Common Toxins

Please find below a list of poisonous substances requiring immediate Veterinary attention.

NB: Ingestion of many of these toxins have a favourable outcome provided immediate treatment is sought. It is also worth noting that symptoms may not always be apparent until potentially life threatening damage has occurred so please seek medical attention as soon as you notice the substance may have been ingested.

RED = Highly toxic
AMBER = Moderately toxic
GREEN = Mildly toxic

PARACETAMOL: (Dogs & cats). Signs may include: Vomiting, fast heart rate, fast breathing, lethargy, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face and paws.

IBUPROFEN: (Dogs & cats). Signs may include: Vomiting (with or without blood), diarrhoea, incoordination, lethargy, difficulty breathing, abdominal tenderness, kidney failure, seizures.

CHOCOLATE: (Dogs). Signs may include: Vomiting, abdominal tenderness, excitability, high blood pressure, increased salivation, increased drinking, increased urination, abnormal heart rhythm, kidney failure.

GRAPES: including raisins, currants, sultanas and products containing these fruits such as fruit cake, mince pies and Christmas pudding: (Dogs). Signs may include: Vomiting, diarrhoea, increased salivation, bloody stools, lethargy, kidney failure, pancreatitis (a very painful condition in which the pancreas becomes inflamed).

PERMETHRIN: (Cats). This is highly toxic and often fatal to cats. It is a product found in some flea products for dogs, therefore you should NEVER use a product meant for your dog on your cat. Signs include: Vomiting, increased salivation, in-coordination, dilated pupils, fast heart rate, fast breathing or difficulty breathing, muscle tremors, convulsions.

RAT POISON: (Dogs & Cats). Signs may include: Bruising, lameness, internal bleeding, breathing difficulty, hypovolaemic shock, pale mucous membranes.

ANTIFREEZE: (Dogs & Cats). Signs may include: Vomiting, lethargy, kidney failure, convulsions, increased heart rate, wobbly on legs, coma.

LILLIES: (Cats). Signs include: Vomiting, depression, inappetance, kidney failure, increased drinking, increased urination, pancreatitis, convulsions.

SLUG PELLETS (Metaldehyde): (Dogs & Cats). Signs may include: Convulsions, breathing difficulties, muscle spasms/twitching, fast heart rate, fast breathing.

RHODODENDRON: (Dogs). Signs include: Vomiting, diarrhoea, inappetance, increased salivation, abdominal tenderness, trembling, staggering, lethargy, slow breathing.
