How to Know if Your Pet Has Been Poisoned

At Urgent Care Pet Clinic in San Diego, we are not your typical animal hospital. We start our day when most vets are closing to ensure your pet has access to quality emergency vet care, pet first aid, and medical urgent care in the event of an emergency or sudden illness. Our expert staff will triage, assess, and treat your pet in their time of need. If necessary, we will discharge them to an overnight hospital and always contact your regular vet to update them in the case.

As urgent care vets, one of the things we see quite often are pets that have ingested poison or toxins. Often, it's not the things you'd think, like cleaning supplies or chocolate. Below we will cover items that are poisonous to your pet and the common symptoms associated with poisoning in animals.

Signs of Pet Poisoning

If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, contact your vet immediately:

• Odd behavior (agitation, hyperactivity)
• Irritation of the mouth or lips
• Breathing issues
• Excessive drooling
• Thick saliva
• Foaming at the mouth
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Bleeding from the nose or mouth
• Pale gums
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Inability to urinate
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors/shaking
• Convulsions/seizures
• Burns/sores (exposure to caustic substances)

Common Causes of Poisoning in Pets

Aside from some of the better-known substances like chemicals, human medications, and cleaning supplies, other sources of poison for pets include:

• Caffeine
•  Alcohol
•  Macadamia nuts
•  Grapes
•  Mushrooms
•  Onions
•  Mold
•  Garlic
•  Certain flowers (including lilies and tulips)
•  Flower bulbs
•  Artificial sweeteners
•  Diabetic foodstuff (gum, mints)
•  Toothpaste
•  Batteries
•  Playdough
•  Weed killer
•  Fertilizer

It's vital to keep all potential hazards out of reach inside your home. You should also keep a close watch on them when they are in the yard or going for their walks. This preventative care can help your pet stay happy and healthy.

Contact an Urgent Care Veterinarian Near You

If you're in the San Diego area and need after-hours care for your pet, our caring staff at Urgent Care Pet Clinic is here for all your pets' medical care. Please give us a call for more information.