Common Toxins
This page lists some common toxins and their effects and treatments.
Diagnosing toxicity based on clinical signs is very difficult, as toxins do not always show the typical clinical signs listed here. If you suspect your pet has come in contact with a toxin, even if they aren't showing clinical signs, call us immediately at: 519-624-9760. The sooner your pet is treated, the better the outcome in most cases.
Treatment may involve inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal, hospitalization on IV fluids, or a combination of all three. Please pet-proof your home to prevent accidental ingestion of the toxins described on this page!
Coffee
Mechanism of Action:
Intoxication is due to the ingestion of caffeine, which results in stimulation of the nervous system.
Clinical Signs:
- increased heart rate
- increased respiratory rate
- hyper-excitability
- tremors
- seizures
- heart rate irregularities
Treatment:
There is no antidote. Treatment is supportive depending on clinical signs. Contact your veterinarian ASAP.
Chocolate
Notes:
For your pet, dark chocolate is worse than milk chocolate, which is worse than white chocolate. The higher the quality of the chocolate, the more toxic it is (e.g. baking chocolate is more toxic than inexpensive Easter chocolate), due to a higher concentration of pure cacao.
Mechanism of Action:
Intoxication is due to the ingestion of theobromine, which results in the stimulation of the nervous system.
Clinical Signs:
- increased blood pressure
- increased heart rate
- heart rate irregularities
- excitability
- nervousness
- tremors
- seizures
- possible coma
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- depression
- weakness
- increased urination
- increased consumption of water
- dehydration
- nausea
- vomiting
- depression
- loss of balance
- seizures
- increased urination and drinking
- increased heart rate
- increased respiratory rate
- coma
- may lead to death
- depression
- increased salivation
- muscle tremors
- vomiting
- loss of balance
- respiratory distress (difficulty breathing
- loss of appetite
- seizures
- blood loss in:
- stools
- vomit
- nose
- urine
- depression
- pallor
- weakness
- blue or brown mucous membranes (gums)
- difficulty breathing
- facial swelling
- depression
- hypothermia
- vomiting
- weakness
- coma
- death
- behavioral changes
- euphoria
- increased heart rate
- hypotension
- muscle weakness
- red eyes
- depression
- stupor
- loss of balance
- hypothermia
- possible vomiting
- excitement
- hyperactive
- salivation
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- increased respiratory rate
- urination
- tremors
- muscle twitches
- difficulty breathing
- increased heart rate
- collapse
- coma
- ay lead to death
- difficulty breathing
- salivation
- constricted pupils
- urination
- defecation
- heart rate abnormalities
- twitching
- muscle tremors
- weakness
- paralysis
- convulsions
- loss of balance
- anxiety
- respiratory failure
- depression
- aggression
- death
- abdominal pain
- lethargy
- anemia
- blood in stool
- blood in vomit
- fever
- increased heart rate
- shock
- increased drinking
- increased urination
Some over the counter flea products can be toxic especially to cats. These products are toxic to the nervous system.
Clinical Signs:
Treatment:
There is no antidote but there are medications to control the seizures or tremors. Treatment is supportive depending on clinical signs. Your pet must be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.
Rat poison (rodenticide):
Mechanism of action:
Most rodenticides are vitamin-K antagonists. Vitamin K is required for a normal blood clotting response.
Clinical Signs:
Treatment:
Effects are reversed with vitamin K administration. Your pet must be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.
Tylenol: (acetaminophen)
Mechanism of action:
One of the products of acetaminophen when metabolized is a toxin that can cause damage to the liver in dogs and to red blood cells in cats.
Clinical Signs:
Treatment:
There is an antidote. Please contact your veterinarian.
Marijuana
Mechanism of action:
When ingested, a percentage of THC goes into the bloodstream.
Clinical Signs:
Treatment:
If ingestion is recent, your veterinarian may decide to induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal afterwards to minimize absorption. May need other supportive treatment depending on clinical signs. Please contact your veterinarian. You need not worry as all information remains confidential.
Nicotine (cigarettes)
Mechanism of action:
Affects the nervous system including the brain.
Clinical signs:
Treatment:
This is an emergency situation. Your pet must be seen by a vet ASAP to be stabilized. An antidote exists depending on clinical signs being exhibited.
Organophosphates
Notes:
These include pesticides, fly bait, etc.
Mechanism of action:
The product will cause a constant state of nerve stimulation.
Clinical signs:
Treatment:
There is an antidote. Your pet must be seen by a veterinarian ASAP.
Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatories
Notes:
These includes ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, etc.
Mechanism of action:
Inhibits the protective barrier of the gastrointestinal tract leading to gastrointestinal ulceration. This product may also cause damage to the kidneys.
Clinical Signs:
If perforation of the ulcer occurs, this may cause:
If renal damage occurs, this will cause:
Treatment:
There is no antidote. Treatment is supportive for the ulcers and kidneys. Contact your veterinarian ASAP.
If your pet has ingested a toxic substance you should call us right away at 519-624-9760, after hours call the Emergency Clinic of Waterloo Region at 519-650-1617
More information can be found at:
24/7 Animal Poison Control Center
1-800-213-6680 www.petpoisonhelpline.com