Dr. Lisa Rattray, Chief Veterinarian at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region provided this information as a seminar to the public, free of charge. Other talks will follow at the Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region (est.1994) at 1210 Journey's End Circle in Newmarket, ON.
905-953-5351
www.VetER.ca
2. The Facts
Accidental
toxin ingestion is one of the
most common reasons we see a pet in ER
Most toxins are accessed right from the
home
With early action, most cases are
treatable
Many toxins show no clinical signs until
disease is advanced
3. Your Prescriptions/Medications
Typically accessed when a pet rummages
through a purse, takes from a bedside or
coffee table, or a pill is accidentally dropped
on floor
Common ingestions include advil, tylenol,
blood pressure meds, anti-anxiety or
depression meds
Safe dose for pets is almost never the same as
humans and often, there is no safe dose at all
Over-the-counter eye drops – leave your
pet’s eyes to your vet!!
4.
5. Recreational Drugs
Accessed
in parks (make-shift bongs),
parties or directly from the home
Only takes very small amounts to cause
problems
Can cause very serious clinical signs from
hyper-excitability to aggression to coma
Urine drug test available
6.
7. ‘Human’ Foods
Often given to pets because owners are not aware of
their harmful effects
Chocolate
Grapes/Raisins
Coffee, tea, alcohol
Onions, Garlic
Macadamia Nuts
Garbage and Compost
Artificial sweeteners and chewing gum
Turkey, Sausage, other meats
Harmful dose does not always depend on your pet’s
weight
8.
9. Plants
Many
plants we keep in our home or
outdoor gardens are harmful
Sometimes plants are given as gifts
around the holidays
Common ingestions include Easter Lilies,
Sago Palms, Mistletoe, Amanita
Mushrooms (Not Poinsettias!)
If in doubt, check out toxic plant
database at www.aspca.org
10.
11. Pesticides and Chemicals
Chemicals
designed to kill pests also have
the ability to kill our pets
Rodenticides: anticoagulant, neurotoxic,
cellulose
Metaldehydes/Organophosphates: Slug
and Fly Bait
Breed Specific: Collies and Ivermectin
Species Specific: Cats and Pyrethrins
Other: Antifreeze – sweet taste
12.
13. Signs to Watch For
Changes
in Behaviour: sedate, hyper,
confused, aggressive
SLUDGE: Salivation, Lacrimation, Urination,
Defecation, GI Upset, Emesis
Muscle Tremors, Seizures, Wobbly Legs
Vocalizing
Changes in appetite
14. Taking Action
Contact
your clinic or local emergency
hospital immediately for advice
You may be directed to contact the
Animal Poison Control Centre
May be advised to induce vomiting
immediately: Hydrogen Peroxide 3%
Never induce vomiting without a vet’s
recommendation!
Go directly to the vet
15. What Will Your Vet Do
Induce
Vomiting? Sharp object, corrosive
chemical, comatose state?
Administer Activated Charcoal
Blood panel, urinalysis, urine drug test
Intravenous Fluids
Antidotes?
16. How You Can Help
Prevention
through keeping harmful toxins
out of your pet’s reach
Know how many pills remain in vial
Keep all labels/packaging to show your
vet
Don’t wait for clinical signs before you
take action
17. Veterinary Emergency Clinic
of York Region
The Veterinary Emergency Clinic of York Region was the
first veterinary emergency-specific clinic to open in York
Region.
A group of local veterinarians opened the Veterinary
Emergency Clinic of York Region in May 1994. Still owned
by a group of local veterinarians, the Veterinary
Emergency Clinic continues to provide emergency care to
family pets at its convenient location at 1210 Journey’s
End Circle in Newmarket, in the Highway 404/Davis Drive
area.
Feel free to contact us should you have concerns about
your pet during evenings/weekends/holidays.
905-953-5351
www.VetER.ca
