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The following list of poisons is informational only. It may not be all inclusive. In
any case of suspected poisoning, immediate consultation with a nearby veterinarian is
absolutely essential. Time may be essential. These lists are to help with prevention.
Anyone with additions is encouraged to send them to me at Darrowby@aol.com for inclusion.
First, make sure you have a pet first aid kit. I am sure you will want to add to this
list.
Here are some links as well:
ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
Fee is $45 per case; credit cards only; no extra charge for follow-up calls.
1-900-443-0000 The charge is billed directly to caller's phone. Follow-up calls can
be made for no additional charge by dialing 888-426-4435. There is no charge when the call
involves a product covered by the Animal Product Safety Service
Puppy proofing your home is in an article found here: http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1684&articleid=3283
Emergency Pet First Aid Kit items to keep on hand
You may benefit by keeping a pet safety kit and other items on hand for emergencies. Such
a kit should contain:
ˇ A fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide 3% (USP)
ˇ Milk
ˇ Vinegar or lemon juice
ˇ Milk of Magnesia
ˇ Charcoal
ˇ Silver nitrate
ˇ Emergency ice pack
ˇ PediolyteŽ or other balanced electrolyte fluid
ˇ Baby food meat flavors work best
ˇ Can of soft dog food
ˇ Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe
ˇ Saline eye solution to flush out eye contaminates
ˇ Artificial tear gel to lubricate eyes after flushing
ˇ Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid in order to bathe an animal after
skin contamination
ˇ Rubber gloves to prevent you from being exposed while you bathe the animal
ˇ Forceps to remove stingers
ˇ Muzzle to keep the animal from hurting you while it is excited or in pain
ˇ Pet carrier to help carry the animal to your local veterinarian
ˇ Gauze sponges -- 50 four-by-four inch sponges, two per envelope
ˇ Triple antibiotic ointment
ˇ Rubbing alcohol
ˇ Ear syringe -- two ounce capacity
ˇ Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
ˇ White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
ˇ Sterile, non-adherent pads
ˇ Pepto Bismol tablets
ˇ Generic Benadryl capsules -- 25mg, for allergies
ˇ Hydrocortisone acetate -- one percent cream
ˇ Sterile stretch gauze bandage -- three inches by four yards
ˇ Buffered aspirin
ˇ Dermicil hypoallergenic cloth tape one inch by 10 yards
ˇ Kaopectate tablets maximum strength
ˇ Bandage scissors
ˇ Custom splints
ˇ Vet Rap bandage
ˇ Blanket
ˇ Tweezers
ˇ Hemostats
ˇ Rectal thermometer
ˇ Ziplock bags
ˇ Paperwork, including the dog's health record, medications, local and
national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers,
and emergency clinic hours and telephone number
10 Tips for Preventing Poisoning: (by Dr. Jill A. Richardson, DVM of the NAPCC)
1. Be aware of the plants you have in your house and in your pet's yard. The
ingestion of azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, Easter lily, or yew plant material,
by an animal, could be fatal. (see lists of toxic plants and website references below).
2. When cleaning your house, never allow your pet access to the area where cleaning
agents are used or stored. Cleaning agents have a variety of properties. Some may only
cause a mild stomach upset, while others could cause severe burns of the tongue, mouth,
and stomach.
3. When using rat or mouse baits, ant or roach traps, or snail and slug baits, place the
products in areas that are inaccessible to your animals. Most baits contain sweet smelling
inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter, and sugars, which can be very attractive
to your pet.
4. Never give your animal any medications unless under the direction of your veterinarian.
Many medications that are used safely in humans can be deadly when used inappropriately.
One extra strength acetaminophen tablet (500mg) can kill a seven-pound cat.
5. Keep all prescription and over the counter drugs out of your pets' reach, preferably in
closed cabinets. Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants,
vitamins, and diet pills are common examples of human medication that could be potentially
lethal even in small dosages. One regular strength ibuprofen (200mg) could cause stomach
ulcers in a ten-pound dog.
6. Never leave chocolates unattended. Approximately one-half ounce or less of baking
chocolate per pound body weight can cause problems. Even small amounts can cause
pancreatic problems.
7. Many common household items have been shown to be lethal in certain species.
Miscellaneous items that are highly toxic even in low quantities include pennies (high
concentration of zinc), mothballs (contain naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene. one or two
balls can be life threatening in most species), potpourri oils, fabric softener sheets,
automatic dish washing detergents (contain cationic detergents which could cause corrosive
lesions), batteries (contain acids or alkali which can also cause corrosive lesions),
homemade play dough (contains high quantity of salt), winter heat source agents like hand
or foot warmers (contain high levels of iron), cigarettes, coffee grounds, and alcoholic
drinks.
8. All automotive products such as oil, gasoline, and antifreeze, should be stored in
areas away from pet access. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze (ethylene glycol) can
be deadly in a seven-pound cat and less than one tablespoon could be lethal to a 20-pound
dog.
9. Before buying or using flea products on your pet or in your household, contact your
veterinarian to discuss what types of flea products are recommended for your pet. Read ALL
information before using a product on your animals or in your home. Always follow label
instructions. When a product is labeled "for use in dogs only" this means that
the product should NEVER be applied to cats. Also, when using a fogger or a house spray,
make sure to remove all pets from the area for the time period specified on the container.
If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the manufacturer or your
veterinarian to clarify the directions BEFORE use of the product.
10. When treating your lawn or garden with fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides,
always keep your animals away from the area until the area dries completely. Discuss usage
of products with the manufacturer of the products to be used. Always store such products
in an area that will ensure no possible pet exposure.
Poisonous Plants by Category
ˇ Bulbs: Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Daffodil, Day Lily, Elephant Ears,
Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Iris, Lily of the Valley, Narcissus, Orange Day Lily, Tulip
ˇ Ferns: Aparagus Fern, Australian Nut, Emerald Feather (aka Emerald Fern),
Emerald Fern (aka Emerald Feather), Lace Fern, Plumosa Fern
ˇ Flowering Plants: Cyclamen, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Poinsettia
ˇ Garden Perennials: Charming Diffenbachia, Christmas Rose, Flamingo Plant,
Foxglove, Marijuana, Morning Glory, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Tropic Snow Dumbcane
ˇ House Plants: Ceriman (aka Cutleaf Philodendron), Chinese Evergreen,
Cordatum, Corn Plant (aka Cornstalk Plant), Cutleaf Philodendron (aka Ceriman), Devil's
Ivy, Dumb Cane, Golden Pothos, Green Gold Nephthysis, Marble Queen, Mauna Loa Peace Lily,
Nephthytis, Peace Lily, Red-Margined Dracaena, Striped Dracaena, Taro Vine, Warneckei
Dracaena
ˇ Lillies: Asian Lily (liliaceae), Easter Lily, Glory Lily, Japanese Show
Lily, Red Lily, Rubrum Lily, Stargazer Lily, Tiger Lily, Wood Lily
ˇ Shrubs: Cycads, Heavenly Bamboo, Holly, Jerusalem Cherry, Mistletoe
"American", Oleander, Precatory Bean, Rhododendron, Saddle Leaf Philodendron,
Sago Palm, Tree Philodendron, Yucca
ˇ Succulents: Aloe (Aloe Vera)
ˇ Trees: Avocado, Buddist Pine, Chinaberry Tree, Japanese Yew (aka Yew), Lacy
Tree, Macadamia Nut, Madagascar Dragon Tree, Queensland Nut, Schefflera, Yew (aka Japanese
Yew)
ˇ Vines: Branching Ivy, English Ivy, European Bittersweet, Glacier Ivy,
Hahn's self branching English Ivy, Needlepoint Ivy
ˇ Misc/Uncategorized: American Bittersweet, Andromeda Japonica, Azalea, Bird
of Paradise, Buckeye, Caladium hortulanum, Calla Lily, Castor Bean, Clematis, Fiddle-Leaf
Philodendron, Florida Beauty, Fruit Salad Plant, Golden Dieffenbachia, Gold Dust Dracaena,
Heartleaf Philodendron, Horsehead Philodendron, Hurricane Plant, Mexican Breadfruit,
Mother-in-law, Panda, Philodendron Pertusum, Red Emerald, Red Princess, Ribbon Plant,
Satin Pothos, Spotted Dumb Cane, Sweetheart Ivy, Swiss Cheese Plant, Variable
Dieffenbachia, Variegated Philodendron, Yesterday/Today/Tomorrow
LIST OF PLANTS BY COMMON NAME
Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)
American Coffee Berry Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis L.)
Bouncing Bet (Saponaria officinalis L.)
Bull Nettle (Solanum carolinense L.)
Bracken or Brake Fern (Pteridium aquilinum L.)
Burning Bush see Fireweed
Buttercup (Ranunculus spp.)
Carelessweed see Pigweed
Castor Bean (Ricinus communis L.)
Clover, Alsike & Other Clovers (Trifolium hybridum L. & other species)
Cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.)
Creeping Charlie see Ground Ivy
Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii)
Curly Dock (Rumex crispus L.)
Daffodil (Narcissus spp.)
Delphinium (Delphinium spp.)
Devil's Trumpet see Jimson Weed
Dogbane (Apocynum spp.)
Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria (L.) Bernh.)
Elderberry (Sambucus canadensis L.)
English Ivy (Hedera helix L.)
Ergot (Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul.)
Fern, Bracken (Pteridium aquilinum L.)
Fireweed (Kochia scoparia L.)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea L.)
Ground Ivy (Glecoma hederacea L.)
Hemlock
Poison (Conium maculatum L.)
Water (Cicuta maculata L.)
Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) (being reviewed - 7/25/2003)
Horse Chestnut, Buckeyes (Aesculus hippocastanum L.)
Horse Nettle (Solanum carolinense L.)
Horsetails (Equisetum arvense L. & other species)
Hyacinth (Hyacinth orientalis)
Hydrangea (Hydrangea spp.)
Ivy
English (Hedera helix L.)
Ground (Glecoma hederacea L.)
Poison (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze)
Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema spp.)
Jamestown Weed see Jimson Weed
Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata Sieb. & Zucc.)
Jerusalem Cherry (Solanum pseudocapsicum L.)
Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium L.)
Kentucky Coffee Tree (Gymnocladus dioica (L.) K. Koch)
Kentucky Mahagony Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Klamath Weed see St. Johnswort
Lamb's Quarters (Chenopodium album L.)
Lantana (Lantana camara L.)
Larkspur (Delphinium spp.)
Lily-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis)
Lupine (Lupinus spp.)
Mad Apple see Jimson Weed
Maple, Red (Acer rubrum)
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum L.)
Milkweed, Common (Asclepias syriaca L.)
Mint, Purple (Perilla frutescens)
Nicker Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Nightshade (Solanum spp.)
Oleander (Nerium oleander L.)
Ohio Buckeye (Aesculus glabra Willd.)
Philodendron (Philodendron spp.)
Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.)
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum L.)
Poison Ivy (Toxicodendron radicans (L.) Kuntze)
Poke (Phytolacca americana L.)
Purple Mint (Perilla frutescens)
Redroot see Pigweed
Rhododendron (Rhododendron spp.)
Rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum L.)
Squirrelcorn (Dicentra canadensis (Goldie) Walp.) see Dutchman's Breeches
Staggerweed (Dicentra spp.) see Dutchman's Breeches
St. Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum L.)
Stink Weed see Jimson Weed
Stump Tree see Kentucky Coffee Tree
Sudan Grass (Sorghum vulgare var. sudanense Hitchc.)
Summer Cypress see Fireweed
Thorn Apple see Jimson Weed
Tulip (Tulipa spp.)
Water Hemlock (Cicuta maculata L.)
White Snakeroot (Eupatorium rugosum Hout.)
Wild Onion (Allium spp.)
Yellow Sage see Lantana
Mushrooms
ALWAYS assume that any ingested mushroom is highly toxic until that mushroom is identified
by a mycologist. Toxic and non-toxic mushrooms can grow in same area.
FERTILIZERS: Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with
fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until the time listed on the label by the
manufacturer. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the
manufacturer for clarification before using it. Always store pesticides,
fertilizers, and herbicides in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. The most serious
problems resulting from fertilizer ingestion in pets is usually due to the presence of
metals. For instance, depending on the amount ingested, an iron toxicity could
occur. Iron can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and could result in
multi-organ damage. Also, ingestion of large amounts of fertilizer could cause
severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.
PESTICIDES: The most dangerous forms of pesticides include: snail bait containing
metaldehyde, fly bait containing methomyl, systemic insecticides containing disyston or
disulfaton, zinc phosphide containing mole or gopher bait and most forms of rat poisons.
When using pesticides place the products in areas that are totally
inaccessible to your companion animals. Always store pesticides in secured areas.
Calcium Oxalate containing plants:
Some plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals in the plant cells. If the plant
material is ingested, the crystals can cause oral irritation, intense burning and
irritation of the oral cavity. Clinical signs seen from ingesting these plants
include difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, drooling, and inappetence. The
following is a list of some plants that contain calcium oxalate crystals:
Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) Philodendron Schefflera
Pothos Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily) Caladium spp (Elephan's ear)
Even 1 ounce of CHOCOLATE is dangerous to a small (10 lb) dog. Theobromine is the actual
toxin. Symptoms include: diarrhea, vomiting, "intoxication", hyperactivity,
muscle tremors, seizures and could lead to death.
For Cats and Dogs: VITAMIN D (as included in some rat poisons) and Vitamin D3
(cholecalciferol) are toxic to cats and dogs as well as rodents. Within 12-24 hours, the
following symptoms may occur: lethargy, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst and
urination. Twitching, seizures and even death can occur in a few days if there is no
treatment.
ˇ Mothballs, potpourri oils, coffee grounds, homemade play dough, fabric
softener sheets, dishwashing detergent, batteries, cigarettes, alcoholic drinks, pennies
and hand and foot warmers could be dangerous for your pet.
ˇ Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medications out of your pets'
reach, preferably in closed/locked cabinets above the counter. Painkillers, cold
medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in
small doses.
ˇ Read all of the information on the label before using a product on your pet
or in your home. If a product is for use only on dogs, it should never be used on
cats; if a product is for use only on cats, it should never be used on dogs.
ˇ Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard. The ingestion of
azalea, oleander, sago palm or yew plant material by your pet can be fatal. Easter
lily, day lily, tiger lily and some other lily species can cause kidney failure in cats.
ˇ Make sure your pets do not go on lawns or in gardens treated with
fertilizers, herbicides or insecticides until they have dried completely. Always store
such products in areas that are inaccessible to your pets. If you are uncertain about the
usage of any product, ask the manufacturer and/or your veterinarian for instructions.
ˇ Be alert for antifreeze/coolant leaking from your vehicle. Animals are
attracted to the sweet taste and ingesting just a small amount can cause an animal's
death. Consider using animal-friendly products that use propylene glycol rather than
those containing ethylene glycol.
ˇ When using rat, mouse, snail or slug baits, or ant or roach traps, place
the products in areas that are inaccessible to your pet. Some bait contains sweet smelling
inert ingredients, such as jelly, peanut butter or sugar that can attract your pets.
ˇ Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
(1-888-426-4435) if you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous.
The following are some guidelines for pet owners to follow when
choosing and applying a flea control product:
1. Never use insecticides on very young, pregnant, debilitated, or elderly animals
without consulting your veterinarian. You may want to consider avoiding the use of some
insecticides directly on your pet. Instead, you could comb the fleas off the animal with a
flea comb then submerge the fleas in a small container of soapy water. This would also be
a good alternative for pets that love being groomed but who violently refuse baths or the
application of a spray.
2. Before using ANY product on your pet read the label instructions completely. If
you do not completely understand the instructions, you should contact the manufacturer or
your veterinarian for clarification. Observe the species and age requirements listed on
the label. NEVER use a product labeled "for use on dogs only" on your cats.
Cats react very differently than dogs to some insecticides. Some dog products can be
deadly to cats, even in tiny amounts.
3. Always use caution when using shampoos, sprays, topical spot-ons, or mousse near
your pet's eyes, ears, and genitalia. Inactive ingredients could cause irritation to these
sensitive tissues.
4. When using a fogger or a home premise spray, make sure to remove all pets from
the house for the time period specified on the container. Food and water bowls should be
removed from the area. Allow time for the product to dry completely before returning your
animals to your home. Open windows or use fans to "air out" the household before
returning your pets to the treated area. Strong fumes can be irritating to your
animals eyes and upper respiratory system.
Birds are more sensitive to inhalants and usually require longer time before their return
to the treated home. Contact your veterinary health professional for advice on
product usage around your birds.
5. If you are uncertain about the usage of any product, contact the product's
manufacturer or your veterinarian to explain the directions BEFORE use of the product.
6. Insect growth regulators like lufenuron, methoprene, and pyriproxyfen can be used
in combination or alone with flea control products. They can help break the flea life
cycle by inhibiting flea maturation. Growth regulators have minimal adverse effects and
can improve the efficacy when used in combination with adult flea insecticides.
8. Just because a product is labeled as "natural" product does not mean
that the product is completely safe. Many such "natural" products can be harmful
when used inappropriately on pets. For example, d-limonene and linalool are citrus
extracts that are used as flea control agents. Though they are natural products, they
still can have serious side effects if used on sensitive animals or if used improperly.
9. Observe your pet closely after using flea products. If your pet exhibits unusual
behavior, or becomes depressed, weak, or uncoordinated you should seek veterinary advice
immediately.
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