March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month! Let’s take a look at some common toxins found in our yards and tool sheds.
Toxic Plants*
While toxic plants are worth mentioning, I’ve seen one confirmed (and very mild) case of plant toxicity in nearly twenty years of practice. Some of the most common culprits are kalanchoe, dieffenbachia, and sago palms. That being said, plants, especially native plants, are vital to the survival of our ecosystem. Buy your plants from a knowledgeable seller, and be sure to ask lots of questions. It also helps to plant some pet-safe grasses in a separate area and teach your pets it is okay to forage there. So called “cat grass” is widely available and safe for pets who like to graze. These usually consist of sprouted grains such as wheat, barley or oats and helped us to keep our younger dachshund away from our tomatoes and squash flowers!
Mushrooms
Perhaps the most common problem when identifying mushrooms is the frequency of toxic look-alikes. Many novice gardeners know just enough to get themselves into trouble, and inaccurate social media sites only add to the problem. The yellow parasol mushroom seems to be popping up a lot these days. While interesting, they are also poisonous, and can cause severe gastrointestinal issues if ingested by either pets or humans.
Mycologists are scientists who specialize in identifying mushrooms. The fact that there is an entire field devoted to this practice should tell us everything we need to know! In short, this is not something that should be done by hobbyists and Googlers. Assume all mushrooms are toxic and train your pets to stay away.
Rat Poison
Local
While many pet owners are aware of this threat, rodenticides are usually placed in tucked away corners where they can easily be forgotten. No one wants to advertise their attempts to get rid of rats, and often baits are quietly placed without the knowledge of everyone in the household. Additionally, many pet owners have open contract with pest control companies that allow the company to place baits as they see fit. While many companies place rodenticides in pet-proof receptacles, old school rat poison is a block of bait laced with tasty, aromatic good stuff. Do not assume your dog has enough “common sense” to stay away.
Most rodenticides are anticoagulant, meaning they cause uncontrolled internal bleeding by preventing the clotting of blood. Dogs who have ingested rat poison can show clinical signs quickly, or they may may take several days to become ill. Signs include weakness, instability, nose bleeds, bruising, rectal bleeding, bloody stool and/or vomit, and labored breathing. If your dog begins to show these symptoms, get him to the vet immediately. If you don’t use rodenticides, bear in mind that you neighbors might. A rat or mouse that has ingested poison will be easy to catch if it ventures into your yard. Ingesting animals who have eaten rodenticide is a common source of secondary poisoning in both dogs and cats.
I see a surprising number of rodenticide poisonings during the holiday season. I suspect that as boxes are moved around, last year’s bait is revealed. Holidays are busy. Pets are not. They are likely the only ones to notice that tasty morsel that’s been hiding under a box since last year.
Animal rights advocates have long decried the use of anticoagulants in rodenticides. In addition to posing a danger to our pets, they subject the critters they target to a prolonged and painful death. Rodenticide manufacturers are trying to do a better job of making their baits less appealing to pets, and less cruel to their intended victims. But while this new generation of products claims to be less toxic to nontarget species, they kill by inducing a hypercalcemia, a condition which causes kidney failure, heart abnormalities, and central nervous system depression. If you think your dog has ingested rat poison, take the packaging with you to the vet. When the dust settles, consider switching to humane rodent traps that allow you to safely relocate unwelcome guests.
Snail and Slug Bait
Snail and slug bait contains metaldehyde, which primarily targets the central nervous system. These products are mixed with molasses, oats, apples, and other food products in order to lure their intended victims. Unfortunately, they can lure our pets as well. Dogs are more likely than cats to eat this product, and clinical signs of toxicity include, anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, excessive drooling and panting, elevated body temperature, muscle tremors, convulsions and seizures. Since there is no antidote, affected pets must be hospitalized immediately, and usually need round the clock supportive care until stabilized.
Strychnine
Strychnine is used in products targeted at gophers, jackrabbits, moles, and other burrowing rodents that are not often seen in South Florida. This cruel poison can begin to take effect in as little as ten minutes. Symptoms of strychnine poisoning include limb rigidity, muscle spasms, sky-high body temperatures, difficulty breathing, and violent, uncontrolled seizures. The effects on pets are so severe, that the product instructions are to bury it in the ground. There is no first aid for strychnine poisoning. Affected pets have very little time, and must be rushed to a vet for emergency care immediately.
By now you’re probably wondering, if this product is used underground, and targets animals that don’t live here, why are we even talking about it? Which brings me to the most cruel toxin of them all…
Malice
Strychnine is the number one culprit in malicious, intentional pet poisonings. Even in the genteel suburbs of Kendall, our clinic sees several malicious poisonings per year. This is just one of the many reasons I implore pet owners not to leave their pets outdoors unattended! Free roaming cats and outdoor dogs are the most common victims of these detestable acts. While vicious people have been known to target well-behaved pets, the common victims are pets whose attackers feel their actions are justifiable. If you cannot keep your pets indoors, install a cat fence to keep cats on your property. Seek immediate help for canine nuisance behaviors, such as escaping, digging, fighting, aggression, garbage dumping and barking.
If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, it is important to communicate this to your vet. As I’ve stated before, it is not our job to judge you. Honesty saves time, and a poisoned pet needs every possible second.
*Special thanks to Steve Woodmansee of Silent Natives Nursery for his help in researching this article.
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