What kinds of holiday plants are toxic to my pet?
Aloe , Apple (Includes crabapples) , Apricot , Australian Pine (Norfolk Pine, House Pine, Norfolk Island Pine) , Azalea (Rosebay, Rhododendron) , Baby’s Breath (Maidens Breath) , Caladium (Malanga, Elephant’s Ears), Carnation , Chamomile , Cherry , Christmas Rose, Chrysanthemum (Daisy, Mum), Elephant Ears (Caladium, Malanga) , English Ivy (Branching Ivy), English Yew (Western Yew), Fig, Fire Lily, Garlic, Holly (English Holly, European Holly, Oregon Holly, Inkberry, Winterberry, American Holly), Lemon , Lime , Macadamia Nut (Australia Nut, Queensland Nut), Mistletoe “American”, Onion , Orange, Peach, Plum , Rhubarb (Pie Plant), Grapes (including raisins), Tobacco , Yew Pine (buddhist pine), Amaryllis, Cyclamen (Sowbread), Kalanchoe (Mother-In-Law-Plant), Narcissus (Daffodil), Pigtail Plant (Flamingo Plant), Poinsettia
What signs do I need to look out for if my pet ingests any of these plants?
If your pet ingests any of these toxic plants, it is in your pet’s best medical interest to contact your veterinarian immediately. Signs to watch out for include, but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stumbling (ataxia) and unusual behavior. Some of the above plants listed can cause irreversible damage to your pet’s organ function, if left untreated. If there is any doubt, contact a veterinarian as soon as possible after ingestion.
Is antifreeze toxic to my pet?
As winter approaches, many people will “winterize” their automobiles, including a change of antifreeze. Take care to keep both new and used antifreeze in a sealed container, out of reach of pets. Clean up any spills of antifreeze on driveways and other hard surfaces. Dogs and cats find antifreeze quite tasty and if they find antifreeze they’ll drink it. Antifreeze is extremely toxic causing kidney failure that is often fatal in just a few days.
Very small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. If a cat walks through a puddle of antifreeze and then licks its paws, it can ingest enough antifreeze to cause death. About five tablespoons can kill a medium sized dog. If you see your pet drinking antifreeze, or are at all suspicious that your pet may have had access to antifreeze, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Signs of antifreeze poisoning depend upon the time after ingestion. In the first few hours after ingestion the pet may be depressed and staggering and may have seizures. They may drink lots of water, urinate large amounts and vomit. The pet may appear to feel better but in a day or two get much worse as the kidneys fail. Signs of kidney failure include depression and vomiting. The amount of urine they pass will often decrease to a very small amount.
The diagnosis of antifreeze poisoning is made by blood and urine tests although some of these tests become negative by the time kidney failure develops. Antifreeze poisoning should be considered in any free-roaming dog or cat with consistent signs. The treatment for antifreeze poisoning needs to be started as soon after ingestion as possible, to be effective. The earlier treatment is started, the greater the chance of survival. Once kidney failure develops, most animals will die.
How can I prevent antifreeze poisoning?
- keep new and used antifreeze in a sealed, leak proof container
- take used antifreeze to a service station for disposal – don’t pour it on the ground
- check driveways for puddles of antifreeze that may have leaked from the car
- consider the use of alternative antifreeze products that are less toxic to pets
- if antifreeze is placed in toilets make sure the lid is down and the door to the room is closed
