Dr. Amy’s Animal Corner: Toxins for Cats and Dogs

Posted on Wednesday, September 18th, 2024

Welcome to our monthly blog series, Dr. Amy’s Animal Corner with Dr. Amy Brown, DVM. Dr. Brown is the Facility Veterinarian for the Algonquin College Veterinary Learning Centre & Clinic and is a Professor in the Algonquin College Veterinary Technician and Veterinary Assistant Programs.

Each month, you will get a sneak peek into some of the information our students learn while studying in the Veterinary field, learn more about our Veterinary programs, and get the opportunity to check out the animals that we help facilitate for adoption.

Introduction:

Pets are often curious creatures, which can sometimes lead them into potentially dangerous situations. Many common household items and foods can be toxic to dogs and cats. Here is a list of some of the top toxins for both dogs and cats:

Top Dog Toxins:

  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs.
  • Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure.
  • Onions and Garlic: Can damage red blood cells and cause anemia.
  • Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products, can cause insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia and liver failure.
  • Alcohol: Can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, and even death.
  • Avocado: Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Caffeine: Found in coffee, tea, and other caffeinated products, can cause restlessness, rapid breathing, heart palpitations, and muscle tremors.
  • Macadamia Nuts: Can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia.
  • Yeast Dough: Can expand in the stomach, causing bloat and potentially life-threatening torsion.
  • Medications: Many human medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be toxic to dogs.

Top Cat Toxins:

  • Lilies: All parts of the plant are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure.
  • Onions and Garlic: Can cause oxidative damage to red blood cells, leading to anemia.
  • Medications: Acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and other human medications are extremely dangerous to cats.
  • Grapes and Raisins: Can cause kidney failure in cats, though they are less likely to consume them.
  • Essential Oils: Many essential oils, including tea tree oil, are toxic to cats.
  • Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Highly toxic and can cause rapid kidney failure.
  • Insecticides: Many insecticides, especially those containing pyrethrins, are dangerous to cats.
  • Rodenticides: Rat and mouse baits contain substances that can cause bleeding, kidney failure, or seizures.
  • Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to cats as well as dogs.
  • Alcohol: Even small amounts can cause severe health issues.

Prevention Tips:

  • Keep Toxic Foods Out of Reach: Store foods and other toxic substances where pets cannot access them.
  • Secure Trash Cans: Pets can often get into trash, where they might find toxic substances.
  • Use Pet-Safe Plants: Ensure that household and garden plants are safe for pets.
  • Be Careful with Medications: Store all human and pet medications safely and administer them correctly.
  • Read Labels: Check the ingredients of household products to ensure they do not contain harmful substances.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian or an emergency animal poison control hotline immediately.

For further details on the Algonquin College Veterinary Technician program, Veterinary Assistant program, and our Pets for Adoption, please visit our website.


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