HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES IN THE HOME

by Geneva Coats

Thousands of dogs needlessly suffer and die each year by accidental ingeston of household poisons including pesticides, house and garden plants, medications, and common foods. Since toxic chemicals are found in all areas of the environment, exposure may occur through a variety of routes. Most commonly, exposure occurs by inhalation of contaminated air, by application to the skin, or by oral ingestion. Some simple precautions can prevent poisoning. In this series we will look at some of these common sources of toxicity, ways to limit exposure and risk, and provide some emergency resource references.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR DOG HAS BEEN POISONED, contact your vet, and transport as soon as possible. Take with you the poison container, or a sample of the suspected source of poisoning and/or vomitus, in a clean plastic container or jar. Make sure to post near the telephone your veterinarian's number, after-hours number and number of the emergency clinic in your area.

You may wish to save the toll-free number below to the ASPCA poison control center. They are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They are staffed by 25 veterinarians, including four board-certified toxicologists. Assistance regarding treatment recommendations is available for a nominal fee of $50. This can be charged to your credit card, and includes followup calls and advice to your veterinarian. In 2004, the Center handled over 95,000 cases.

ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER ($50 Fee for this service)

Telephone: 1-888-4ANI-HELP (1-888-426-4435)

PET POISON SAFETY TIPS

Be aware of the plants you have in your home and yard, and know which ones can be dangerous to your dog.

Do not allow access to areas where hazardous chemicals are stored. This includes cleaning supplies, lawn and yard chemicals, pool chemicals and pesticides. Try to use nontoxic alternatives in attending to your daily chores. Keep dogs off of areas treated with toxic chemicals.

Never give your dog medication unless directed to do so by a veterinarian.

Use flea and pest treatments cautiously. Look for nontoxic alternatives. Become educated on the hazards of many common household substances.

We wil examine some common household toxins in future editions of this series, including plants, insecticides, and pesticides, household items, and medications. In this issue we will discuss some common foods which can be harmful to dogs.

HAZARDOUS FOODS (note that many of these foods in small amounts pose little risk)

CHOCOLATE contains the xanthine derivative theobromine. Theobromine is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. When affected by an overdose of chocolate, a dog can become excited and hyperactive. Due to the diuretic effect, it may pass large volumes of urine and be unusually thirsty. Vomiting and diarrhea area also common. The effect of theobromine on the heart is the most dangerous. Theobromine increases the heart rate and causes irregular heartbeats. Death is quite possible, especially with exercise. Signs of sickness may not be seen for several hours. It takes 14-20 hours for the body to metabolize and excrete theobromine. Dark chocolate contains a higher concentration of theobromine (as much as ten times higher) than milk chocolate. As little as one ounce can be fatal to a 5 pound dog.

COFFEE, TEA, COLA, TEA BAGS, and COFFEE GROUNDS contain the realted xanthine derivative, caffeine. The effects on the body are similar to theobromine.

WALNUTS are poisonous to dogs and should be avoided. In particular, there is a type of fungus common to walnuts (especially wet deadfall walnuts) that will cause severe episodes of seizuring. (Nuts in general contain hgh amounts of phosphorus, which can lead to bladder stones.)

MACADAMIA NUTS, also called Queensland nuts or Australian nuts, can be toxic. The mechanism behind this is a mystery. Dogs develop weakness, depression, vomiting, difficulty walking, tremors, abdominal pain, lameness, stiffness and paralysis. Luckily the effects are transient, and dissipate in 12 to 24 hours.

NUTMEG can cause delirium, tremors, seizures and death.

ONIONS and GARLIC contain the toxic ingredient thiosulfate, which can cause hemolytic anemia. Onions are more of a danger. Garlic is less toxic and large amounts would need to be consumed to cause illness. The poisoning occurs a few days after the pet has eaten onion. All forms of onion can be a problem, including dehydrated, cooked and raw. Many commercial foods and baby food purees contain onion, so do read labels.

POTOTO SPROUTS and GREEN POTATO SKINS can cause illness due to the solanum alkaloids they contain. Actual poisoning is rare, as the solanum is poorly absorbed and rapidly excreted. Cooked potatoes are nutritious and digestible.

GRAPES and RAISINS can cause kidney failure in dogs. The reason for the kidney failure and the amount necessary for toxicity is unknown. Several dog deaths attributed to raisins and/or grapes have been reported to ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, so contact your veterinarian immediately if ingestion has occurred.

FATTY and FRIED FOODS can cause pancreatitis, if fed in excessive amounts.

COOKED BONES can splinter and damage a dogs internal organs.

TOMATOES can cause tremors and heart arrhythmias. Tomato plants are the most toxic, but tomatoes themselves are also unsafe.

AVOCADOS: The fruit, pit and plant are all toxic. They cause difficulty breathing and fluid accumulation in the chest, abdomen and heart. The toxic component in the avocado is persin, which is a fatty acid derivative.

FRUIT SEEDS of apples, cherries, peaches, plums, apricots, and pears contain cyanide, whichis poisonous to dogs as well as humans.

SALT in excess can cause kidney problems.

YEAST DOUGH, BAKING POWDER and BAKING SODA can make your dog ill.

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES can be lethal, causing slowed respiratory rate, cardiac arrest and death.

MOLDY FOOD cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, tremors and death. Mold can quickly develop in kibble, and is usually undetectable. The grains in kibbled foods support the growth of fungi which produce mycotoxins. In 2003, 48 dog deaths were directly attributed to mycotoxin toxicity. Long term consumption of mycotoxins at low levels is believed to be cancer-causing. If you use kibble, buy small amounts to ensure freshness, and store in an airtight container.

Copyright 2005. This article may not be reproduced or distributed in any form without express written consent of the author.