Phone calls from pet parents worried about something their pet has eaten are a nearly daily occurrence in a veterinary hospital.
Physical obstructions are possible, but the toxic effects of something pets eat can be surprising.
Just a reminder: Dogs are not small humans and cats are not small dogs. There are some foods/medications that are safe (relatively) for one species that can cause severe illness even at small doses in another.
What makes something toxic depends on the dose. Anything can be toxic at a high enough level. Symptoms also vary widely, ranging from mild like vomiting and diarrhea, to severe and potentially life threatening. I could go on for days about all the potential toxins out there, but for today, let’s start with Xylitol and marijuana.
Xylitol, or birch sugar, is an artificial sweetener found mostly in sugarless gum, mints, toothpaste, some nut butters, over-the-counter medications and sugar-free deserts. It is even available for purchase in bulk for home use.
In humans, and cats actually, it is relatively benign, with large ingestion causing some mild gas and possibly diarrhea.
In dogs, however, xylitol is known to cause severe decreases in blood sugar and liver failure. It stimulates their pancreas to release large amounts of insulin causing blood sugar to drop dramatically in as little as half an hour after ingestion. Elevations in liver enzymes can be seen just four hours after ingestion.
Signs of xylitol toxicity may include decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, weakness, collapse, seizures and finally coma.
Swift treatment is required to provide dogs with the best outcome, and will likely require hospitalization for at least 24 hours, intravenous fluids and regular blood glucose and liver enzyme checks. Xylitol ingestion in dogs can be fatal. Make sure to read your labels and if you have products that contain xylitol in your home and keep them well out of reach of your dog.
The most common toxin ingestion call we used to get was chocolate. In recent years, though, marijuana toxicity in dogs (and the occasional cat) have far outnumbered the chocolate toxicity calls we receive.
Marijuana has two main active ingredients: Cannabidol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). CBD can be used in pets for a variety of benefits, particularly for managing arthritis and anxiety. However, THC, the component primarily responsible for alterations of mental state, profoundly affect our pets.
The legalization of marijuana has led to greater access in the home and in the environment. Pets that have been exposed to THC usually show symptoms within one to three hours of ingestion.
They can present a variety of ways, but the classic presentation for a dog is low heart rate, depressed/head bobbing, hyper-reactive when touched or to sound, and dribbling urine. Cat’s can exhibit these symptoms as well, with the exception of urinary incontinence. Cats will also vocalize, can become agitated and or aggressive.
The prognosis is usually very good for THC ingestion, supportive care is usually all that is required and patients will improve in a few hours, and return to normal in 24-72 hours. In rare cases, seizures, coma and death have occurred. It is unknown if this is because of more potent strains of marijuana or due to contamination with other compounds.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something they shouldn’t have, call your veterinarian. Early intervention is best. Knowing what was ingested, how much and when is all vital information for your veterinarian to have.
If you aren’t sure that what your pet ingested is poisonous, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control or the Pet Poison Hotline – both of these resources have veterinary toxicologists to help you 24 hours a day. If in person care is required, they will send you information that can greatly help your veterinarian correctly manage your pet’s condition.
Dr. Courtney Andrews is a veterinarian at Lockerby Animal Hospital, a graduate of the Royal School of Veterinary Studies and dog mom to Argyll and Einstein. Animals & Pets is made possible by our Community Leaders Program.
