Seasonal Toxins

Saw this on another site & thought it may be of interest to members here....

Seasonal Poisons for Animals

Conkers

Consumption of conkers by dogs whilst on walks can be an autumnal problem. All parts of the horse chestnut tree contain a potentially toxic chemical. Luckily serious cases of conker poisoning are very rare. Ingestion can cause drooling, retching, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal tenderness. There can also be a problem where excess conkers and/or their spiny seed cases have been eaten and cause an obstruction.
Treatment - As animals usually vomit or regurgitate the material quickly, immediate veterinary care is not always necessary however do call your vet as your animal may need medication to prevent dehydration or laxatives to help pass the conkers through the gut.

Spot-on Flea Treatments for Dogs (Permethrin)
Poisoning in Cats

Permethrin is an insecticide commonly found in many “spot-on” flea treatments for dogs, but permethrin poisoning is one of the most commonly seen poisonings in cats. Cats are usually poisoned after owners treat their cat with canine flea treatments, but also from contact with a treated dog or an area contaminated by a treated dog. Poisoning effects usually occur rapidly, but may be delayed up to 72 hours in some instances. Permethrin poisoning in cats causes tremors, twitching, convulsions and death.
Treatment - Contact your vet immediately if you feel your cat may have been poisoned. However, all cats should be washed thoroughly with lukewarm water and detergents to prevent further absorption and clipping of long-haired cats may be a good idea.

Rat Poison / Anticoagulant rodenticides

It is fairly common for animals, particularly dogs, to eat rodent bait. Small amounts of off the shelf products are unlikely to cause serious problems however in excess (or after repeat ingestion) they can result in serious problems (e.g. haemorrhage).
Treatment - Contact your vet immediately if you think your animal may have eaten rodenticides as visible signs may be delayed for several days

Luminous Necklaces

Luminous necklace poisoning can cause problems particularly around Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night and they seem to be particularly attractive to cats! The symptoms seen are profuse salivation, frothing/ foaming at the mouth, vomiting, oral irritation, apparent gastric pain, distress and on occasion
lethargy.
Treatment - immediate veterinary care is not always necessary however do call your vet for advice and help in easing the discomfort for your animal

Oak / Acorns

Oak (Quercus) poisonings can occur, particularly in dogs in the autumn / winter months usually caused by eating acorns. If eaten in quantity signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, both of which may be bloody, abdominal tenderness, lack of appetite and lethargy, blockages are also possible. More severe signs are likely in cattle, horses, sheep and goats as they may ingest very large quantities of plant material and over longer time
periods.
Treatment – contact your vet immediately in cases involving horses, livestock or ruminants. Immediate veterinary care is not always necessary in smaller animals however do contact your vet as your animal may need anti-sickness or rehydration treatment.

Batteries

Most batteries contain either strong acids or alkalis, and many also have a high metal content. Ingestion of batteries may result in severe chemical burns to the mouth, throat and stomach; which could result in severe problems with breathing and swallowing.
Treatment – call your vet immediately and if possible let your vet know the type of battery ingested.

Chocolate Poisoning

You may already be aware of the dangers of chocolate poisoning, it is mainly seen in dogs but is also toxic to other species e.g. cats, rodents and rabbits. The severity of the poisoning depends on two things, the amount of chocolate eaten but also the type of chocolate (i.e. milk or dark). Darker chocolate and cocoa are far more toxic. Obvious signs of poisoning can be vomiting, diarrhoea, severe dehydration. Some animals may become hyperactive, develop a high temperature or a racing heartbeat. Muscular rigidity, tremors and convulsions may be observed in extreme cases.
Treatment – call your vet immediately , particularly if dark chocolate or cocoa are eaten in quantity.

Grapes, Raisins, Currants and Sultanas

Grapes, raisins, currants and sultanas can cause kidney failure in dogs. Some dogs seem able to eat large quantities without any effects, while others develop kidney failure after as little as a few grapes or a small handful of raisins. Some dogs may initially develop vomiting and diarrhoea and then develop kidney failure up to 3 days later. It is quite possible cats are also susceptible. At this time of year watch out for Christmas cake,
Christmas pudding, Stollen and mince pies.
Treatment – call your vet immediately if you any of the above signs after eating grapes/raisins etc.

Poisonous Foods at Christmas

Grapes, raisins, currants or sultanas
Chocolate
Peanuts (including monkey nuts) – not a problem for all animals but adverse effects in others
Macadamia nuts
Allium family (onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives) -including sage & onion stuffing and onion gravy
Mouldy food (inc. bread and cheese)
Xylitol (a sweetener)

Poisonous Plants at Christmas
The best advice is to keep the following out of reach of pets – where possible:-

Holly (the spines can cause internal injuries)
Ivy
Mistletoe
Poinsettia
Lilies (toxic to cats)
Christmas trees – not toxic but beware of internal injuries!
Treatment - immediate veterinary care is not always necessary however call your vet for advice

Other Hazards at Christmas
All of the items mentioned below are considered to be of low toxicity however call your vet if you have any concerns :-

Silica gel (comes in small sachets and is often found in the packaging)
Christmas decorations - can cause internal injuries
Candles can cause an obstruction or a choking hazard
Wrapping or crepe paper may cause staining of the mouth that can look alarming

Great info, you shoul make it sticky Caryll x

Done! I think..........

Thank you Caryll, its really good to have a list like this, there are so many things toxic to them that you wouldnt even think of. Had a few scares with Millie over the last 4 years

hi

could i add a sort of toxin tea bags although the vet said it wouldnt harm millie she was very hyper till late into the night which isnt her !

so something to think about!

That'll be the caffeine!

I occasionally let Dempsey have a small bowl of tea & he's hyper for about half an hour afterwards!

brilliant caryll, did not know acorns were poisionous, our garden is fill of them, cause we have a big oak tree at the end

lynne wrote:brilliant caryll, did not know acorns were poisionous, our garden is fill of them, cause we have a big oak tree at the end

That was news for me as well

This was really informative, lots I did not know - Thanks

Thankyou, always good to have a reminder, and I really didn't know about grapes !