Know the Signs: Common Toxins That Can Harm Your Pet

While it’s generally pretty cute as traits go, curiosity can backfire at times, and not just for cats! Unfortunately, accidental poisoning is common and quite serious for any animal affected. As spring moves toward summer and the weather warms, Lily toxicity in cats and snake envenomation of pets both become more common. With Easter just behind us and plenty of leftover chocolate and sweets lying around, too, we figured now was as good a time as any for a bit of outreach on the issue of toxicity in general.

For the blog below, VetExpress Animal Urgent Care is going to explore four common toxins and the crucial role of prompt intervention. We hope it helps you keep your pets healthy, happy, and safe.

Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs

Most folks know that chocolate and dogs don’t mix, but fewer are aware of why that’s the case.

There are actually two different sources of danger to watch for:

1–Pancreatitis and Fat Content

• The first threat involves the high amount of fats typically found in chocolate sweets. A sudden feast of Easter chocolates that are rich in fat could cause your dog to suffer from a metabolic disease known as pancreatitis.
• Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain mark the onset of this health catastrophe, which can be lethal.

2–Theobromine and Caffeine Stimulants

• Chocolate also contains theobromine and caffeine, which are stimulants toxic to dogs. The severity of any reaction depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed.
• Baking chocolate, with its higher concentration of theobromine, is particularly dangerous. You should also watch out for semi-sweet and dark chocolate.
• Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and hyperactivity can appear within 1-2 hours.
• If you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate, act immediately. Contact your veterinarian or, if that’s not possible, the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline (at 888-426-4435).
• Try to be prepared with an estimate of how many ounces of chocolate (and what type) were ultimately consumed. By comparing this with the dog’s weight, treatment can be informed and guided more precisely.

Xylitol Toxicity in Dogs

This common sweetener is far from harmless.

• Xylitol, a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum, candy, and baked goods, can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar levels in dogs.
• This can lead to seizures, incoordination, collapse, liver failure, tissue destruction, and even death.
• Symptoms typically appear within 30 minutes of ingestion, so seeking immediate veterinary care is critical.

Snake Bite or Envenomation

Snake bites can be life-threatening for pets. Time is of the essence when it comes to treatment, so knowing the signs is critically important.

• Try to prevent your pet from examining any “roadkill” snakes, as they can surprise and envenomate even with a bite that results from muscle contraction.
• Hike during the daytime when snake bites are less likely. Stay on the beaten path and keep your pet away from high grass, rocky outcrops, or holes under rocks and logs.
• In the event of a bite, envenomation symptoms like dilated pupils, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and weakness can appear within minutes.
• If you suspect your dog or cat has been bitten by a snake, rush them to the nearest available veterinary clinic immediately. Every minute counts in these situations.
• Timely treatment with antivenin, a commercially produced serum, can neutralize the effects of injected venom.
• Smaller pets might be more vulnerable, as the “dose per pound” of venom might be worse for them.

Lily Toxicity

Lilies, beautiful as they may be, are highly toxic to cats, and a few are even dangerous to dogs as well. Spring has arrived, so it’s a good time to remind folks of how toxic these flowers can be.

• Ingesting any part of a lily, even a tiny amount, can cause severe kidney failure, inappetence, and worse in cats.
• Toxic varieties include the Easter, Star Gazer, and Canna Lillies. The Peace and Calla Lilies are even toxic to dogs, too.
• Symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, drooling, and loss of appetite can take 12-24 hours to appear.
• If you suspect your cat has eaten any part of a lily, don’t wait for symptoms – seek veterinary attention immediately.

With powerful, prompt diagnostics and expertise in both decontamination and supportive care, our team is ready to help should the worst occur. If your pet is in danger, we’ve got your back! At VetExpress Animal Urgent Care, our customized treatment plans are always executed with compassion and expertise. We’re looking forward to greeting you in person this June at our beautiful Richmond office, but if you can’t wait to learn more, please head over to our brand-new website!