In the UK, March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month which is dedicated to informing pet owners about potentially dangerous hazards such as medication, food and plants for their furry friends.

Common hazards

Food

Pets, dogs, and cats, in particular, are at risk from several typical human foods. They may be poisoned, have digestive issues, or have nutritional imbalances from foods that are safe and nutritious for their human friends. In some cases, the poisonous food can even be lethal.

Food is processed differently in pets than in people, especially in dogs and cats. They may be poisoned by certain substances that are safe for us. For instance, chocolate contains theobromine, which is rapidly metabolized by humans but slowly processed by dogs and cats, resulting in a buildup of toxins.

Some foods include natural chemicals or additions that can harm pets, as well as poisonous compounds. For example, garlic and onions contain thiosulfates, which harm red blood cells and cause anaemia. Dogs and cats who eat grapes and raisins may get acute kidney failure. Dogs that take xylitol (an artificial sweetener) risk liver failure and a hazardous drop in blood sugar.

Many foods that are too fatty or salty for pets might create health issues if they are eaten, such as cheese, bacon, and fried foods, which can induce pancreatitis, a painful and dangerous inflammation of the pancreas. Foods heavy in salt, like chips, pretzels, and processed meats, can cause kidney problems, high blood pressure, and dehydration.

Lack of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down lactose in dairy products, causes diarrhoea, gas, bloating, and stomach pain when milk, cheese, or ice cream is consumed by many pets, particularly in adult cats and dogs.

Certain meals, including cooked bones that could splinter, could clog the digestive tract or pose a choking hazard. If corn cobs and fruit pits get stuck in the digestive tract, surgery can be required.

Human medication

Pets should not take human medication since their bodies do not digest them the same way as humans do. Some drugs can be hazardous or lethal in even tiny doses. Because pets don't have the same liver functions or enzymes as people, they have trouble breaking down and getting rid of some medications. Common painkillers like acetaminophen and ibuprofen, for instance, can harm pets' livers, stomachs, and kidneys.

The human medicine is dosed for people, who are typically much bigger than pets, dogs or cats. For example, a single antidepressant medication might cause tremors, seizures, or heart problems in pets, even a tiny dose could be an overdose. Certain drugs contain coatings, artificial sweeteners, or inactive components that are hazardous to pets yet safe for people. In dogs, xylitol, which is present in several chewable pills and liquid treatments, can lead to liver failure and a dangerous drop in blood sugar.

Other medications that are safe for people can cause severe side effects in pets. Medication for the flu and colds, such as decongestants, can result in seizures, heart rhythms, and elevated blood pressure. Anxiety medications and sleep aids can cause pets to become dangerously sedated, in coma or agitated.

Never give human medication to your pet unless a veterinarian has prescribed it.

Chemicals

Due to their heightened sensitivity to toxins, dogs and cats can be poisoned by household and everyday chemicals. Because they use their mouths and noses to investigate their surroundings, pets are more prone to lick, breathe in, or consume dangerous substances. Due to their distinct metabolisms and smaller bodies, dogs and cats can be seriously harmed by small levels of toxins. Pets who get a few licks of the sweet-tasting antifreeze may develop kidney failure.

A pet may lick its fur when grooming if it comes into contact with a chemical spill or obtains residue on it, which could result in poisoning. If licked, cleaning chemicals containing bleach or ammonia can result in respiratory issues, vomiting, and mouth burns. Cats in particular have sensitive lungs. Spray, disinfectant, and essential oil fumes can harm organs or make breathing difficult. When inhaled or absorbed via the skin, air fresheners and essential oils such as citrus, eucalyptus, and tea trees are poisonous to cats as well.

Plants

Dogs and cats may be poisoned by houseplants because they contain natural compounds that serve as defences against herbivores. These compounds might not have much of an impact on people, but because of their smaller bodies and different metabolisms, they can be quite harmful to pets.

Many plants release toxins to prevent animals from consuming them. When the plants are consumed, the poisons from them can result in symptoms that range from minor upset stomach to serious organ failure. For instance, cats who lick pollen off of lilies may get kidney failure due to the poisons they carry. Pets' mouths, skin, and stomachs might become irritated by the sap or essential oils released by certain plants. For example, aloe vera, although calming to humans, contains saponins that make pets throw up and have diarrhoea.

Other plants have tiny crystals called calcium oxalates that resemble needles and when chewed, produce excruciating mouth discomfort, swelling, and drooling. Swelling of the neck and trouble breathing can be caused by Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) and Pothos. Also, certain plants have compounds that can harm the heart or neurological system, causing irregular heartbeats, seizures, or even death. Cardiac glycosides found in foxglove and oleander can cause deadly heart problems in pets.

Symptoms of poisoning in pets

Early detection of poisoning symptoms in pets can mean the difference between a speedy recovery and a potentially fatal situation.