Mpati Veterinary Clinic
Dr A.D. (TONY) Grace (B.V.Sc.) DR A. (ASHLEIGH) OWEN (B.V.SC.)
28 Douglas St P.O.Box / Posbus 581 Dundee 3000
Telefax: 0342123466 / 0342181956
Cell: +27 82 567 9104
E-mail / E-pos: tonyg@trustnet.co.za
NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2011
Common Household Poisons
Most Common Household Poisons in Dogs and Cats:
 Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications – Many owners give their pets drugs intended for human consumption, such
as OTC pain relievers (Disprin and Voltaren). This is very often accidently given as an overdose resulting in stomach ulcers
and/or kidney damage. Paracetamol is highly toxic to cats with just a tiny amount being enough to cause severe illness or
death.
 Pest Control Baits and Poisons – Even if these poisons are placed away from pets, rodents can carry them to pet-occupied
areas. There is also the problem of secondary poisonings. This is very common with regard to Rodenticides, with the pet
presenting with signs of poisoning after eating the dead rat. Using a product like Racumin will prevent secondary poisonings
but not primary poisoning (the bait must still be placed out of the pets reach). Rodenticides result in uncontrollable
haemorrhage with the pet bleeding internally. Metaldehyde found in snail bait is also toxic to pets when ingested, causing
neurological signs.
 Foods and Food Additives – Probably one of the most common known “food toxins” for pets is chocolate (caffeine and
theobromide), but there are others. Foods to keep away from pets include, but are not limited to: raisins and grapes,
macadamia nuts, onions and garlic, and products containing xylitol (an artificial sweetener). All of these foods have a very
wide range of toxicity with some dogs showing signs of poisoning after ingesting a small quantity while some animals will not
develop signs until a relatively large amount have been eaten.
 Household and Yard Plants and Trees – Cats are very sensitive to Lilies, with less than one leaf causing kidney failure.
Another common household plant that can cause kidney failure is the Elephant ear. Other toxic plants include sago palms,
tulips, oleander hyacinths, poinsettias, azaleas and amaryllis.
 Flea or Tick Treatments – These treatments are also toxins designed to kill the parasite. Used at the recommended dosages
and protocols, pesticides should be safe for the animals that they are intended to be used on. The most common poisoning
seen is Amitraz toxicity. This is the active ingredient found in the dips for ticks on dogs and poisoning occurs when the dip is
not diluted accurately (not measured out properly). Permethrin is found in many spot-on preparations for dogs for the
control of fleas and flies. This is toxic to cats and poisoning can arise when cats are treated with a product intended for
dogs or if the cat grooms the other animal treated with the product.
 Lawn and Garden Herbicides and Pesticides – Pets are lower to the ground with their faces closer to the vegetation.
Ingestion can occur through oral intake (chewing on treated plants or drinking the poison directly) or absorbtion through the
skin (contact while spraying).
Prevention Tips:
 Use products on your pet wisely – Please read and understand all directions when using shampoos, dips, spot-on treatments,
etc. for your pet. And importantly follow the usage directions. This is definitely a case where more is not better!
 Only use products and medications designed for the pet – Do not use dog products (or medications) on cats and vice versa.
The dosing is often different, and things that are OK for one species may be quite toxic to another! The same goes for using
human medications on pets. Never give a cat paracetomol!
 Keep all medications out of reach – Everyone is familiar with the “Keep out of reach of children” warnings, but often
underestimate their pets. Pets have an advantage over children – their strong jaws and teeth can chew through many “child
safe” bottles.
 Limit the use of pest control baits and poisons – Rat and snail baits should be used with extreme caution in a household
with pets. These items are baits – they are made to entice animals to eat them. Rather use biological control measures (if you
have a rat problem, get a cat or a jack russel) and if that is ineffective, use products that do not cause secondary poisonings
where possible. Also place all poisons in areas that are impossible for your pet to reach.
 Poisonous household plants – Where possible remove all toxic plants from your garden. If this is impossible, confine pets
from these plants especially while they are young and curious and chewing on everything.
 Common food and dietary hazards – Never give your pet spoiled or mouldy food. Also avoid giving chocolates, grapes,
raisins, macadamia nuts, onions or garlic as you’ll never know how much your pet can tolerate until it’s too late!
 Lawn and garden chemical safety – These chemicals are not intended for use on animals, so be sure to follow manufacture
recommendations. Allow for proper drying time in the area before releasing your pets to roll in, eat, or otherwise have
contact with treated areas and plants. Store all containers in safe areas and dispose of empty containers safely.
 Secure inside and outside trash cans – Meat and food scraps mixed with discarded household cleaner containers… with
broken glass or other sharp objects, etc, is a recipe for disaster on many levels!
If you have any enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us at the clinic for answers.