Household Dangers
Many substances kept in the average household are toxic to pets. Although it is common sense to store medications, cleaning agents, detergents, and household chemicals out of reach of children and pets, there are other items that are extremely harmful to pets – that we may not see as dangerous substances. Listed below are some very harmful household hazards, accompanied by some information on why they are toxic and what effect they can have on your pets.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, a compound which is very similar to caffeine. This substance is dangerous and potentially lethal to your pet. The most dangerous type of chocolate is Bakers chocolate, the pure unsweetened chocolate used for baking. This type of chocolate is considered toxic to animals in a dose as small as 1/10 of an ounce per pound of body weight. Other chocolates, such as milk chocolate, contain lower amounts of theobromine and are mixed with milk and other ingredients. Milk chocolate is considered toxic at 1 ounce per pound of body weight. In toxic quantities, chocolate causes vomiting, rapid and sometimes irregular heartbeats, muscle tremors, and even death.
Onions
Onions are another danger to both dogs and cats, as they contain a toxic ingredient called thiosulphate. In large doses, or when highly concentrated (like in onion soup for example) they can cause Heinz body anemia. Onions in small doses should not propose a problem, but in larger doses can cause the oxygen-carrying red blood cells to acquire a structural defect called Heinz bodies. The body deems these blood cells as non-functioning, and rejects them, causing Heinz body anemia. This is a deficiency in oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As a result your pet will experience breathlessness, and the red pigment from the rejected blood cells will become present in your pets urine. Garlic can have the same effect, but requires much larger doses to be considered toxic.
Avocado
The avocado is very dangerous to all animals – the fruit, leaves, stem, and pit are all considered toxic parts of the plant. The toxic substance in the Avocado is called persin, which is a fatty acid derivative. Although poisonous to both cats and dogs, this plant is particularly deadly to birds. This is also a proven poison to various other types of animals including: goats, sheep, horses, cattle, rabbits and even fish! Ingestion of the avocado plant can lead to cardiovascular problems, and often results in death. This plant is highly toxic, and in animals symptoms can range vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory distress, generalized congestion, fluid accumulation around the heart, and heart failure. The avocado is deadly and should not be fed to any pet under any circumstances.
Macadamia Nuts
The toxic compound is unknown but the affect of macadamia nuts is to cause locomotory difficulties. This means muscle weakness. Symptoms are generally swollen limbs and general weakness. But large doses, macadamia nuts can cause skeletal tremors and even hindquarter paralysis. The effect can occur from ingesting the nuts, or macadamia butter. This is known as a toxin only to dogs.
Yeast Dough
Uncooked yeast dough is very harmful to animals. When ingested the yeast will “rise” in the stomach, causing the dough to increase to several times it’s size. Because the dough will often expand to several times it’s size, it poses the danger of expanding your pets stomach. In addition to this, fermenting dough produces alcohol. Thus, ingesting yeast dough can lead to alcohol toxicity. Symptoms include vomiting, retching, stomach discomfort, cramps, and sluggishness. Left untreated, Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, commonly known as bloat, can be the end result. Bloat is characterized by the stomach swelling and twisting at the esophagus and/or the lower intestine. The bloated stomach obstructs veins in the abdomen, leading to low blood pressure, shock, and damage to internal organs.
Grapes/Raisins
Essentially unheard of prior to 2001, raisin and grape toxicity has become increasingly recognized as a real danger to pets. Although previously deemed as harmless treats, research has determined grapes and raisins have been linked to kidney failure in both dogs and cats. The toxic substance in grapes and raisins is unknown, as is the amount required to produce toxicity. Since 1989, the ASPCA has documented many cases of raisin and grape toxicity, and more recently (2001) it has been officially recognized as a toxin to animals. Studies of documented cases show estimated amounts of grapes or raisins eaten ranged from nine ounces to two pounds, with symptoms occurring within approximately 6 hours of ingestion. Symptoms include vomiting, loss of appetite, sluggishness, and abdominal pain. Testing found elevated blood calcium levels, as well as elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and phosphorous – all substances that affect kidney function. The result is the development of acute renal (kidney) failure, within as little as 3 days of ingestion.
Diet Aides
Many diet aides contain natural sources of ephedra and caffeine. Just because the product says "all natural" this does not mean it's safe for your pet. Depending on the amount ingested, and your pet's body weight, effects can range from stomach upset, to severe illness. Symptoms can occur as quickly as 15-30 minutes after ingestion, and the end result can be fatal. Signs of ingestion may consist of hyperactivity, hyperthermia, agitation, vomiting, and cardiac or respiratory distress.
Liquid Potpourri
Liquid potpourri contains essential oils and cationic detergents, both of which are harmful to pets. Although this is a danger to both dogs and cats, cats are more commonly affected as the potpourri containers/burners are often kept in places that are readily accessible to cats (counter tops, shelves, etc.) Symptoms are severe and include vomiting, increased salivation, hyperthermia, respiratory problems, and oral ulcers.
Antifreeze
Antifreeze has an attractive smell to most animals, and a pleasurable taste. Although it is common sense to properly store antifreeze, it is a common mistake to leave a spill when changing or adding antifreeze to your car. Antifreeze, contains a few toxic substances; the most dangerous and most common is ethylene glycol. Ethylene glycol is often found in antifreeze at a concentration of 95% to 97%. Its sweet taste attracts pets and ingesting even a very small amount causes fatal kidney toxicity. Ethylene glycol can cause metabolic acidosis, an increased acidity in the blood pH level. As it crystallizes in the body, it can cause a kidney tube blockage, called acute renal tubular necrosis. Symptoms include vomiting, a drop in body temperature, seizures, and the appearance of intoxication similar to drunkenness. Animals are often affected within 1-3 days or ingestion. Further stages of toxicity include increased heart rate, respiratory problems, slowed down or complete inability to urinate, possible stroke and even death.
A Final Note
Of course, these are not the only toxic substances found in the household – fertilizers, cleaning agents, detergents, moth balls, vitamins, diet pills and most types of medication are extremely hazardous to pets. It is common sense that these items are properly stored out of reach of your pets – and your kids! For more information on chemical dangers, including substances like ice melt, gorilla glue and other such harmful household products, check out our chemical dangers article.
Never give your pet medication unless prescribed by a veterinarian, and be sure to read the label when using over-the-counter medications, such as flea products. Some flea products that are safe for dogs, for example, are deadly to cats.
If your pet has ingested any of these substances, please contact a vet immediately.
The ASPCA has a wonderful resource – the Animal Poison Control Centre. There are numerous articles and reports available on the dangers listed above. If you are interested in learning more about these and other household toxins, the Poison Control Center can be accessed at the link below:
http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=apcc
written by Dana Grove , Webworks Creations