Three Unusual Household Toxins

Three Unusual Household Toxins

            Most of us know that things like chocolate and antifreeze are toxic to our pets.  But, there are some more unusual household items that we may not realize could be harmful to our pets. We detail 3 less common toxins in this week’s blog.

•  Cooling pads and headache wraps:  while often listed as non-toxic, the cooling beads found in certain cold packs and neck wraps marketed for migraine relief may contain a chemical called acrylamide that is proving to be toxic when ingested.  Acrylamide can cause vomiting, but it can also lead to more serious side effects like
• muscle tremors, unsteady gait, sensitivity to sound or touch and an increase in heart rate. Seizures and deaths have also been reported. Do not use such cooling pads on pets and make sure that any cooling pads or wraps are kept out of their reach. If you suspect your pet has chewed on or ingested any hydrogel cooling beads, call a pet poison control line and seek veterinary assistance.
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• Dryer sheets:  Seemingly innocuous dryer sheets can actually pose a risk to dogs or cats if ingested. The fabric softeners in most dryer sheets are cationic detergents which can be caustic and often cause chemical burns to the mouth, tongue and throat and even the esophagus and stomach.  The fibers of the sheets themselves can also cause a blockage in the intestines depending on the size of the dog and the number of sheets ingested.  Symptoms of detergent toxicity can include, drooling, gulping or difficulty swallowing, vomiting, pan and fever.  Affected pets may also develop respiratory issues and kidney failure.  If you know your pet has been in contact with or has licked or ingested dryer sheets, contact poison control and get your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible.  You may be instructed to give milk or ice cream to reduce damage caused by the detergents.  Prevent access to dryer sheets by properly disposing of used sheets and storing boxes of fabric softener sheets in a secure location such as a locked cabinet or plastic bin with a lid.
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• Asthma Inhalers: While it’s true that cats with asthma may use an inhaler to control symptoms, if a dog or, less likely a cat, bites into and punctures an asthma inhaler, a large amount of drug can be inhaled or ingested at one time leading to serious consequences.  Albuterol rescue inhalers pose a higher risk than steroid based inhalers and can cause tremors, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and low potassium levels in the blood. Drugs to reduce heart rate and blood pressure, IV fluids and monitoring of potassium levels is necessary to treat affected pets. Keep inhalers out of reach of pets to prevent accidental puncture of the inhaler.
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• As you can see, common household items can sometimes pose a risk to our pets.  Use caution with cold packs, fabric softener dryer sheets and asthma inhalers and keep these items out of reach of pets.  Remember, if your pet has been exposed to or ingested something toxic, call pet poison control immediately for assistance. Pet poison control services provide the most up to date information on how to treat affected pets and can rapidly calculate toxic doses and antidotes if available.  This information is invaluable in aiding your veterinarian or emergency hospital with providing swift and proper treatment for your pet.
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• 2 options:
• ASPCA Poison Control at 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline 855-764-7661
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• This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.

https://www.medvet.com/15-surprising-pet-poisons/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/dog-ate-dryer-sheet/

https://www.aspca.org/news/new-warning-pet-parents-possible-danger-cooling-pet-beds-and-headache-wraps