Poisoning
back to pet info topics
Jake's story is horrible but all too
common. His owner thought he was just giving his Rottweiler a bone -- a
chicken bone. The owner knew it wasn't the best thing to give Jake but didn't
know why, and he certainly didn't think he was killing Jake. That's what
happened, though. Over the next few days, Jake died a slow, painful death. The splintered chicken bones punctured the dog's gastrointestinal tract, causing
deadly toxins to be released into his stomach. Jake became disoriented --he
wouldn't respond to his owner and he'd look around aimlessly. He also would
regularly sit and, only using his front paws, spin around in one place. A
short time later Jake succumbed.
If you think the best way to a dog's heart is through
food, think again. Foods high in fat --
such as the table scraps that we humans
cut away from our meats -- can cause canine pancreatitis and gastroenteritis,
serious and potentially fatal conditions. Pancreatitis or inflammation of the
pancreas can result in a complete loss
of appetite, frequent vomiting, diarrhea that may
contain blood, weakness and abdominal pain (apparent
through whimpering and restlessness). The reactions can range
from barely noticeable to a severe shock-like collapse that can
result in death. These conditions can occur after raids on garbage
cans, also. Gastroenteritis is inflammation of the stomach and
intestines' lining and has similar symptoms. These cases often
require hospitalization and fluid replacement.
Many table scraps also contain onion that can be toxic
for a dog, especially smaller pooches. Onions can cause hemolytic anemia, a condition
that destroys a dog's red blood cells, according to Dr.
Kathy Michel of the University of Pennsylvania School of
Veterinary Medicine. An onion-poisoned dog will become lethargic,
develop breathing difficulties and will have pale gums (check
around the teeth). Fortunately, the toxins will pass through the
dog's system, but until then, he or she may need a blood
transfusion. If you cook dog food at home, feel free to add garlic,
but hold the onions.
It may seem like the best treat of all, but it can be
deadly. All chocolate, with its
caffeine and related chemical called theobromine,
can raise your dog's heart rate to beat abnormally.
It can cause seizures that will eventually lead to a coma. Baking
or dark chocolate is the deadliest -- about nine times more toxic
than milk chocolate. A chocolate-poisoned pooch will vomit,
urinate more than usual, have diarrhea, and show hyperactivity.
Naturally nontoxic plants can still make your pet sick if
the greenery has been sprayed with
pesticides and fertilizers. Although it
depends on the type of plant consumed by your dog,
symptoms to look out for include breathing difficulties,
convulsions, excessive salivation, gastroenteritis, skin rashes,
stomach upset, swallowing difficulties, vomiting, and watery eyes
and nose, according to the book, Are you Poisoning Your Pets? by
Nina Anderson and Howard Peiper (Avery Publishing Group). Some
of the deadliest plants and flowers include dieffenbachia,
mistletoe, poinsettias, laurel, rhododendrons, azaleas, daphne,
lantanas, holly, delphiniums, foxglove, irises, lillies of the
valley,amaryllis, morning glories, and daffodils. The bulbs of
daffodils, narcissus, and jonquils trigger severe gastroenteritis;
hyacinth bulbs cause trembling and convulsions. Avocado leaves
and unripe stems, rhubarb leaves, spinach leaves and tomato
vines, stems and leaves can also be harmful.
Most pesticide chemicals in commercial flea
repellents are fat-soluble and are
stored in the fatty tissues of the body, primarily
in the liver and in the nervous system. As these
chemicals accumulate over time, they negatively affect nerves,
hormones, and immunity. Symptoms to lookout for include
anorexia, cancer, colic, convulsions, deformity of sexual organs,
depression, diarrhea, foaming at the mouth, nausea, seizures,
stiffness, vomiting and weakness.
Pyrethrum, a nontoxic insecticide made from
chrysanthemum flowers, is found in may
flea repellant products and is considered safe
in its natural state. However, combine pyrethrum with
chemical additives and you have a potentially dangerous
environment for your dog. Chemical additives to look out for
include diethyl toluamide (DEET), propoxur, diazinon, carbaryl,
dichlorvos, and DDVP. Be forewarned: constant inhalation of
DDVP, found in flea collars, can cause permanent damage to your
dog's internal organs.
The following vomit guide is taken from Dogs: The
Ultimate Care Guide, Good Health,
Loving Care, Maximum Longevity, published by
