Vet Corner: Hidden Dangers: Common Toxins for Pets and Livestock

Toxic exposures in animals happen more often than you’d think, and many come from everyday items around your home, pasture, or barn. Understanding what’s dangerous for dogs, cats, and livestock can help prevent emergencies, costly treatments, and even fatal outcomes. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common toxins we see in our mobile veterinary practice.

Toxins in Dogs and Cats

Many foods, plants, and household products that are harmless to people can be dangerous, even deadly, for pets.

Grapes and Raisins: Even small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs. The exact toxic component is still unknown, and sensitivity varies by individual.

Chocolate: Contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to pets. Dark chocolate is especially dangerous.

Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in gum, candy, peanut butter, and some baked goods. It causes a rapid insulin spike in dogs, leading to severe hypoglycemia and potential liver failure.

Marijuana: Ingestion (especially of edibles) can cause lethargy, tremors, vomiting, low heart rate, and, in severe cases, seizures or coma.

Prescription Medications: Painkillers, antidepressants, and ADHD medications are among the most commonly reported pet poisonings. Just one pill can be harmful.

Acetaminophen & Ibuprofen (Tylenol & Advil): Never give these human pain relievers to pets. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage and red blood cell destruction, especially in cats. Ibuprofen can lead to stomach ulcers and kidney failure.

Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats. Even licking pollen or drinking water from a vase can cause acute kidney failure.

Wild Mushrooms: Some mushrooms are highly toxic to pets, causing liver damage, seizures, or death. Identification is often difficult, so avoid letting pets forage.

Blue-Green Algae: Found in some lakes and ponds during warm months. Ingesting even a small amount can be fatal. Keep dogs from drinking or swimming in water with visible scum or discoloration.

Salmon Poisoning: Unique to the Pacific Northwest, dogs that eat raw or undercooked salmon (or trout) can potentially contract a potentially fatal infection called “Salmon Poisoning Disease”. Prompt treatment is highly effective, but early diagnosis is key.

Foreign Bodies: Dogs and cats often chew or ingest string, tampons, corn husks (such as from tamales), and corn cobs. These can cause life-threatening intestinal blockages that usually require surgery.

Toxins in Livestock

While livestock are less likely to get into household items, they’re often exposed to toxic plants or feeds, especially in pastures or barns.

Rhododendrons, Azaleas, and Laurels: Common ornamental plants that are highly toxic to goats, sheep, and cattle. Ingestion can cause salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and death.

Tansy Ragwort: Found in pastures across Oregon. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause irreversible liver damage.

Toxic Mushrooms: Livestock may ingest mushrooms while grazing. As with pets, these can cause organ failure.

Moldy or Spoiled Feed: Can cause mycotoxin poisoning, leading to neurologic issues, reproductive problems, or sudden death.

Chicken Feed: High-energy poultry feed is not safe for ruminants. If goats, sheep, or cows gain access to chicken feed or scratch, it can cause rumen acidosis or bloat, which can be fatal without intervention.

Grain Overload: If animals get into a grain bin or feed bag, they may overeat and develop acidosis or founder.

What You Can Do

• Store all medications, foods, and supplements in pet-proof containers.

• Supervise pets outdoors and prevent grazing animals from accessing ornamental plants.

• Inspect pastures for toxic weeds and mushrooms regularly.

• Keep grain bins locked and chicken coops secured from larger animals.

Contact us immediately if you suspect your pet or livestock has ingested something toxic.

Often in cats and dogs, vomiting can be induced which is the easiest and most effective form of treatment. Vomiting should occur within the first 1-2 hours after ingestion to prevent absorption.

At Northwest Mobile Vet, we offer emergency support to help keep your animals safe. If you ever have questions about possible toxins, don’t wait, reach out.