Last week a small dog came in after the owners called and said the dog had ingested an onion. At first I didn't believe them, thinking about how much I hate raw onions. The owners said they found the dog with half an onion in his mouth standing at the top of the stairs so we told him to bring the dog into the clinic as soon as possible. The dog was stable during the initial exam and was given an eye drop medication to induce vomiting. After about 10 minutes he vomited 2 large piles of raw onion. The smell was so strong, it almost brought tears to my eyes!
Here are some common toxicities that can occur from ingestion of household items and the complications if medical treatment is not pursued. Anytime your pet ingests something that might be toxic, please call your veterinarian. Often times, waiting to see how the dog does can lead to a crisis situation.
1. Onions: Causes severe anemia and gastrointestinal irritation
2. Marijuana: Causes depression, hypothermia, slow heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and possible coma
3. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Causes acute kidney failure leading to death, owners may notice drunken behavior after ingestion
4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes anemia and lethargy, liver damage or failure, collapse, vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, fast respiratory rate, shock
5. Pseudoephedrine (Decongestants): Causes increased heart rates, hyperthermia, pupil dilation and possible seizures. Owners may notice restlessness, pacing and agitation.
6. Human NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Causes GI ulceration or irritation, kidney damage, possible seizures and hemorrhagic shock. Owners often notice anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood present, weakness, and abdominal pain.
7. Nicotine/Tobacco (Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, Nicotine patches or gum): Causes increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, agitation, tremors, increased heart rate and respiratory rate and dilated pupils.
8. Bread dough (unbaked bread, pizza dough, or rolls): As the yeast rises it produces ethanol gas and once ingested begins to "bake" in the stomach. This causes bloat which can result in life-threatening Gastrodilation and volvulus (Think Marley and Me). Also may cause retching, vomiting, behavior changes, depression, weakness, and shock.
9. Chocolate and Caffeine: Your veterinarian should have information about the amount of chocolate and caffeine for the size of your pet. After any ingestion, call your veterinarian immediately and tell them how much was ingested. Ingestion may result in weakness, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. Death may occur due to respiratory failure, uncontrollable seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Grapes and Raisins: At this time, there does not seem to be a relation between severity of toxicity and dose of raisins ingested meaning that some dogs may not show any signs of ingestion. In some dogs, ingestion can lead to kidney failure, decreased to no urine production, vomiting, diarrhea and death.
11. Macadamia Nuts: Ingestion may cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, depression, joint pain and lameness and abdominal pain.
12. Xylitol (in Sugarless candies and gums): Ingestion can cause kidney disease, vomiting, weakness, seizures, bleeding disorders and possibly death.
13. Batteries (Lithium and Dry Cell): The 2 types of batteries act in different ways once ingested but both can cause ulcerations and necrosis of the tissue of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestines. Perforation is also possible. Pets may drool excessively, not want to eat or paw at the face after ingestion.
14. Paint balls: Ingestion is generally non-toxic but can cause severe GI upset including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and tremors.
15. Fluoride: Ingestion can cause GI upset, vomiting, pancreatitis and secondary metabolic changes can result in cardiac arrhythmias resulting in respiratory muscle paralysis (the animal is unable to breath). Owners may notice anorexia, vomiting, excess salivation, coughing and weakness.
There are many more household products that may be harmful if ingested. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian with questions. Other great websites to reference include the following:
ASPCA
Pet Poison Helpline
American Association of Poison Control Centers
