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 toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline® recommend keeping away from pets.
While most mushrooms are generally non-toxic, certain types can be very dangerous. One of the most dangerous is Amanita phalloides, or death cap mushroom, which is found throughout the United States. The proper identification of mushrooms is extremely difficult and often only done by experts. Therefore, it is wise to consider any ingestion of unidentified mushrooms as toxic until proven otherwise. Depending on what type of mushroom is ingested, symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, depression, tremors, and seizures, with liver and kidney damage occurring later. Pet owners should evaluate their yard frequently to get rid of any mushrooms.
While you may think these white balls are benign, they are not. Mothballs typically contain either paradichlorobenzene or naphthalene. While naphthalene mothballs are often considered more toxic, both can be deadly. Symptoms include vomiting, severe abdominal pain, tremors, weakness, possible kidney or liver failure, and severe abnormality of your pet’s red blood cells.
As people prepare their boats, cars or cabins for Winter, pets may inadvertently be exposed to antifreeze. As little as one teaspoon in a cat or a tablespoon or two for dogs, depending on the size of animal, can be fatal. Signs of early poisoning include acting drunk or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy. While signs may seem to improve after eight to twelve hours, internal damage is worsening, and crystals develop in the kidneys, which result in acute kidney failure. Immediate treatment with an antidote is vital.
Mouse and Rat Poisons (Rodenticides)
As you prepare to winterize your garage, cabin, or house, make sure to place poisonous baits in areas where your pet cannot reach them (e.g., high up on shelves, hidden behind work spaces, etc.). “While less common, rodenticides also pose the potential for relay toxicity,” said Dr. Renee Schmid, director of veterinary medicine at Pet Poison Helpline®. “In other words, if your dog eats a large number of dead mice poisoned by rodenticides, they can experience secondary effects.” Because there are several different types of chemicals in mouse and rat poisons, all with different active ingredients and types of action, it is imperative to keep your pets away from these potentially dangerous poisons.
Piles of decomposing and decaying organic matter and molding food products in your backyard compost pile have the potential to contain ‘tremorgenic mycotoxins’, meaning molds which cause tremors and seizures. Even small amounts ingested can result in tremors or seizures within 30 minutes to several hours of ingestion.
Glues/adhesives
As people begin their final home projects or hurry to finish the ones they have been putting off before Winter approaches, supplies may be left out or unattended.! Expanding glues and adhesives themselves are non-toxic, meaning it won’t directly cause adverse effects. However, what happens after ingestion can cause serious complications.
As soon as the glue is swallowed, it starts reacting with fluids in the esophagus and stomach, causing rapid expansion and hardening. It can expand so greatly, even a small amount can cause an obstruction. Clinical signs may be seen as soon as 15 minutes after ingestion and may include vomiting, bloating or painful abdomen, anorexia, and lethargy. Depending on the amount ingested and the size of the pet, signs can be delayed. If you suspect your pet ingested any amount of an expanding glue or adhesive, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661 immediately for treatment advice.
The best thing any pet owner can do is to be educated on common household toxins, and to make sure you’re the home is pet-proofed appropriately. Make sure to keep all these products in labeled, tightly-sealed containers out of your pet’s reach. When in doubt, if you think your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline® at 855-764-7661 with any questions or concerns.
