Top Pet Poisoning Causes: What You Need to Know

I. Common Medications

1. Isoniazid

Isoniazid is a human antibiotic primarily used to treat tuberculosis. It is metabolized through acetylation by acetyltransferase enzymes. However, dogs have a poor acetylation capacity, rendering them unable to effectively metabolize isoniazid, which can lead to toxic symptoms.

Symptoms: Seizures, confusion, muscle tremors, blindness, vomiting, drooling, fever, diarrhea, incontinence, and colored urine.

2. Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a common nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug in human households. Due to the different metabolic pathways in dogs and cats, accidental ingestion can cause severe toxic symptoms.

Symptoms: Excessive drooling, vomiting, tachycardia, jaundice, hematuria, and anemia.

II. Foods

1. Chocolate

Symptoms typically appear 212 hours after ingestion, including nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, polydipsia, polyuria, restlessness, hyperactivity, and arrhythmia.

2. Grapes and Raisins

Symptoms usually start 1215 hours after ingestion, including vomiting, abdominal pain, anorexia, diarrhea, and kidney damage, which can affect urination.

3. Allium Plants

This category includes onions, garlic, and chives. Symptoms include gastrointestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, anemia, and loss of appetite, with anemia symptoms appearing a few days after ingestion.

4. Xylitol

Xylitol can lead to hypoglycemia, coma, seizures, jaundice, and anemia.

5. Cinnamon

Cinnamon can cause hypoglycemia or hypotension.

6. Avocado

Symptoms include difficulty breathing, weakness, edema, and potentially death due to respiratory failure.

III. Pesticides

1. Organophosphates and Pyrethroids

Poisoning from these pesticides can be effectively treated if detected early and medical attention is sought promptly. It's important to note that pyrethroids, which are labeled as safe for dogs, can also be toxic to cats.

2. Organochlorines and Aldicarb

Poisoning from these pesticides primarily presents with general muscle tremors, persistent chewing, seizures, vomiting, tachycardia, respiratory distress, and drooling. In severe cases, it may lead to coma and death. There are currently no specific antidotes available.

IV. Plants

Plant poisoning often results in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and drooling. Some highly toxic plants can cause multiorgan failure, damaging the heart, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. Common toxic plants include aloe vera, lilies, daisies, autumn crocuses, and peace lilies.

V. Essential Oils

Poisoning from essential oils typically presents with symptoms such as lethargy, muscle weakness, depression, abnormal behavior, low body temperature, and coma. Common essential oils include tea tree oil, peppermint, and citrus oils.

VI. Herbicides and Rodenticides

Poisoning from herbicides and rodenticides usually requires supportive treatment, including intravenous fluids to prevent shock. As of now, there are no specific or effective antidotes available.