Pet Poison Prevention: Kitchen Toxins

It’s amazing (yet scary) how many common food items in our kitchen are poisonous to our pets! Some of these food items, while safe to you, may cause serious problems if ingested by our dogs and cats. Here is the list of kitchen products that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline recommend keeping away from pets.

Chocolate

Chocolate comes in many different forms, such as: white, dark, milk, semi-sweet, baker’s and cocoa powder. Each type of chocolate has a different toxicity level. Baker’s, cocoa, dark and semi-sweet chocolates are toxic in much smaller amounts than milk or white chocolate due to the greater concentration of theobromine and caffeine. A mild toxic dose of chocolate can cause agitation/hyperactivity, vomiting and diarrhea. Moderate toxicity can cause tachycardia (increased heart rate) and severe toxic levels can cause seizures. Chocolate stays in the stomach for several hours after ingestion, so symptoms may not show for up to 12 hours after ingestion. Chocolate stays in the system for a long period of time, so if symptoms occur, they can last potentially 72-96 hours.

Xylitol (common in sugar-free chewing gum)

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol and is gaining popularity in sugar-free foods, oral care products, and dietary supplements. Common products that contain xylitol are gum, toothpaste, sugar-free candy, chewable vitamins, and melatonin supplements. It is also sold in bulk for baking. Although safe for humans, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver failure in dogs that ingest toxic amounts. The symptoms can be very rapid, occurring within 30 minutes to 2 hours after ingestion. Common symptoms of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, lethargy, difficulty walking (ataxia) and seizures. Dogs are the most susceptible pet species to xylitol toxicity.

Grapes / raisins / currants

Grapes, raisins and toxic currants (Vitis species) can cause acute kidney failure in dogs. There is no known toxic dose for these fruits so any ingestion should be considered potentially toxic. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia (not eating), weakness, and decreased urine output. Symptoms show within 12-24 hours.

Caffeine

Caffeine poisoning, while not as common as chocolate poisoning, can occur with ingestion of products such as coffee, tea, chocolate, certain drugs such as migraine medications, and caffeine or diet pills. Caffeine poisoning can cause restlessness, hyperactivity, vomiting, panting, tachycardia (increased heart rate), weakness, diarrhea, and heart symptoms can occur 1-2 hours after ingestion and can last for 12-36 hours. Fatality is common when dogs ingest caffeine pills.

Fatty scraps

While it is tempting to feed your pet scraps from the table, fatty food scraps can cause stomach upset and is a risk for pancreatitis in pets. Pancreatitis is a condition where the pancreas becomes inflamed. Symptoms of pancreatitis include vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite (anorexia), lethargy, and diarrhea. Some dog breeds are more prone to pancreatitis such as miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles, and cocker spaniels. Older and overweight dogs can also be prone to pancreatitis, but with an ingestion of fatty foods, any dog can be susceptible.

Onions / garlic / chives / leeks / shallots

Ingestion of these foods in large enough quantities can cause oxidative hemolysis, which is defined as the destruction of the red blood cells, causing anemia. Common symptoms of toxicity can include but are not limited to: lethargy, pale mucous membranes, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, and increased breathing rate. The onset of symptoms can be anywhere from 24 hours after ingestion to several days. The symptoms can potentially last for 10-20 days. Dogs, cats, cattle and horses can be affected.

Macadamia nuts

Macadamia nuts are a common snack for people but can be toxic to dogs. Macadamia nuts contain up to 80% oil and 4% sugar which can increase the risk for pancreatitis (high fat). In toxic quantities, the nuts can also cause neurological signs such as weakness, ataxia (difficulty walking), tremors, hyperthermia (increased temperature), and joint stiffness. Symptoms of neurological poisoning can be witnessed within 3-6 hours and can last for 24-36 hours. Dog breeds more predisposed to pancreatitis (e.g., miniature schnauzers, miniature poodles, cocker spaniels, obese dogs, etc.) may be at higher risk but all dogs may be susceptible to pancreatitis.

Unbaked yeast bread dough

Any bread made with baker’s yeast can be toxic if the unbaked bread dough is ingested. When bread dough is rising, the yeast consumes sugars in the dough and in turn produces ethanol and carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide forms bubbles in the dough making it rise. Ingestion can cause ethanol (alcohol) toxicity as well as obstruction of the stomach, stomach bloat and/or stomach torsion. Common symptoms from ethanol toxicity include acting “drunk”, sedation, ataxia (difficulty walking), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypothermia (low temperature), GI distress, respiratory depression, and coma. Bloat and stomach torsion are more common in deep-chested dog breeds such as the Great Dane, German Shepherd, Irish Setter, Gordon Setter, Weimaraner, Saint Bernard, Standard Poodle, and Bassett Hound, however, any breed of dog could be at risk. Common symptoms of bloat include abdominal distension, pawing, restlessness, and unproductive retching. Symptoms can occur one hour after ingestion but can be delayed. Symptoms can last 24-36 hours and surgical intervention may be needed to remove the dough.

Alcohol

Alcohol or ethanol toxicity can occur when an animal ingests alcoholic beverages, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, yeast bread dough, etc. Common symptoms from ethanol toxicity include acting “drunk”, sedation, ataxia (difficulty walking), hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hypothermia (low temperature), GI distress, respiratory depression, and coma. Symptoms have a rapid onset, within 30 – 90 minutes, and can last 24-36 hours.

Table salt

Ingestion of salt can cause sodium poisoning (hypernatremia). Hypernatremia is an increase of sodium concentrations in the blood. Common symptoms of salt toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, polydipsia (increased drinking/thirst), ataxia (difficulty walking), tremors, and seizures. Symptoms can occur within 30 minutes to 4 hours. Animals can also be at risk for salt toxicity when they ingest homemade play-doh, salt ornaments, baking soda, de-icing products, and other salt-containing products.

Even with the best planning and intentions, our pets will occasionally be exposed to toxic substances in the kitchen. If you suspect your pet has had a toxic exposure call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately as time is of the essence. It is not always safe to induce vomiting or administer other home remedies. Seek counsel before taking action.

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Gastrointestinal Tract Infection in Reptiles

Cryptosporidiosis

Protozoa cause many infectious diseases in reptiles, one of which is a very serious parasitic infection called Cryptosporidiosis. This protozoan infection increases the thickness of the intestinal and stomach inner linings, thereby reducing their ability to function properly. Lizards are generally infected in the intestines, while in snakes the infection is found in the gastrointestinal tract. Unfortunately, cryptosporidiosis is untreatable in reptiles.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Lack of appetite

• Weight loss

• Weakness

• Lethargy

• Thickening of the ridges along the lining of the gastrointestinal tract

CAUSES

An infection with the protozoa Cryptosporidium is due to your reptile’s contact with the following:

• Infected feces

• Infected regurgitated food

• Other infected reptiles

DIAGNOSIS

If your reptile has Cryptosporidiosis, the veterinarian should locate a mass along its gastrointestinal tract during a physical examination. X-rays and endoscopic examinations, including gastric biopsies, are also valuable in confirming the diagnosis. It is advisable to bring any of your reptile's regurgitated food to the veterinarian, as well as stool samples from the animal.

TREATMENT

Although there is no medication to treat Cryptosporidiosis, the veterinarian may recommend supportive therapy to reduce your reptile’s symptoms and prolong its life, however, it will ultimately depend on the animal’s condition and symptoms.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

It was once suspected that Cryptosporidiosis could be spread from reptiles to humans or other animals; this theory has since been disproven. The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium does, however, cause similar infectious diseases in humans and animals.

PREVENTION

Keeping your reptile separate from any new (or infected) reptile may help prevent the spread of Cryptosporidiosis.

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Can animals have high blood pressure?

Just like people, our pets have blood pressure too and they also risk developing high blood pressure. While high blood pressure in humans can cause more serious health issues, high blood pressure in animals is usually associated with a more critical health issue, because hypertension is typically the result of an existing underlying disease.

High blood pressure in dogs is often associated with Cushing’s disease or hyperadrenocorticism. Cushing’s disease is when a disorder, usually a benign tumor, allows an excess of cortisone to be released into the bloodstream.

Cats often develop high blood pressure as a result of having hyperthyroidism and/ or kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism is an overproduction of a thyroid hormone that results in increased metabolism.

If your pet has already been diagnosed with, and is being treated for, hypertension, your veterinarian will need to treat the underlying condition that caused the high blood pressure. It is also likely your veterinarian will also want to measure your pet’s blood pressure every three months moving forward. The vet may also suggest performing other tests, such as a complete blood count, blood chemistry panel, and a urinalysis every six months.

For most of us our pets are part of the family, so make sure they get a regular annual check-up with their veterinarian. Don’t ignore your vet’s advice, or at least get a second opinion before you make a potentially life and death decision on your fur baby's behalf.

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What is National Pet Dental Health Month about?

Celebrated every February, National Pet Dental Health Month was created by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to highlight how important oral health is to overall health, happiness and wellbeing of your pet.

If you don’t brush your pet’s teeth every day, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that only 2% of dog owners brush their dog’s teeth on the daily despite recommendations from veterinarians across the US to do so. As a result, supplemental dog dental chews that are proven effective in fighting plaque and controlling tartar become an important part of a dog’s daily routine along with routine dental cleanings.

When Do Dental Problems Start?

According to US Veterinarians, periodontal disease, a gum disease caused by plaque and tartar buildup, is the most common dental condition for dogs, with 80% exhibiting evidence of the disease by age 3.

Related article: Periodontal Disease and Treatment

How to Prevent Dental Health Issues in Dogs

When it comes to dental health care in dogs, offense is the best defense. Brushing your dog’s teeth and providing a daily dog dental chew are great ways to reduce plaque and tartar accumulation.

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Litter Training a Rabbit

Yes, you can litter-train your bunny. But, spaying or neutering has to come first. It is almost impossible to litter train an unspayed or unneutered rabbit. If you can’t resist letting your bunny have the run of the house immediately, be prepared to have them consider your house as one very large litter box. Once this habit is established, it is very hard to change. It is far better to spend your time in the beginning training and reap the benefits of a well-mannered bunny after the fact.

Buy the right boxes

Bunnies like to have enough room to stretch out in their boxes and, if you have a bonded pair, you have to allow enough room for both of them.

Medium to large-sized cat litter boxes are perfect. The ordinary tray-type ones will do; not the deep or covered varieties. Your bunny will probably appreciate and insist on having more than one litter location, so pick up more than one!

If you have large bunnies, cement mixing tubs are another great litter box alternative available at most large hardware stores. These are very roomy and inexpensive.

Get the right litter

There are several important bunny litter do's and don'ts when it comes to bunnies:

Do choose:

• Yesterday's News, Crown Bedding (or similar) recycled newspaper pellet litter/animal bedding

• Carefresh (or similar) paper pulp litter/animal bedding

• Woodstove pellets (these are used as fuel for woodstoves, but are actually great as bunny litter pellets.)

• Ground corncob pet litter/bedding

Always check the label. Don't buy litter that is cedar, cedar oils, zinc or the clumping clay.

Do NOT choose:

• No clay litter. This can cause serious respiratory problems.

• No Cat Works litter. This can cause zinc poisoning and death.

• No Pine or Cedar litters. These can also kill your rabbit.

Layer with Timothy Hay

You can buy Timothy Hay in bags from most pet stores, and that will do just fine. If you have a little more time, see if you can find a specialty store, feed store, or farm that sells Timothy Hay. This tends to be even yummier to discerning bunnies.

Never use hay that looks dusty or moldy or smells bad. It can kill your bunny.

Fill the litter box properly

If you've had a bunny before, you know that you can do nothing right—especially not the first time. So, it might take some trial and error to find the 'proper way' to fill the litter box (according to your bunny, that is).

Start with around one inch of litter, and cover that with Timothy Hay.

Prepare to do a little clean-up

Nobody's perfect. Your bunny will probably have a few accidents as they are learning to use the box.

Always remember: rabbits do not respond well to physical discipline. They have been designed to be easily frightened and broken; never physically discipline your rabbit. You and/or your rabbit could end up seriously hurt and your rabbit will end up terrified of you rather than your loving companion.

The most effective cleaning solution for bunny pee accidents is white vinegar. It's a good idea to get a spray bottle and fill it with white vinegar or vinegar and water. You can also use Nature's Miracle enzyme cleaner, but this is a bit more expensive.

How to litter train your bunny

1. Choose your location

While you are litter training your bunny, they will have to stay in an enclosed area. So, before you start training, choose and prepare the training area. A bathroom, utility room, or other small room without carpeting is a good place to start the training. You can also use a cage or an x-pen.

If you are training in a room with slippery floors, put a rug or towel down for the bunny to lay on.

Trim your bunny's nails. This will help them feel more comfortable on a slippery floor.

Be prepared to confine your bunny for a while. You can't let them out into any other room until they are always urinating in their box.

2. Prepare the litter box

Use 1" of litter covered with Timothy hay. Add in some of the rabbit's poops and urine-soaked paper or hay. Place the litter box wherever the bunny seems to prefer to use, which is often a corner.

3. Add bunny

When you first let your bunny into the training area, stay in the room. When they leave droppings on the floor, immediately put both bunny and the droppings in the litter box. Tell them what a good bunny they are and pet them. Spend as much time as you can with them and when you have to leave, put them back into their cage or enclosure. A baby gate (not light plastic!) works well to divide a room into a manageable space. Repeat this often until they have the training room mastered. Only then can you let them out into another room.

• Clean up accidents ASAP.

• If the rabbit likes to dig and moves the box around, you can use a large metal clamp to fix it to the side of the hutch. They can be purchased at most hardware stores. You might also drill a small hole in the side of the box and secure it with twist ties.

• Let the litter box stay a little dirty while the rabbit is learning. If you keep it too clean they will think that they are not supposed to use it. You can dispose of organic litter directly in the toilet or into the compost pile. Wonderful fertilizer is an added bonus of sharing your home with a rabbit.

4. Expand the area

After you are sure that your bunny is urinating only in the box, it's time to expand their area. Repeat step three in additional rooms.

Don't be afraid to use multiple litter boxes until your rabbit exhibits the appropriate litter box behaviors. Be sure and clean up behind any "accidents." If you witness your rabbit urinating outside their litter box, pick your rabbit up and place them in their litter box. Don't scold your rabbit, rather praise them once inside the litter box.

You can set a schedule while your rabbit is enjoying out time. Every 10 minutes place your rabbit in their litter box and praise them. Have a treat ready and offer it if they actually use the litter box. As time progresses, you can space out the amount of time between the reminder visits to their litter box. Time, patience, praise and consistent work will help your rabbit reshape their behavior.

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