March is recognized as Poison Prevention & Awareness Month, and it is a great time for pet owners to educate themselves about the various household hazards that can pose serious risks to our furry family members.
Many everyday items—flowers and houseplants, human foods, over-the-counter pain medications, household cleaners and chemicals, and recreational drugs—can be highly toxic to pets.
At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we are committed to the safety and well-being of your furry friends. Understanding potential toxins and making sure these items are avoided or safely out of reach are crucial steps in safeguarding their health and can help avoid a trip to an emergency hospital.
Note: If you suspect your pet has ingested any toxic substance, they will require immediate treatment – time is critical in a poisoning emergency. We are open 24/7/365 for emergencies and are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, including poisoning.
Easter Lilies: A Hidden Danger to Cats
With Easter and springtime around the corner, Easter lilies (Lilium longiflorum) are a common sight in homes and floral arrangements. These flowers pose a deadly threat to cats.
Toxicity: All parts of the Easter lily plant—flowers, leaves, stems, and pollen—are highly toxic to cats. Even drinking water from a vase that contains lilies can lead to poisoning.
Symptoms:
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- Hiding or depression
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- Diarrhea
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- Dehydration or lack of drinking
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- Vomiting
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- Increased or decreased urination (a sign of kidney failure)
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- Ingestion of Easter lilies in large amounts may also result in digestive obstruction, requiring surgical removal of the blockage.
Urgent Action: If untreated, poisoning from Easter lilies can lead to severe kidney failure and death within 72 hours. Seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
Prevention Tip: Avoid having Easter lilies in your home if you have a cat. Instead, opt for pet-safe flowers such as roses, orchids, or sunflowers.
Other Household Hazards
Pets are naturally curious, which can sometimes lead them into dangerous situations. Here are some common household items that are toxic to pets and the symptoms to watch for:
- Over-the-Counter (OTC) Medications
Pain relievers like ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are among the most common causes of pet poisonings. Cold medications, decongestants, and vitamins can also be harmful.
Symptoms: Vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, stomach ulcers, kidney failure, or seizures.
- Prescription Medications
Human medications, including antidepressants, heart medications, and ADHD drugs, can cause severe health issues in pets.
Symptoms: Hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, vomiting, elevated heart rate, or coma.
- Recreational and Illicit Drugs
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center AnTox database, marijuana, amphetamines, cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogenic mushrooms are five of the most common drugs companion animals and working police dogs are exposed to. Pets can be exposed to these dangerous substances, either by ingesting them directly or through secondhand exposure.
Many cases involve pets ingesting marijuana-laced baked goods. In these cases, there may be additional toxic ingredients involved—such as chocolate, raisins, or xylitol—which result in a poorer prognosis.
Symptoms: The most common clinical signs of drug exposure in animals are ataxia or incoordination, and lethargy or depression. Other common clinical signs are vomiting, urinary incontinence, increased sensitivity to motion or sound, head bobbing, dilated pupils, increased salivation, and a slower than normal heart rate.
A Cautionary Tale: One of our own veterinarians at Boundary Bay, Dr. Sheila Hoe, was exposed to fentanyl while treating a dog that had ingested the drug. This highlights how potent these substances are—not only for pets but for those treating them. Read the full story here.
- Toxic Human Foods
Some everyday foods that are dangerous to pets include:
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- Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and even seizures or death in pets.
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- Xylitol – a sugar substitute commonly found in sugar-free gum and some peanut butter brands, Xylitol can cause a rapid release of insulin in pets, leading to low blood sugar and and liver damage.
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- Grapes and Raisins – Grapes and raisins can lead to kidney failure in dogs, causing symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
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- Macadamia Nuts – Macadamia nuts can cause muscle tremors, weakness, vomiting, and hyperthermia (overheating) in dogs.
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- Onions & Garlic – Can cause anemia, weakness, pale gums, and organ damage.
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- Cheese – An occasional treat of cheese is acceptable, but some types, such as blue cheese, can produce toxins that cause rapid onset convulsions in dogs.
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- Alcohol – Alcohol can lead to alcohol poisoning in pets, resulting in symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, and, in severe cases, respiratory failure.
- Ethylene Glycol (Antifreeze) Poisoning
Ethylene glycol, commonly found in antifreeze and de-icing products, is highly toxic to pets. Pets may be attracted to the sweet taste of antifreeze, but even a small amount can cause kidney failure.
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- Symptoms: Lethargy, vomiting, incoordination, increased thirst, and urination. Without treatment, symptoms progress to kidney failure and can be fatal.
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- Sources: Antifreeze spills in garages or driveways, or de-icing solutions used during cold weather.
Tips for safety:
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- Always clean up antifreeze spills immediately and store all antifreeze containers securely out of reach of pets.
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- Consider using pet-safe antifreeze products that contain a bittering agent to deter ingestion.
What To Do If You Think Your Pet Has Been Poisoned
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, act fast:
Stay Calm – Your pet needs you to think clearly.
Call Your Veterinarian or an Emergency Animal Hospital Immediately.
We are open 24/7 to assist with any pet emergency. If you suspect poisoning, please come directly to our hospital, no appointment is required. If you have time, please call us to let us know you’re on the way at (604) 514-8383.
Call a Pet Poison Helpline for Expert Guidance:
24/7 Animal Poison Control Center at 1-855-764-7661 or
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at 1-888-426-4435 (fees may apply)
Do NOT Induce Vomiting – Some substances can cause more harm if vomited, so always seek professional guidance first.
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About Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital
Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is a family owned, veterinary specialty and 24/7 emergency and critical care hospital in Surrey, BC, serving the Vancouver metro area and greater British Columbia. We have a sister hospital in Bellingham, Washington.
As a certified VECCS Level I facility and a Level II VetCOT Trauma Centre, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with board-certified specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue.
Our board-certified specialists offer services in emergency and critical care, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, neurology, oncology, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, and animal rehabilitation.