PET TOXICOLOGY FOR LAYPERSONS The National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPPC) of the University of Illinois can be reached by calling 1-900-680-0000 or 1- 800-548-2423. ... The NAPCC staff have a wide range of information specific to animal poisoning.
Conversion on weights and measurements in Metric vs American units American unit 1 ounce 1 lb 2.2 lbs 1 tsp 1 Tbsp
Metric unit 28 gm 454 gm 1 kg = 1000 gm 5 ml 15 ml
Example 1 raisin weighs approx. 7 gm or ¼ oz. 1/4 lb butter = 1 stick = 114 gm
1 cup 4 cups = 1 qt
2 dl Approx. 1 liter (l)
3 tsp = 1 Tbsp 8 Tbsp = ½ cup = 1 dl
Household items that may be toxic to pets Food item
Species affected
Toxic dose
Toxic effect
Raisins
Dogs
3 – 36 gm/kg 1 raisin = 7 gm
Renal failure (dogs). 1 raisin can kill a dog. Depends upon breed.
Grapes
Dogs
4-5 grapes or more
Currants Macadamia nuts
Dogs Dogs
1 currant or more
Renal failure. Signs of renal failure may include nausea, vomiting, drinking and urinating more than normal Renal failure Vomiting, weakness, fever, muscle tremors, depression
Food item
Species affected
Toxic dose
Toxic effect
Chocolate (theobromine)
Dogs and cats
Depends upon the kind of chocolate ingested
Signs: panting, restlessness, excess drinking, urinary incontinence, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle tremors, seizures. Variability between breed susceptibility
Very toxic 2-4 g A tiny dose
Same as above
Same as above
Dark chocolate; semisweet, bitter, extra dark
Dogs
Cocoa powder
Dogs
1 g ~ a very tiny amount
Milk chocolate
Dogs
14g/ kg = 1/2 oz/2.2 lbs
Same as above but less toxic
White chocolate
Dogs
Risk of toxicity minimal
No signs
Caffeine
Dogs and cats
Dogs Cats much less likely to ingest these products
Restlessness, increased water drinking, vomiting, perhaps diarrhea. Muscle rigidity, ataxia, seizures, coma
Xylitol a sweetener used Dogs and cats in food. Sugarless cookies, muffins, sugarless gum, bread dough, etc. Acetaminophen Cats =paracetamol = Tylenol
1-2 gm/kg – 16 gm/kg = very small amounts
Vomiting, lethargy, ataxia, hypoglycemic seizure. Hepatic failure.
One 325 mg tablet will kill a cat
Tylenol
Dogs
Less toxic than in cats
Aspirin
Cats and dogs
Toxic
Cats do not have a liver enzyme (glucuronidase) to metabolize this medication and many other compounds Liver necrosis. Signs may include brownish-gray colored gums, labored breathing, swollen face, neck or limbs, hypothermia, vomiting, jaundice (yellow eyes) Vomiting, diarrhea, vomiting blood, black-tarry stool, hyperthermia, weakness, tremors
Food item
Food item
Toxic dose
Toxic effect
Any human medication
Cats, dogs, kids
Do not allow pets or kids to get hold of any of your meds
Lilies Species Lilium (true lily) and Hemerocalis (day lily)
Cats
Cats: All parts of the plant are toxic to cats. Flower more toxic than the leaf
DO NOT ADMINISTERE ANY MEDICATION TO PETS WITHOUT VETERINARY ADVISE AND/OR PRESCRIPTION Cats: Renal failure. Signs of renal failure may include nausea, vomiting, drinking and urinating more than normal. Save as PDF Dogs may have GI signs but no lasting toxicity
May be toxic to cats
Not known/reported
Not known/reported
Dogs and cats
Cats: Less than 1 oz in a 10 lb cat. About 7 oz in a 20 lb dog
Ethanol
Dogs and cats
Hops used in beer brewing
Dogs
Cats probably less likely to ingest ethanol Cats probably less likely to ingest hops than dogs
Methemoglobinemia = affects oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells. Vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, brown/reddish urine. Shortness of breath, abnormal coloration of the mucus membranes Depression, ataxia (same an intoxicated human), sedation, respiratory depression Malignant hyperthermia, panting, anxiety, vomiting, seizures
Ethylene glycol = Antifreeze also used as coolant in cars
Cats and dogs Cats more sensitive than dogs
Other plant species with the name Lily (Lily of the valley, Peace Lily, Arum Lily Onion and other Allium species such as garlic, leek, chives,
Lethal dose: In a 10 lb cat: 1 tsp In a 20 lb dog: 4 Tbsp
Renal failure and hypoglycemia (low blood Ca) Almost always fatal in cats