Has My Pet Been Poisoned? Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

It's every pet parent’s worst nightmare. Your beloved furbaby has gotten into something it shouldn’t have and is showing signs of distress. No matter how careful you are, pet poisoning can happen in an instant. For example, a playful pup can chew on a toxic houseplant, a curious cat lap up spilled cleaning products, or a wandering dog inadvertently swallow rat poison. While some poisoning situations present obvious symptoms, others can be subtle, making it crucial that you remain vigilant.

Early recognition is imperative and could mean the difference between a close call and a tragic outcome. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or a first-timer, this article will give you the information you need to make informed decisions and act quickly. By understanding the signs, you'll be better equipped to get your four-legged friend the help they need in an emergency.

Cats and dogs can display similar symptoms when they've ingested a poisonous substance, but certain key differences exist. What’s more, cats tend to be more sensitive to certain toxins compared to dogs. For example, cats are particularly prone to toxicity from permethrin (found in some dog flea/tick products), lilies, and antifreeze.

The timing of symptoms can also differ. Dogs often show signs within a few hours of ingesting something, while cats may not exhibit symptoms for 12 – 24 hours or longer, depending on the substance.

So while the general symptoms are similar in both canines and felines, there can be nuances in how dogs and cats physically react. That said, both species need close monitoring and immediate veterinary care if you suspect a poisonous substance is to blame for your pet’s symptoms.

Of course, not every bout of vomiting or diarrhea means your pet has swallowed something dangerous. (Sometimes an upset tummy is just an upset tummy.) But if they do present with several of the symptoms listed below, there’s a good chance something more serious is happening.

Shared Symptoms:

• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Lethargy and weakness
• Trouble breathing
• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Abnormal behavior (agitation, disorientation)

Symptoms More Common in Dogs:

• Seizures
• Abdominal pain
• Pale gums or tongue (anemia)

Symptoms More Common in Cats:

• Loss of appetite
• Depression or hiding
• Rapid breathing or panting
• Drinking and urinating more frequently (kidney problems)
• Dilated pupils

Common Cat Poisons:

• Acetaminophen: Painkillers, such as Tylenol can cause severe liver damage.
• Lilies: Ingesting even a small amount of these elegant blooms can lead to kidney failure.
• Ethylene glycol: Antifreeze is extremely toxic to cats and can cause death.
• Dog flea treatments: Some dog flea treatments contain Permethrin, which is poisonous to cats.
• Metaldehyde: Found in slug and snail baits or pellets and harmful to cats.

Common Dog Poisons:

• Medications for humans: Ibuprofen, antidepressants, ADD/ADHD and anti-cancer drugs can be dangerous for dogs.
• Insecticides/rodenticides: Compounds used to kill bugs and rodents can kill your dog as well.
• Household cleaners: Bleaches, detergents, disinfectants, drain cleaners, and anything else that would harm you or your child if ingested can hurt your pet too.
• People foods: This includes, but isn’t limited to: chocolate, xylitol, onions, garlic, grapes/raisins, and alcohol.
• Certain plants: Sago palms, tulips, azaleas, rhododendrons, and oleander are some of the natural world’s bounty that can poison your pooch.
• Glow products: Items like glow sticks contain dibutyl phthalate, which can be toxic.

The amount of toxin or poison ingested will determine whether your pet will suffer only a gastrointestinal upset or something more serious. But if you’re not sure, it’s best to err on the side of caution and call your vet or the animal poison control hotline right away.