August 28, 2024

A Guide to Feeding Your Pet Safely

For National Food Safety Education Month in September, we’re shining a spotlight on feeding cats and dogs safely. We’ll cover common toxins, along with the “raw food” trend.

Raw Food Diet: It’s Not Worth the Risk

We’ve shared information about Raw Food Diet for Cats and Raw Food Diet for Dogs before, and our recommendation for both is the same: the risks outweigh any potential benefits. Both dogs and cats face these significant dangers:

• Nutritional deficiencies: With raw food, it’s nearly impossible to give your pet the balance of nutrients they need for good health. Commercially-manufactured pet food actually is formulated for pets’ dietary needs. There’s an important balance between fat and protein, along with nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, copper, taurine, calcium and carbohydrates.
• Foodborne illnesses: We cook raw meat for a reason. From slaughtering to butchering to storage in the grocery store fridge, there’s plenty of opportunity for raw meats to grow dangerous bacteria like Salmonella orListeria monocytogenes. These bacteria can cause serious illness or death in both animals and the people who feed them.
• Choking or punctures: Our modern cats and dogs just aren’t designed to chew and eat raw or cooked bones. Choking and punctured intestines are all too likely and often have tragic results.

Foods that Are Dangerous to Pets

Our furry friends have different nutritional needs than humans, and many foods that are perfectly safe for us can be toxic or dangerous to dogs and cats. We all love to share human food with our pets, but we caution you to keep these ingredients away from your pets in both raw and cooked form.

• Alcohol
• Avocados
• Bones – cooked or raw
• Caffeine
• Candy or gum
• Chocolate
• Garlic
• Grapes
• Green tomatoes
• Marijuana
• Mustard – seeds, powder or the condiment
• Nutmeg
• Nuts
• Onions
• Raisins
• Raw potatoes
• Raw yeast dough
• Sage
• Xylitol – an artificial sweetener

We’d also like to point out that most cats become lactose-intolerant as they age.

We hope this information will help keep your pet safe from food dangers. Check out our Pet Poison Prevention Resources for more information on toxic plants, medications and more.

March 25, 2024

A Helpful Resource: Pet Poison Helpline’s US Plant Trends

We’ve covered Pet Poison Helpline’s Top 20 Pet Toxins in Ohio. Now, we’d like to highlight the organization’s Top Plants 2017-2022 and call out some of the most useful information from this tool.

The plant names link to Pet Poison Helpline’s plant information page. Percentages show the majority proportion of cases (cat or dog). We also give the organization’s toxicity level for each plant.

1. Lilies of the Lilium species: 93.6% Cat, Severe toxicity
2. Pothos/Devils ivy: 51.7% Cat, Moderate toxicity
3. Sago/Cycad palm: 90.8% Dog, Severe toxicity
4. Tulips: 56% Dog, Moderate toxicity
5. Peace lily: 50% Cat, Moderate toxicity
6. Azaleas: 78.5% Dog, Moderate-Severe toxicity
7. Aloe: 54.4% Dog, Moderate toxicity
8. Day lily: 87.9% Cat, Severe toxicity
9. Hydrangea: 76.7% Dog, Mild toxicity
10. Philodendron: 74.5% Dog, Moderate toxicity
11. Alstroemeria, Peruvian lily: 96.2% Cat, Mild toxicity
12. Jade plant: 69.9% Dog, Mild toxicity
13. Daffodil: 66% Dog, Moderate toxicity
14. Hosta: 92.1% Dog, Mild toxicity
15. Monstera deliciosa: 58.8% Dog, Moderate toxicity
16. Sansevieria, Snake plant, Mother-in-law’s tongue: 72.5% Dog, Moderate toxicity
17. Ficus: 75.2% Dog, Mild toxicity
18. Lantana: 96.1% Dog, Moderate toxicity
19. Calla lily: 51.5% Cat, Moderate toxicity
20. Kalanchoe: 55.4% Dog, Mild toxicity
21. Dragon tree: 63.2% Cat, Moderate toxicity
22. Rhododendron: 86.5% Dog, Moderate-Severe toxicity
23. Elephant ear: 80.5% Dog, Moderate toxicity
24. Dumbcane: 64.2% Dog, Moderate toxicity
25. Corn plant/Ribbon plant: 53.3% Cat, Moderate toxicity
26. Tomato: 73.1% Dog, Mild toxicity
27. Chrysanthemum: 54.1% Dog, Mild toxicity
28. Pokeweed: 98.7% Dog, Moderate toxicity
29. Oleander: 91.8% Dog, Severe toxicity
30. Poinsettia: 64.8% Dog, Mild toxicity

For Emergencies, Save the Pet Poison Helpline Number

Anytime of day or night, you can reach the Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661. As of this writing, the fee is $85.

Here are their recommended steps if you suspect your pet is experiencing an emergency after exposure to a pet toxin.

This spring, keep an eye out for poisons in plain sight— you may just save your cat or dog’s life.

December 13, 2023

From Unexpected (Marijuana) to Perennial (Chocolate), Here are the Most Common Pet Toxins

The Pet Poison Helpline released its Top 10 Pet Poisons for 2023, and there are some notable entries for pet parents to be on the lookout for. Here’s the list, which takes into account all species of pet.

Marijuana Toxicity in Pets

New to the list this year is marijuana. The Pet Poison Helpline reports that it’s mostly dogs who encounter this toxicity. With the passage of Ohio’s Issue 2, we expect to see more cases in our state. On December 7, it became legal to possess marijuana and grow it at home.

The Pet Poison Helpline also provides stats on the pets it serves. Of all incident calls over the year:

• 88% dogs
• 11% cats
• 1% other species, like birds, small mammals, large animals and exotic species

Food Toxicities

It’s not surprising that chocolate tops the list, as it’s widely-available and undeniably tasty. Grapes and raisins are of special note, because their toxicity doesn’t seem to be as well-known as other foods. The same goes for onions.

Xylitol is an artificial sweetener used in many sugar-free candies, gums, desserts and recipes. We explored this pet toxin previously: Why is Xylitol Toxic for Dogs?

Medicine Toxicities

Human medicines aren’t meant for animals. Ibuprofen (Advil) is third on the list of most-common toxicities, and Vitamin D3 is a somewhat surprising addition. This list is a good reminder to keep all medicines out of reach of pets (and kids).

Veterinary medicines can also cause toxicity in the wrong dosage or if used for an extended period of time. Carprofen is a common NSAID used to treat pain and inflammation in animals, but overuse or overdose can cause toxicity. Fortunately, there are new treatments available to help with osteoarthritis pain, which we’ve written about:

• Help for Cats & Dogs with Osteoarthritis Pain
• Cats Don’t Need to Suffer from Arthritis

Toxicities from Poisons

It’s truly sad when a pet ingests any rat poisons. Both bromethalin and anticoagulant rat poisons make the top 10 list. Rats are mammals, just like cats and dogs, so these poisons are indiscriminately toxic. We recommend using a different form of pest control.

October 19, 2023

For Dogs, “Sugar-Free” Foods Can Be a Recipe for Danger

Xylitol is a sugar replacement ingredient to sweeten foods. It can be used in baking and is also found in sugar-free foods and products, like:

• Chewing gum
• Candy
• Baked goods
• Ice cream
• Peanut butter
• Jellies & jams
• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Gummy vitamins & supplements
• Some liquid medicines
• Sunscreen (strangely enough!)

From a veterinary perspective, xylitol is a dangerous substance. It’s highly toxic for dogs, even in small doses.  Depending on the size of your dog, even one stick of sugar-free gum could be deadly.

The FDA created this helpful poster with good information, check it out below:

How Xylitol Harms Dogs

Xylitol toxicity works by lowering a dog’s blood sugar to dangerous levels. It triggers a large release of insulin, which makes blood sugar drop.

In some dogs, the substance can also cause irreversible and fatal liver failure.

Signs of Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

Xylitol toxicity happens quickly, within a few hours of ingestion. Symptoms are common to other ailments, and include:

• Lethargy
• Weakness
• Trouble walking
• Tremors/shakes
• Vomiting/diarrhea
• Seizure
• Coma
• Death

The important takeaway is that minutes matter. If you know your dog ingested xylitol, get veterinary help right away.

Treatment is Possible

In the early stages, treatment for xylitol toxicity is possible. It:

“usually requires a short hospitalization stay with intravenous dextrose supplementation and other supportive medications… For most cases, with proper recognition and treatment, it is favorable as long as the dog has not ingested enough to cause liver damage.”

Xylitol, Also Known As…

Recently, food brands have started listing xylitol under different names, such as:

• Wood sugar
• Birch sugar
• Birch bark extract

Be especially careful to check the ingredient list of any sugar-free foods to know which contain any of those ingredient names. Keep these foods well away from your dog.

Ruby’s Sad Story

Sadly, dogs die every year from xylitol toxicity. And not everyone knows the danger of this “sugar-free” replacement. Here’s one cautionary tale:

“Ruby stole two of my homemade brownies. Nothing new – she’s stolen them before from sealed boxes, with no adverse affects – but this time I’d cooked with Xylitol. I had no idea that she should be rushed immediately to the vet to begin intensive, invasive treatment which might – just might – have saved her.”

What About Cats & Xylitol?

There’s no evidence at present that xylitol is toxic to cats. However, this doesn’t mean sugar-free foods sweetened with xylitol are safe for cats, either. We recommend keeping xylitol-containing foods away from your cat and to offer known safe cat treats, instead.

Concerned that your pet may have encountered xylitol? Every minute counts. Call us during our regular hours, or reach out to an emergency vet after hours.

March 14, 2023

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Cats and Dogs

Common household items such as plants, foods and chemicals can harm your pets if ingested. We’re highlighting these in observance of Poison Prevention Week.

Cats and dogs share many sensitivities, but the top toxins for each have some notable exceptions. It’s best to keep all substances like cleaning supplies and medications completely out of reach for your pet.

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Dogs

Some of these toxins are fairly well-known, but several might surprise you. These toxicities are commonly seen by veterinarians. Keep all of them away from your dog’s reach.

1. Chocolate
2. Mouse and rat poisons
3. Vitamins and minerals, specifically Vitamin D and Iron supplements
4. Human and veterinary pain relievers
5. Heart medications, especially calcium channel blockers and beta blockers
6. Cold and allergy medications like pseudoephedrine and phenylephrine
7. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
8. Xylitol, an artificial sweetener often found in sugar-free gum
9. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
10. Caffeine pills

Top 10 Toxins and Poisons for Cats

Cats have several specific toxins that can be fatal. It’s very important to keep these 10 items away from your cat:

1. Topical, spot-on insecticides. These flea and tick insecticides are typically safe for dogs but never for cats. They include drugs from the pyrethrin and pyrethroid family
2. Household cleaners
3. Antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)
4. Lilies of every variety
5. Insoluble oxalate plants, such as Dieffenbachia, philodendron, umbrella plant, elephant’s ear
6. Human and veterinary pain relievers
7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
8. Glowsticks
9. ADD/ADHD medications, i.e., amphetamines
10. Mouse and rat poisons

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661

For more information, check our our articles “Indoor Hazards for Pets” and “Outdoor Hazards for Pets.”

March 16, 2022

March into Spring with Knowledge to Protect Your Pet from Toxins

The month of March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month. We’ve written before about Indoor Hazards for Pets and Outdoor Hazards for Pets, along with the Signs of Toxicity. This time, the focus is on common toxins found during the spring.

Most Common Pet Toxins in the Spring

With longer, warmer days, you and your pet may both be spending more time outside. In the spring, pay special attention to those outdoor toxins, along with plants you may bring inside, such as:

Toxic Plants

• Tulips and hyacinths
• Daffodils
• Lilies
• Crocuses
• Lily of the valley

Toxic Gardening Ingredients

Just because your fertilizer is organic, doesn’t mean it’s safe for your pets. Blood meal and bone meal are both popular organic fertilizer ingredients. Dried blood and bone will be naturally appealing to cats and dogs, but can cause vomiting, iron toxicity or intestinal blockages.

Some fertilizers are fortified with iron, which can cause iron toxicity if your pet ingests it. Also watch for disulfoton in rose and plant fertilizer, which is highly toxic.

And the Pet Poison Helpline has this advice about pesticides and insecticides:

“Most pesticides or insecticides (typically those that come in a spray can) are basic irritants to the pet and are usually not a huge concern unless a pet’s symptoms become persistent. Some may contain an organophosphate which can be life threatening when consumed in large quantities. It is always best to speak to a trained medical professional if there are any questions.”

Toxicities to Watch for Around Easter and Passover

Family celebrations are wonderful, but also a time when it’s easy for your pet to get into something they shouldn’t. Around Easter and Passover, watch out for:

• Chocolate
• Fake “Easter grass”
• Candy with Xylitol in it
• Raw or cooked animal bones
• Raw or cooked animal fat
• Cooking ingredients like onions, garlic, chives, leeks
• Alcohol

Animal Poison Control Options

If your pet has ingested a suspected toxin, and you can’t get in touch with your veterinarian, these animal poison control lines are good resources:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control – (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline – (855) 764-7661

Just this month, ASPCA Animal Poison Control announced its four millionth case in its 45-year history. You may be interested to know:

“Established in 1978, the APCC is the only facility of its kind and is staffed by 70 veterinarians, including 11 board-certified veterinary toxicologists, 100 certified veterinary technicians and 13 veterinary assistants. The APCC has developed a sophisticated veterinary database system called AnTox™ that helps identify and characterize toxic effects of substances in animals and enables the ASPCA to collect more patient data than any other veterinary toxicology medical record system in the world.”

Have questions about how to create a toxin-free, safe environment for your pet? Contact us.