IndexArticles
31st Oct 2007
Our modern world contains a countless number of dangerous chemicals and a countless number of animals. So it is no surprise that thousands of animals are poisoned each year.
There are many chemicals in common use in the normal household which are poisonous to animals.
The painkillers paracetamol and aspirin are extremely dangerous to cats and to a lesser degree, to dogs. Paracetamol causes extreme respiratory distress in cats due to fatal alterations in the red pigment of the blood.
Aspirin is commonly given to cats by their owners as a home remedy for many illnesses. This is an extremely dangerous practice and can result in the death of the pet. Cats are extremely susceptible to aspirin toxicity.
Tar derivatives, such as creosote, are extremely corrosive and toxic - especially to cats. Creosote can be easily taken into the body by being either absorbed through a cat's skin or through the mouth. If a cat is unfortunate enough to lick creosote, it will get large ulcers in the mouth.
Tar derivatives cause a violent gastroenteritis with severe abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea. Creosote can cause death from respiratory failure.
Chemicals such as turpentine, kerosene and petrol can cause poisoning. Some cat and dog owners foolishly use these products to kill ticks or fleas on their animals. Turpentine is readily absorbed through the skin, even if it is washed off. It causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and nervous signs, such as restlessness and hyperexcitability.
There are numerous insecticides on the market designed to kill a variety of insects. Many that are quite safe on dogs are deadly to cats.
Preparations used to control mange in dogs, for example, contain the drug benzyl benzoate which is very poisonous to cats. Some cat ear ointments do contain this chemical but are safe providing that the cat does not lick any of the preparation.
There are three types of insecticides that can cause serious problems in pets- chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates and carbamates.
Chlorinated hydrocarbons such as DDT, dieldrin, lindane and toxaphene are especially dangerous to cats. DDT can be absorbed through the skin and is very slowly excreted from the body. It can be passed on through the food chain from animal to animal, with domestic pets often being at the end of the line. Thankfully these chemicals are now very uncommon.
Malathion, dichlorvos and diazinon are organophosphate insecticides commonly used in rinses and flea collars. Organophosphate rinses should only be used if you strictly follow the manufacturer's directions. Rinses containing diazinon should never be used on cats. Flea collars containing dichlorvos and diazinon are safe on dogs and cats unless they chew them.
Carbamates such as carbaryl are fairly safe when used carefully but accidental poisoning with carbamates can produce vomiting, diarrhoea, salivation, muscle tremors and convulsions.
Metaldehyde is found in slug and snail pellets and dogs and cats find these preparations quite tasty. Accidental poisoning can cause tremors and convulsions, salivation and loss of consciousness and death. When snail pellets are used in gardens they should be scattered and never left in a clump. Store the packet well out of the reach of cats and dogs.
Warfarin (coumarin) is a widely used rat bait. It is usually fairly safe because it needs to be consumed over a period of days. It is eaten readily by dogs, but is not GENERALLY attractive to cats. Cats can be poisoned if they catch and devour an affected rodent thereby eating the poison from the animal's intestines.
There are now several new warfarin-type baits on the market which are more dangerous. Prompt veterinary attention is essential if you suspect your pet has eaten rat bait.
Arsenic is a rare poison these days but domestic pets can become affected by eating grass contaminated by arsenical rodenticides. Arsenic poisoning is more common in dogs than cats and symptoms include salivation, profuse watery diarrhoea, vomiting, muscular weakness, trembling and death.
Lead is a fairly common poisoning seen in pets who can ingest it from chewing wood covered in lead-based paint or from chewing golf balls. Old car batteries, sump oil, linoleum and the glazes used in pottery have also been sources of lead poisoning in animals.
Lead poisoning can cause fits in domestic pets with excitability, muscular weakness, vomiting and diarrhoea. If ingested over a long period, lead can cause anaemia.
Strychnine is now less commonly used but poisoning in cats and dogs causes violent seizures resulting in convulsions and cessation of breathing. Strychnine is very rapid in its effect. It is vital that veterinary attention is sought immediately.
If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned your prompt and correct action is likely to save its life.
1. Keep the pet warm and gently restrained. If the animal is in convulsions it can damage themself by knocking against objects. Also be careful as convulsing animals may not recognise their owners and may become quite vicious. Do not attempt to grasp the animal's tongue.
2. If the animal is passing diarrhoea or vomit, collect a sample and take this to the vet with you. If the animal has eaten a bait take the bait or the container of the poison with you so the vet can identify the substance concerned.
If poisoning is suspected, prompt veterinary treatment is essential. Most veterinarians have an emergency service. Be sure you have your vet's number handy.
Most poisonings are accidental and usually occur to a pet having access to poisonous material. For the safety of your family and pets, store all poisonous materials away from reach.
