Each year, there are more than 401,500 cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. While the Indiana Poison Center reports that they receive calls about animal exposures each year. In 2023, they received 41,857 calls related to animal exposures. Pet poisoning is a significant issue and it is important to practice safe prevention and reduce exposure. If you believe your pet has been poisoned call Poison Control.
Some Common Toxins
- Lillies- There are many plants commonly referred to as lilies,
but they do not all contain the same toxins. True lilies,
Lilium spp., and Hemerocallis spp. cause nephrotoxicity.
Lily imposters are those that do not cause nephrotoxicity
but have lily in the common name such as Peruvian lilies
(Alstroemeria spp.), calla lilies, peace lilies, lily of the valley,
and amaryllis lilies. It is important to obtain an identification
along with the scientific name, if possible, as different plants
may have the same or similar sounding common names.
This allows the highest likelihood of determining the correct
concern and developing an appropriate treatment plan.
- Rodenticides- Rodenticides are commonly found as hard blocks, soft blocks (usually wrapped in cellophane), and pellets and less frequently encountered as grains, powders, or liquids. The brand, color, size, and form of the rodenticide are not specific to the active ingredient which is why internet searches are often misleading. The packaging or order history are necessary to best identify the active ingredient.
- Human Prescription Medications- Whether Fido accidentally chewed into a pill bottle or a well-intentioned pet owner accidentally switched medication (giving their pet a human medication), pet poisonings due to human medications are common and can be very serious.
- Xylitol- Dogs are very sensitive to xylitol poisoning, which has also been reported in cattle and goats. Rabbits can be at risk. Studies have shown cats are not affected, and horses are not considered sensitive. Xylitol poisoning targets serum insulin release and hepatic function; signs are dose dependent. Absorption of xylitol is rapid in dogs, with hypoglycemia occurring at lower doses usually within 30 minutes – 2 hours. Ingestion of higher levels of xylitol leads to increased liver enzymes within 12-48 hours after ingestion, and liver failure within 24-48 hours.
- Recreational Drugs- Most exposures are accidental when curious pets discover access to the drug or when they are present in the same room with a person smoking cannabis. Dogs have more cannabinoid receptors in their brains, which means the effects of cannabis are more dramatic and potentially more toxic when compared to humans. A small amount of cannabis is all it takes to cause toxicity in cats and dogs.