Pets are curious, and often they investigate their world mouth-first. If your pet’s exploration leads them to eat a toxic substance or swallow a foreign body, don’t wait to see what happens. Our West Vets ER team knows that prompt intervention is vital in these cases, and we provide information about the items that can harm your pet and tips to safeguard your four-legged friend.

Foreign objects are harmful to your pet

Some pets are prone to eating foreign objects, which may stay in the stomach for only two hours or less before migrating to the intestine, where they can potentially cause an obstruction. If this occurs, the foreign object must be surgically removed to clear the obstruction. Signs that your pet has ingested a foreign object may include retching, inappetence, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Objects that pets commonly ingest include:

  • Fabric — Some pets enjoy chewing on socks, underwear, and other fabric, which can lead to foreign body ingestion, since textiles can’t be digested, and can become lodged in the stomach or intestines. 
  • Plastic objects — Plastic objects, such as children’s toys, small knick knacks, and pieces of your pet’s toys, also are indigestible. These objects are typically less flexible than fabric and more likely to get lodged in your pet’s esophagus. 
  • Bones — Many people think bones make great pet treats, but a bone or piece of bone that your pet swallows can easily become a GI obstruction.
  • String — Linear foreign bodies are especially damaging to the intestine, potentially leading to perforation. In addition, the string can become wrapped around your pet’s tongue and cause serious problems. 
  • Sharp objects — Sharp objects such as rocks, fish hooks, and needles can seriously damage your pet’s esophagus, stomach, and intestine.

If the object is still in your pet’s stomach on presentation, our team may be able to induce vomiting or remove the object via endoscopy. Once the object moves into the intestine, more invasive procedures are necessary.

Toxins are harmful to pets

Numerous foods, medications, and commonly used household products are toxic to pets. If you know or suspect your pet ingested a toxin, they need immediate veterinary care. Many toxins, including certain medications, are specifically designed to be digested rapidly. Items toxic to pets include:

  • Chocolate — Chocolate stimulates the central nervous system in pets, resulting in signs that include excessive panting, increased heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, seizures.
  • Grapes — Grapes and raisins can cause severe kidney damage in pets. Signs include vomiting, increased thirst and urination, and lethargy.
  • Xylitol — Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugar-free candies and baked goods that is beneficial for people, but causes a dose-dependent insulin release in pets that can lead to severe hypoglycemia and liver damage. Signs include vomiting, tremors, weakness, and seizures.
  • Ibuprofen — Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) that can cause GI ulceration and kidney damage in pets. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, incoordination, and seizures.
  • Acetaminophen — Acetaminophen is a common medication used for pain relief and fever reduction. Pets metabolize the drug differently than humans, and acetaminophen can damage the liver and interfere with red blood cells’ ability to transport oxygen. Cats are especially sensitive to acetaminophen toxicity. Signs include inappetence, rapid breathing, vomiting, and jaundice.
  • Antidepressants — Numerous antidepressants are on the market, and an overdose can lead to serious consequences for your pet. Signs depend on the medication, but may include lethargy, hyperactivity, vomiting, and seizures.
  • Attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications — ADHD medications are stimulants and can cause signs that include elevated temperature, increased respiration and heart rate, and hyperactivity.
  • Lilies — All lily parts are toxic to pets, especially cats. Ingesting any part of the plant, including the vase water, can cause GI upset and potential kidney failure. Signs include vomiting, diarrhea, and increased thirst and urination
  • Antifreeze — Many antifreeze products contain ethylene glycol, whose sweet taste appeals to pets, but the chemical causes severe kidney damage. Signs include vomiting, lethargy, incoordination, increased thirst and urination, and seizures.
  • Rodenticides — Numerous rodenticide products are on the market—all toxic to pets. Signs depend on the product your pet ingested.

If your pet ingests a toxin, they have a better prognosis if you seek immediate veterinary care. Our team may induce vomiting, administer an antidote or activated charcoal, or start intravenous fluids to help counteract the toxin. Delaying treatment can be the difference between life and death. and we provide fast, effective medicine to ensure your pet gets the care they need. 

Tips to protect your pet from harmful substances

You can reduce your pet’s risk of ingesting a harmful substance. Tips include:

  • Store toys and clothing securely.
  • Choose size-appropriate toys for your pet.
  • Never feed your pet bones.
  • Read labels before giving your pet a new food to ensure the product doesn’t contain a pet toxin.
  • Keep all food in sealed containers or behind closed doors.
  • Never give your pet table scraps.
  • Never give your pet any medication without consulting your veterinarian.
  • Keep all medications in a secure area inaccessible to your pet.
  • Ensure house plants are safe for pets.
  • If you use rodenticide, don’t let your pet access the area.

If your pet ingests a harmful substance, contact our West Vets ER team immediately. We will drop everything to ensure they get the care they need, when they need it.