AUTUMN DANGERS FOR PETS
With dazzling colors on the trees and harvest festivals abounding,
many people love the autumn season. But, with many holidays and
cooling temperatures, the fall could contain some potential dangers to
pets.
Of course, many foods served at this time of year cause some of the
biggest problems. Chocolate in the candy bags and fatty table foods
served at the Thanksgiving table generate many frantic calls to
veterinarians and emergency room visits.
Even some desserts, like those sweetened with Xylitol, can be
dangerous to your pets. When in doubt, don’t feed food from the table
to your pets.Rodenticides, or mouse and rat poisons, are another problem as we
start winterizing garages, cabins, or even our homes. There are four
different types of poison and each has the potential to kill your pet.
Long acting anticoagulants are a very well known and widely used
rodenticide. These products cause internal bleeding and signs may not
be seen for 2-5 days. Thankfully, vitamin K1 is an effective antidote
and is helpful when pets are taken to the veterinarian immediately.
Cholecalciferol is a rodenticide based on Vitamin D3. This product
increases blood levels of calcium, causing damage to the kidneys.
There is no antidote for this poison.
Bromethalin also has no antidote and will result in brain swelling.
Pets who ingest toxic amounts will act “drunk” and potentially have a
seizure.
Finally, phosphides are used for gopher/mole poison and result in
severe bloating. The “gummy worm” poison causes phosphine gas in the
stomach. This poison can also affect you if you breath the gas after
your pet vomits.
Many wild mushrooms start to grow at this time of year. It is very
difficult to identify wild mushrooms, so treat any exposure to
mushrooms as a potential emergency.
Your compost pile in your backyard is also dangerous to your pet.
The decomposing organic material could contain mycotoxins that can
cause hyperthermia, agitation, excessive panting or drooling and even
seizures.
And, even though most people are aware of the dangers of
antifreeze, thousands of pets are seen for antifreeze toxicity each
year. Small amounts can be deadly to pets as clinical signs are not
always apparent and may go unnoticed by the owners until too late.
Ask your veterinarian about specific concerns in your area as fall
arrives. He or she can help you become educated about common
household toxins or outdoor dangers. If you have any questions - please call Dr. Borgman at 407-330-7387.