FALL

As the seasons change from summer to fall, so do the substances that are harmful or poisonous to pets. Sunscreen and insect repellents are replaced by rodenticides, ethylene glycol (antifreeze), and yard products such as arsenate containing herbicides and iron based fertilizers. School supplies often become tasty objects to unsupervised pets. Halloween brings a special problem with chocolate candy, candy wrappers and sticks, and glow jewelry or sticks.

The onset of cool weather: Even as early as late August, the onset of cool weather sends rodents scurrying into the warmth of our houses. The rodenticides used to control them are almost always harmful to pets. The most common rodenticides are long acting anticoagulant products that work by preventing the pet's blood from clotting. Most of these products are packaged and sold as tray or boxes of blue green pellets, although a few are sold as red or blue green waxy blocks. Less commonly used rodenticides are cholecalciferol and bromethalin based. Cholecalciferol products cause calcium in the pet's blood to rise to very high levels and bromethalin affects the nervous system. If you suspect that your pet has ingested any amount of these rodenticides contact your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline.

Ethylene glycol or antifreeze: This liquid is very sweet tasting and pets often lick up spills on the pavement or drink from open or tipped over containers. The potential for harm is greatest in the fall when people begin to service their cars for winter. Even small amounts are deadly and early treatment is necessary for pets to survive ingestions of antifreeze. It is vitally important that your pet see their veterinarian immediately if you suspect it has ingested any amount of antifreeze.

Fertilizers and herbicides: These products are generally not a problem once they are applied to the grass. Pets licking up concentrated spills or chewing on bags of the product, however, may become ill in a short period of time. Signs vary from mild vomiting and diarrhea to neurological signs.

School supplies: Supplies such as pens and pencils, non toxic glue, felt tip markers, and erasers are not necessarily poisonous. They can, however, become stuck or lodged anywhere in a pet's stomach or intestines if they are chewed up and swallowed. Surgery to remove the foreign objects is often the only therapy.

Halloween: This time of year is an especially trying time for pets. Tasty candies, especially chocolate ones, generally spell trouble for them. Eating more than a taste or two of chocolate often results in vomiting and diarrhea. Ingestion of large amounts causes more serious signs. Some dogs are so greedy that they will eat an entire trick or treat bag full of candy - sticks, wrappers, and all. They may need to see their veterinarian, not only for treatment of chocolate toxicity, but because the sticks or wrappers are stuck somewhere in their stomachs or intestines.

Glow sticks and jewelry: These items have become popular at fall festivals and Halloween, especially in decorations and costumes. The products cause only mild irritation to the mouth if a pet tastes or swallows the liquid. More important, however, is the risk of an obstruction if an entire stick or necklace is chewed and swallowed.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items or any other questionable substance, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline for assistance. Accurate and timely identification of the suspected substance is truly important. Having the container, package, or label in hand will save valuable time and may save the life of your pet.