Toxic Ingestion/Poisoning

Toxic ingestion is a medical emergency for pets that requires urgent care to prevent significant health complications or even death. Your emergency vet at Urgent Care Pet Clinic in San Diego, CA, can promptly treat your pet and ensure your pet remains healthy and happy. Continue reading to learn more about toxic ingestion and poisoning in pets and how your veterinarian near you can help.

What Kinds of Substances Are Toxic to Pets?

Many household items are poisonous to pets. Your pet’s health can become compromised if it ingests human medications and specific plants and flowers. Several edible and non-edible objects can also be poisonous to pets. Below are some common toxic substances to avoid to ensure your pet remains safe and healthy.

Edible Items to Avoid

Pets can get sick quickly if they ingest certain human foods and drinks. Some edible items to avoid include:

●             Chocolate

●             Coffee and other caffeinated drinks

●             Alcohol

●             Grapes and raisins

●             Onions and garlic

●             Macadamia nuts

Non-edible Items to Avoid

Not all poisonous or toxic substances are edible. Many household items you may store in your garage or under your sink can also significantly impact your pet’s health if ingested. Examples of non-edible items that can be harmful to pets include:

●             Antifreeze

●             Rodent poisons

●             Pool chemicals

●             Pesticides

●             Weed killers and fertilizers

●             Household cleaning products

●             Paints

Keep Medications Out of Reach

Medicines that are not meant for pets can be toxic if swallowed. Similarly to humans, your pet ingesting a medication that was not prescribed to it can lead to severe health complications that require urgent care. For example, pain relievers like acetaminophen can be deadly to cats.

Toxic Plants and Flowers to Watch Out For

Several plants and flowers can harm your pet if it ingests or chews on them. Some are only dangerous to dogs, while others only affect cats. Certain poisonous plants and flowers are harmful to both cats and dogs. Tulips, lilies, and aloe are toxic to cats, while sago palm, castor beans, and oleander are poisonous to dogs. Both cats and dogs can experience significant health problems if they ingest azaleas and hyacinths.

What to Do if Pets Are Poisoned

Contact your emergency vet immediately if your pet ingested a toxic substance or poisonous food. Symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and drooling often signal toxic ingestion. Your emergency vet can induce vomiting or use a gastric lavage to flush the substance out of your pet’s stomach. In some cases it is appropriate to contact the below poison control. Please call us at Urgent care pet clinic first and we will advise you if this is necessary.

Protect Your Pet’s Health With Urgent Care From Urgent Care Pet Clinic

If your pet ingested poisonous plants or another toxic substance and you need a “veterinarian near you” for urgent care, contact Urgent Care Pet Clinic in San Diego, CA, today. We will provide immediate care to preserve your pet’s health and well-being, so call us and bring your pet in today at (858) 379-6550.