LEGACY * COIT ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Veterinary Medicine & Surgery
972-618-7499
March 18 - 24, 2002
houseplants and common foods. Small amounts of chocolate, onions, macadamia nuts
and bread dough can be fatal if ingested by a dog. Many cats are poisoned in the
spring from plants including daffodils and lilies.Cat owners must pay special attention to the plants in their homes, since cats have the ability to jump onto tabletops and windowsills. Other common houseplants such as philodendron, dieffenbachia, cyclamen, corn stalk plants, sago palms and bird of paradise all contain toxins and are dangerous if ingested by animals. The ASPCA website has an album of photos of poisonous plants - click here to go visit it!
Human medicine is not for pets. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises that drug poisoning is the most common small animal poison exposure. The AVMA cautions pet owners to contact a veterinarian before dosing a pet with any medication because even if the drug is safe in some doses, it may not be safe in human doses. Painkillers, cold medicines, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills can be lethal to animals, even in small doses. In addition, dogs do not utilize or tolerate all drugs the same way humans do, so a drug that relieves pain in humans can poison a dog or cat. Two regular aspirin can poison a small dog. Signs of distress can appear quickly, especially if the dose is repeated, including salivation, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain.
Never give your pets medication unless
you are directed to do so by a veterinarian. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
(NSAID's) prescribed for pain or arthritis relief must be used with caution. These drugs
can reduce mucous protection of the stomach and lead to ulcers; cause damage to the
kidneys and other organs by reducing blood flow to these organs; suppress bone marrow; and
cause bleeding disorders. Medications are available especially for animals that will
greatly reduce the risk of this organ damage.
Always read the label before dispensing medication. Some flea products for dogs can be deadly if given to cats. Click here to see the ASPCA photo album of common household hazards.
If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately. Have the label of what you believe your pet has ingested in your hands when you call! Pet owners can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the nation's only animal poison control center staffed by veterinarians and veterinary toxicologists that operates 24-hours-a-day, 7-days-a-week. To reach the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center call (900) 680-0000 or (888) 426-4435. The Center receives no state or federal funding, therefore it is necessary to charge a fee to maintain their expert veterinary staff 24 hours a day.
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