<body><div>Editor’s note: The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a sponsor of Chambanamoms.com.*Crunch, crunch, crunch* “Has anyone seen Frankie?”“I thought he was with you.”“Frankie, no! I found him. He got into trail mix that has chocolate and raisins—and those can be toxic to dogs! What should we do now?”<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0OC9ol_0wFGcluz00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0OC9ol_0wFGcluz00" width="1000" height="523" ></figure>Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario. Exposure to or ingestion of toxins frequently prompts a visit to a veterinary clinic, including to University of Illinois urgent and convenient care service. In fact, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center reports helping over 400,000 animals in 2023 alone. Both dogs and cats are susceptible.Many toxic exposures are accidental, as in Frankie’s case. Other times, well-meaning pet owners unwittingly give their pet foods or medications not tolerated by pets.Below is a snapshot of the most common toxin exposures reported by the ASPCA:<ul><li>Over-the-counter medications – ibuprofen, acetaminophen (Tylenol), cold and flu medicines, vitamins and supplements</li><li>Human food and drinks – xylitol (sugar-free sweetener), grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic</li><li>Human prescription medications — heart medications, inhalers (frequently chewed by dogs), ADHD medications</li><li>Chocolate – most commonly occurs in dogs, as cats do not tend to eat enough to cause problems</li><li>Veterinary products – ingesting large doses of flavored chewable medications</li><li>Plants and fungi – a wide variety of these can cause problems in specific quantities</li><li>Household products – deoxidizers (packets included in soft treat bags) and batteries</li><li>Rodenticides – several varieties are on the market and all are toxic to pets</li><li>Insecticides – toxins meant to ward off pests can also attract pets</li><li>Recreational drugs – marijuana takes top place, but hallucinatory mushrooms are on the rise</li></ul>What are signs a pet may have ingested or been exposed to a toxin? Unfortunately, the possible effects of toxic exposure are as numerous as the lengthy list above. Common clinical signs (or “symptoms”) a pet may display include vomiting, diarrhea, poor appetite, and low energy level. Additionally, toxins can cause respiratory problems, such as coughing or trouble breathing, and changes in the brain, such as hyperactivity and seizures.If your pet becomes ill after exposure to a substance that may be toxic, call a veterinarian or go to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. While it can be difficult to know exactly what a pet ingested just by an examination, the information gathered during a full assessment will help determine the best next steps.If you know what your pet ingested or was exposed to, please call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) on your way to the veterinarian’s office. The information they can provide is invaluable, and they’ll work with the veterinarian to help your pet. There is a one-time fee for getting help through the ASPCA.What became of Frankie? Thankfully with his family’s prompt action and the appropriate care of an emergency veterinarian, he was able to make it through without any serious signs of toxicity. Follow-up blood panels done through the urgent and convenient care service confirmed he did not suffer any serious consequences from his “dietary indiscretion,” as we say in the veterinary world.We just hope Frankie has learned a valuable lesson: not to eat things he shouldn’t!</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

Veterinary Views: Frankie, My Dear, Toxins are Everywhere

Editor’s note: The University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital is a sponsor of Chambanamoms.com. “Frankie, no! I found him. He got into trail mix that has chocolate and raisins—and those can be toxic to dogs! What should we do now?”. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common scenario. Exposure to...