Pet Vet Corner: Possible Emergency Tools

By Deb Haines

Please Keep handy at all times the number to your vet and poison control.

Always call YOUR VET OR Poison Control first

Xylitol – dogs

Grapes/raisins – dogs … call vet asap

Chocolate (dose dependent) – cats and dogs…(baker’s, semi-sweet, milk chocolate) is toxic. Keep sweets out of a pet’s reach. Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, and even a single ounce of pure chocolate can be lethal to a small dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are the most dangerous. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures.

Chocolate Calculator … https://www.vets-now.com/dog-chocolate-toxicity-calculator/

Antifreeze – cats and dogs

Insulin overdose

Over the counter OR prescribed medication that has not been specifically prescribed for your pet – call Poison Control for advice on whether pet needs to be seen.

Human medications such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) can be safe for humans but deadly for cats

Rodenticide/rat poison

Pet Poison helpline….. https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

APCA Poison helpline …https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

Poison control UK … https://www.pdsa.org.uk/…/our-campaigns/pet-survivor/apl

Poison Hotline AU https://animalpoisons.com.au/

AVOID Food Items That Could Cause Problems For Your Pet

Alcoholic beverages (can result in ethanol poisoning)

Coffee (grounds, beans, chocolate covered espresso beans)

Grapes and raisins cause kidney failure

Macadamia Nuts cause temporary rear limb ataxia and paralysis

Moldy or spoiled foods can cause mycotoxin or aflatoxin poisoning

Onions, onion powder can result in Heinz body anemia

Fatty foods

Salt causes hypernatremia. If the dog does not vomit after ingesting, toxicity could result.

Xylitol as an artificial sweetener can cause hypoglycemia and serious liver effects.

Yeast dough as it’s rising can result in ethanol toxicity.

Bones left in an accessible place are almost irresistible to pets, but they can lodge in an animal’s throat or block the intestinal tract. Remove leftovers from the table and don’t leave garbage where animals can get to it. Teeth can also be broken while chewing on bones.

Hops from making homemade ale, whether spent or not, can cause symptom’s of malignant hyperthermia. Sighthounds are especially vulnerable.

Never give your animal any medications unless under the directions of a veterinarian.

Poisons Help; Emergency Identification For Mushrooms & Plants … https://www.facebook.com/groups/144798092849300/