being consumed. You shouldn't ever give a dog or cat alcohol. 7. Grapes and Raisins Large amounts of grapes and raisins can lead to kidney disease and kidney failure. If the pet consumes a large amount of either of these consult your veterinarian immediately. 8. Cleaning Supplies MANY problems here!! Depending on what the product is and how the animal came into contact with it will have a lot to do with the treatment. Some may cause a mild stomach ache, while others will cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth and stomach. DO NOT induce vomiting without knowing what was consumed. 9. Avocados This is another one of those things that can cause stomach irritation. This applies to both the avocado fruit and seed. The toxic principle is called persin. The ASPCA has stated that this type of poisoning is usually with birds, rabbits and farm animals. The actual tree and leaves are the most poisonous part. Either way, it is suggested that you not feed any animals avocados to avoid a possible reaction. 10. Amaryllis This plant is in the Lilly family and is considered toxic. The toxic principles are lycorine and also thought to be alkaloids, which are mainly concentrated in the bulb. By consuming amaryllis the animal may be subject to vomiting, depression, diarrhea, abdominal pain, hypersalivation, anorexia and tremors. 11. Liquid Potpourri These include catatonic detergents and usually essential oils. Oral exposure should be assumed in cases of dermal exposure because of "licking and grooming." Consult veterinarian immediately if exposed. 12. Coffee Grounds Animals should not drink coffee or eat coffee grounds to avoid caffeine poisoning. Coffee has similar properties to chocolate and can be very dangerous if not removed from the system. Immediately call your veterinarian if consumed. 13. Batteries These contain acids or alkali, which can also cause corrosive lesions. (These alkalis may also be found in dishwasher detergents, antirust compounds and various cleaners.) Battery consumption is serious and can cause major problems if not extracted from the pet. 14. Mistletoe The entire plant, especially the berries are toxic. If not immediately dealt with, a blood transfusion may be required. 15. Essential Oils These are also found in liquid potpourri and some dryer sheets. DO NOT induce vomiting because it is an oily item. The pet should be brought in to be examined by the veterinarian. 16. Macadamias Signs usually develop within 12 hours of ingestion, depending on how much they ate. The first signs (lethargic, vomiting and febrile) usually show up within 3 to 6 hours after ingestion. Though it's not a TOXIC poisoning, it can also cause lameness of the hindquarters, joint stiffness and can be just down right painful for the animal. The animal will usually fully recover within 48 hours. 17. Pine Needles Cats like to chew on pine needles and can puncture internal organs. They are also toxic to cats. Owners should pick up any needles that fall and not allow their feline to chew on the tree bows. 18. Spray Snow The chemicals in spray snow are toxic to cats! If ingested, the owner should contact poison control. 19. Holly All parts of Holly contain methyxanthines (i.e., caffeine and theobromine, which are in chocolate). It contains other agents that could, potentially, cause true toxicity, but a lot of the time only causes GI issues and depression. Another holiday problem plant is the poinsettia. This is more on the lower end of the toxic level, but advise to keep out of reach of your pet. 20. Mediations Utilize POISON CONTROL!!! 1-800-222-1222 or the ASPCA 1-888-426-4435. Call either of these ASAP. FYI: One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause stomach ulcers in a 10lb dog. AND: One extra strength acetaminophen (Tylenol) tablet (500mg) can kill a 7lb cat. 21. Rodenticides Depending on what the poison is, determines the plan of action. If consumed, call your veterinarian. Be sure to keep the container the rodenticide is from, the information is crucial for your pet's treatment. 22. Christmas Tree Preservatives Call POISON CONTROL. Keep the container that the preservative was in. It may contain fertilizers, which if ingested, can really upset the stomach. Stagnant water can also be a breeding ground for bacteria. 23. Tinsel Possible foreign body obstruction and would most likely need surgery to remove. 24. Fatty Foods Possible cause for bloat, constipation, and pancreatic attacks just to name a few. Turkey is included in this category. 25. Bones Bones that are consumed can cut up the esophagus, stomach and intestines going through. Upon bone ingestion you can try feeding your pet bread or oatmeal. This will pack the intestines to help pass the bones through the body while limiting the internal damage. 26. Holiday Decorations Possible foreign body obstruction and/or poisoning. Also be aware of the hangers for the ornaments. 27. Potpourri Although dried potpourri may often be treated with essential oils, there is typically not as much risk of chemical toxicity as with the liquid potpourri. The primary risk, instead, would be from the dried flowers (such as lilies) and their journey through your animal's body. 28. Extension Cords Possible electrocution and possible foreign body ingestion. This also includes Christmas tree lights. You may see sores in the mouth, seizures and possible breathing problems. 29. Bread Dough Dogs love the yeasty taste of bread dough and will easily eat the entire bowl full. Not only will the dough cause bloating and discomfort, but the fermenting yeast produces ethanol and dogs can become very sick from ethanol, or alcohol, poisoning. Depending on the size of the dog and the dough consumed, they can act mildly lethargic up to semi-comatose. You must seek medical attention immediately for your pet. 30. Onions & Garlic These can be toxic to both cats and dogs. The red blood cells are affected and can cause life-threatening anemia. This also includes garlic salt and onion salt. 31. Candles Possible burns may occur. Another problem that may result would be poisoning from wax that contains any essential oils. If your pet has consumed homemade candles (or soaps), try to find out what ingredients were used. 32. Light Bulbs Possible foreign object ingestion, possible cuts due to the broken glass, and potentially electrocution if still in the socket. 33. Abundance of Food Possible bloat, possible pancreatic attack (Pancreatitis)
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Common Toxins for Cats and Dogs