Toxicology (Poisons)
Veterinary Toxicology - toxins, animal poisoning, adverse drug reactions.
Well-Intended Pet Owners Unknowingly Poisoning their Pets
According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the number one insurance claim by far for poisonings in 2007 was owner-induced; classified as "drug reactions" (3,455 claims). Most of these drug reaction poisonings were caused by pet owners giving their pets drugs intended for human use, such as over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. Learn about this dangerous practice of giving pets human medicines and 9 other top household toxins.
According to Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the number one insurance claim by far for poisonings in 2007 was owner-induced; classified as "drug reactions" (3,455 claims). Most of these drug reaction poisonings were caused by pet owners giving their pets drugs intended for human use, such as over-the-counter pain relievers like Tylenol or Advil. Learn about this dangerous practice of giving pets human medicines and 9 other top household toxins.
Protect Your Pets From Easter Holiday and Springtime Toxins and Hazards
Ah, spring. It is nice to have a little color after a long winter. Easter and springtime decorations (and edibles) liven the scenery, but also pose a potential hazard to pets. Who knew that plastic Easter grass could be dangerous? Spring is a great time to take an inventory of potential pet hazards. It's better than the alternative of spending time at the veterinary hospital. Here is are a few Quick Tips on what to watch for this spring.
Ah, spring. It is nice to have a little color after a long winter. Easter and springtime decorations (and edibles) liven the scenery, but also pose a potential hazard to pets. Who knew that plastic Easter grass could be dangerous? Spring is a great time to take an inventory of potential pet hazards. It's better than the alternative of spending time at the veterinary hospital. Here is are a few Quick Tips on what to watch for this spring.
Poisonous Holiday Plants
Bright ornamental plants are a great way to dress up the house during the holidays and a dreary winter. Pet owners should be aware however, that many of these common plants are poisonous to pets. Gastrointestinal upset is the most common finding, but if enough plant material is ingested, seizures, coma or death is possible. Read this Quick Tip to familiarize yourself with potential pet toxins.
Bright ornamental plants are a great way to dress up the house during the holidays and a dreary winter. Pet owners should be aware however, that many of these common plants are poisonous to pets. Gastrointestinal upset is the most common finding, but if enough plant material is ingested, seizures, coma or death is possible. Read this Quick Tip to familiarize yourself with potential pet toxins.
Candy and Food Gifts -- Prevent Pet Pilfering
Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic to pets, and knowledgeable pet owners would never think of giving their dog an entire box of chocolates to enjoy (and likely become sick). This Quick Tip is a reminder for special occasions and holidays where gifts abound - think twice before leaving gifts and curious pets unattended.
Most people are aware that chocolate is toxic to pets, and knowledgeable pet owners would never think of giving their dog an entire box of chocolates to enjoy (and likely become sick). This Quick Tip is a reminder for special occasions and holidays where gifts abound - think twice before leaving gifts and curious pets unattended.
Pet Food Recall Information & Timeline
This is the page to find information, news and a general timeline of the pet food recall events, as reported in the Veterinary Medicine blog since March 17, 2007.
This is the page to find information, news and a general timeline of the pet food recall events, as reported in the Veterinary Medicine blog since March 17, 2007.
Pet Food Recall -- Latest News Recap
The scope of the pet food recall continues to expand. Now consumers need to be aware of the growing number of human food recalls as well; namely pork and chicken meat known to be contaminated with melamine.
The scope of the pet food recall continues to expand. Now consumers need to be aware of the growing number of human food recalls as well; namely pork and chicken meat known to be contaminated with melamine.
Pet Food Recall Extended to Human Foods
The distinction between the pet foods and human foods being recalled is starting to blur. News of contaminated pork was released late last week from a small, private hog farm in California. Now the FDA has issued warnings for pork in 6 states as well as chicken meat. This article is a collection of the leading headlines regarding the contaminated wheat, corn and rice recalls -- for both pet and human food.
The distinction between the pet foods and human foods being recalled is starting to blur. News of contaminated pork was released late last week from a small, private hog farm in California. Now the FDA has issued warnings for pork in 6 states as well as chicken meat. This article is a collection of the leading headlines regarding the contaminated wheat, corn and rice recalls -- for both pet and human food.
Pet Food Recall: Melamine Found in Tainted Food
Melamine is known to many people as a type of dinnerware, the hard plastic material used to make colorful plates and trays for picnics and camping. Now, with recent headlines detailing the pet food recall, the public has learned another thing about melamine -- it is toxic when eaten.
Melamine is known to many people as a type of dinnerware, the hard plastic material used to make colorful plates and trays for picnics and camping. Now, with recent headlines detailing the pet food recall, the public has learned another thing about melamine -- it is toxic when eaten.
Common Household Poisons
The average home contains many possible poisons for pets and children. Properly storing and locking up hazardous items is the first step to preventing accidental poisonings. An additional thing to remember for pet owners is the ability of many pets to chew through child locking caps and "safe" containers.
The average home contains many possible poisons for pets and children. Properly storing and locking up hazardous items is the first step to preventing accidental poisonings. An additional thing to remember for pet owners is the ability of many pets to chew through child locking caps and "safe" containers.
Are grapes and raisins really poisonous to pets?
Originally thought to be an urban legend, it is now known that raisins and grapes are indeed toxic to dogs. The type of grape and the type of dog doesn't seem to matter, and the toxic amount may be a small serving to several ounces. Read this FAQ to learn what is known about this mystery toxin and to safeguard your pets from accidental posioning.
Originally thought to be an urban legend, it is now known that raisins and grapes are indeed toxic to dogs. The type of grape and the type of dog doesn't seem to matter, and the toxic amount may be a small serving to several ounces. Read this FAQ to learn what is known about this mystery toxin and to safeguard your pets from accidental posioning.
Common Sugar Substitute Xylitol Can Be Life-Threatening for Pets
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener found in many sugar free candies, chewing gums, baked goods and other products. In humans, ingestion of large quantities of xylitol may have a mild laxtive effect. In dogs, ingestion of even small amounts of xylitol can have potentially life-threatening effects. Read this Quick Tip to keep your pet safe.
Xylitol is a sugar-alcohol sweetener found in many sugar free candies, chewing gums, baked goods and other products. In humans, ingestion of large quantities of xylitol may have a mild laxtive effect. In dogs, ingestion of even small amounts of xylitol can have potentially life-threatening effects. Read this Quick Tip to keep your pet safe.
What should I do if I suspect a poisoning in my pet?
Poisons can be eaten, absorbed through the skin, and inhaled. Poisonings can mimic many things. Some poisons act immediately, some take days to appear, which can make diagnosis difficult. If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, time is of the essence! Please call your veterinarian immediately to avoid further injury/damage to your pet. These tips will help your veterinarian help your pet as quick as possible.
Poisons can be eaten, absorbed through the skin, and inhaled. Poisonings can mimic many things. Some poisons act immediately, some take days to appear, which can make diagnosis difficult. If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned, time is of the essence! Please call your veterinarian immediately to avoid further injury/damage to your pet. These tips will help your veterinarian help your pet as quick as possible.
Pet Poisoning Prevention Tips
Keep your pet safe by being aware of these common toxins around your house and yard. Pets are unpredictable - prevention is the key to a safe environment for pets (and children).
Keep your pet safe by being aware of these common toxins around your house and yard. Pets are unpredictable - prevention is the key to a safe environment for pets (and children).
What Makes Chocolate Toxic To Pets, And What Are The Signs Seen With Toxicity?
Chocolate is a popular treat all year round. Care must be taken when animals are around, though. Chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals. Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate, too.
Chocolate is a popular treat all year round. Care must be taken when animals are around, though. Chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals. Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate, too.
Veterinary Q & A: Poisonings in Pets
Veterinary Q & A about poison and pets. Learn the hazards, how to recognize possible signs of poisoning, and what to do to help your pet as quickly as possible when you suspect a toxin ingestion.
Veterinary Q & A about poison and pets. Learn the hazards, how to recognize possible signs of poisoning, and what to do to help your pet as quickly as possible when you suspect a toxin ingestion.
Veterinary Q & A - Poisoning in Pets
How to recognize potential poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and how to poison-proof for your pet.
How to recognize potential poisoning, what to do in an emergency, and how to poison-proof for your pet.
Adverse Drug Experience Reporting
A branch of the FDA where both veterinarians and owners can report adverse drug reactions and product failures.
A branch of the FDA where both veterinarians and owners can report adverse drug reactions and product failures.
(National) Animal Poison Control Center
Advice on how to prevent poisoning, and a hotline to call if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
Advice on how to prevent poisoning, and a hotline to call if you suspect your pet has been poisoned.
Animal Poison Hotline (APH)
APH is a 24 hour hotline available year round to pet owners, and pet caregivers who are concerned about their pet’s well being after ingesting an unknown or toxic substance.
APH is a 24 hour hotline available year round to pet owners, and pet caregivers who are concerned about their pet’s well being after ingesting an unknown or toxic substance.
Antifreeze and Other Winter Hazards
From your Guide. Protect your pet from winter hazards, including additional links to antifreeze toxicity information.
From your Guide. Protect your pet from winter hazards, including additional links to antifreeze toxicity information.
Antifreeze Poisoning
Diagnosis and treatment of antifreeze toxicity.
Diagnosis and treatment of antifreeze toxicity.
Chocolate Toxicity
From your About.com guide. Signs of toxicity, how to treat chocolate overdose.
From your About.com guide. Signs of toxicity, how to treat chocolate overdose.
Chocolate Toxicity
Easy-to-follow chart for types / amount of chocolate, and dog's weight to determine toxic amounts. In pounds and kilograms.
Easy-to-follow chart for types / amount of chocolate, and dog's weight to determine toxic amounts. In pounds and kilograms.
Chocolate Toxicity
From the AVMA -- chocolate and other readily available poisons.
From the AVMA -- chocolate and other readily available poisons.
A Pet Owner's Guide to Common Poisons
Excellent resource from the AVMA of common household poisons; including, but not limited to, plants, drugs, Teflon and chocolate.
Excellent resource from the AVMA of common household poisons; including, but not limited to, plants, drugs, Teflon and chocolate.
Dietary Toxicosis
From Equine Veterinary Network. Information on toxic conditions from waste oil, Vitamin A, Zinc, Fescue, Cadmium and more.
From Equine Veterinary Network. Information on toxic conditions from waste oil, Vitamin A, Zinc, Fescue, Cadmium and more.
Extension Toxicology Network
Five US universities working in a cooperative effort provide a searchable database for toxicology.
Five US universities working in a cooperative effort provide a searchable database for toxicology.
"The Facts About Febreze"
The facts and rumors about this household deodorizer that gained notoriety as potentially harmful to pets -- later found to be untrue by various experts.
The facts and rumors about this household deodorizer that gained notoriety as potentially harmful to pets -- later found to be untrue by various experts.
Febreze - Urban Myth?
David Emery, Urban Legends Guide at About.com, explores the information available on Febreze deodorizer.
David Emery, Urban Legends Guide at About.com, explores the information available on Febreze deodorizer.
Poisonous Plants
The plants and plant parts that are toxic, and what symptoms you can expect to find if the plant is eaten.
The plants and plant parts that are toxic, and what symptoms you can expect to find if the plant is eaten.
Ten Tips for a Poison Safe Household
Compiled by Jill A. Richardson, DVM, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist. From the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) website.
Compiled by Jill A. Richardson, DVM, Veterinary Poison Information Specialist. From the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) website.
Toxic Plants
Arranged by degree of toxicity, from Purdue University.
Arranged by degree of toxicity, from Purdue University.
Toxic plants from U. of Penn.
Where applicable, photos of the animal lesions that result from toxicity are featured.
Where applicable, photos of the animal lesions that result from toxicity are featured.
Warm Weather Toxic Hazards
As the weather improves and people spend more time outside however, the possibility of pets being poisoned increases.
As the weather improves and people spend more time outside however, the possibility of pets being poisoned increases.