Most substances considered toxic and poisonous to animals are dose dependent. This means that how much an animal ingests is very important information to provide to your veterinarian.
Many toxic substances cause mild to moderate symptoms, while the minority of poisonous items cause death As an example, many people are aware of chocolate being toxic or poisonous to pets. If you discover your pet has eaten chocolate, you should call your veterinarian and tell him/her exactly how much and what type of chocolate your pet consumed. Based upon your pet's size, weight and medical conditions, the amount of chocolate consumed may or may not cause problems.
For further information about toxins and poisons, please consult the references listed below or call us with an questions you may have.
References:
AVMA's A Pet
Owner's Guide to Common Small Animal Poisons.
This includes some plant, drug, household product and miscellaneous
items that can present risks.
ASPCA National Animal Poison
Control Center (also on our links page)
Provides good animal poison information as well as phone numbers to
call (or have your veterinarian call) for specific poisoning emergencies
or concerns -- THERE IS A FEE FOR THESE SERVICES.
Their phone number is: 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435)
An additional source of general
human and animal
poison information is the
California Poison Control System website (yes, we know we are not in
California) Among others, you may specifically want to see their WINTER
HOLIDAY SAFETY& POISON PREVENTION TIPS section, and their
section on
Know
Your Plants
which includes as a foot note the following
excerpt:
Can pets get poisoned from plants?
As a general rule, plants that are listed as toxic to humans
should also be considered toxic to animals. There are a few cases of
plants considered nontoxic or mildly toxic to humans causing problems
to animals.
Dogs: Onion, Garlic, Heavenly bamboo, Schefflera, Dracaena
Cats: Calla Easter lily, Philodendron, Pothos, Scindapus
Birds: Avocado
For local Human Poison Control concerns:.
- Massachusetts Poison Control System
Boston,MA
Emergency Phone:
(800)682-9211
(617)232-2120
