Windshield wiper fluid most often contains methanol (commonly 20-30%) and may have other antifreeze ingredients added as well (e.g., ethylene glycol, propylene glycol). Methanol can also be found in model airplane fuel (also called “glow fuel”), gas line antifreeze solutions, paint removers, varnish, and many solvents. When ingested by dogs and cats, methanol causes similar…
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Propylene glycol (PG) is one of the least toxic glycols. It is a synthetic liquid substance that absorbs water and is used by the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries for a wide variety of reasons. Like ethylene glycol, propylene glycol may be used as an antifreeze and can be found in high concentrations in RV,…
Paintballs, when ingested, can result in severe poisoning in dogs, and rarely cats and ferrets. While this is an uncommon toxicity, it can be life-threatening. The components inside a paintball are “osmotically active,” which means that they can pull free water into the intestinal tract. This can result in severe salt and electrolyte imbalances; untreated,…
Hydrocarbons are liquids that are commonly found in your garage. Examples include liquid fuels such as kerosene, engine oil, tiki-torch fluids, gasoline, diesel fuels, paint solvents, wood stains, wood strippers, liquid lighter fluids, etc. These are often referred to as “petroleum distillates” based on their viscosity (e.g., thickness), carbon chain length, and fat solubility. Hydrocarbons…
When pets ingest paint balls (and it’s mostly dogs who ingest them!), it can result in severe poisoning. Paint balls contain glycerol, glycerin, sorbitol, gelatin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), mineral oil, dye, and other chemicals can result in poisoning. Clinical signs from paint ball poisoning include walking drug, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors. A life-threateningly…
The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about a potentially poisoned pet. Below is a list of holiday-related decorations, plants and food items that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline® recommend keeping away from pets. Holiday Ornaments When decorating for the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such as snow globes or bubble…
Download our Spot the Pet Poisons in Your Home infographic here. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) products are extremely toxic and, unfortunately, have a sweet taste that is appealing to pets. Choose propylene glycol-based antifreeze as a safer alternative. If antifreeze is spilled, clean it up immediately or dilute it with several gallons of water. Keep all…
The start of fall brings new seasonal household items that pose a threat to the safety of our pets. These common household items can cause serious problems if ingested by animals. Here is the list of seasonal products that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline® recommend keeping away from pets. Mushrooms While most mushrooms…
Paint balls When pets ingest paint balls (and it’s mostly dogs who ingest them!), it can result in severe poisoning. Paint balls contain glycerol, glycerin, sorbitol, gelatin, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol (PEG), mineral oil, dye, and other chemicals can result in poisoning. Clinical signs from paint ball poisoning include walking drug, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors….
Our veterinary and pharmacy staff at Pet Poison Helpline® and SafetyCall International have contributed significantly towards both the veterinary and human medical literature. Several of our publications are listed below: Publications Trim CM, Adams JG, Hovda LR. Failure of xylazine to induce anesthesia in two horses. J Am Vet Med Assoc 1987;190(2):201-202. Hovda LR, McGuirk…
