CLEAN+GREEN

Here is #5 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Rodenticides (in common tongue rodent baits)

The three main types of rodenticides are those containing anticoagulants (warfarin, brodifacoum, diphacinone [also called diphenadione]), those ontaining bromethalin, and those containing cholecalciferol.

Anticoagulant rodenticides are probably the most commonly used rodenticides in the world. Ingesting an anticoagulant rodenticide can block vitamin K-dependent clotting factor synthesis by inhibiting the 2,3-epoxide reductase enzyme, which results in a coagulopathy three to five days after ingestion (possibly sooner in immature animals).

Ingesting a bromethalin-containing rodenticide may cause vacuolization and severe spongiosis of the white matter within the CNS and cerebral edema. Bromethalin ingestion can cause signs ranging from tremors and seizures (convulsant syndrome) to weakness and paralysis (paralytic syndrome). Convulsant syndrome usually occurs at doses of 2.3 mg/kg and higher. Paralytic syndrome is more likely when a dog ingests a lower dose.

Ingesting cholecalciferol-containing rodenticides can increase dogs’ serum calcium and phosphorus concentrations, potentially leading to acute renal failure and tissue mineralization.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Bottomline – Be careful when you set out rodent baits!  Your dog may take the bait instead of the intended mice and get sick!  If you think your dog has taken the bait, take him to his vet ASAP!

Simon and Quincy

Here is #4 of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Ant and Roach Baits

The product names may vary, and the containers may be referred to as chambers, discs, stations, systems, traps, baits, or trays, but most ant and  roach baits use an attractant (often peanut butter), a sweetening agent, and bread. And while these baits once contained compounds that are relatively highly toxic to mammals (e.g. arsenic trioxide, lead arsenate), the most common insecticides used in ant and roach baits today are boric acid, avermectin, fipronil, hydramethylnon, propoxur, and sulfluramid.

Because of the low concentration of the insecticide and the small size of the bait, serious toxicosis in mammalian pets ingesting the baits is not expected.   In many instances, the risk of foreign body obstruction from the plastic or metal part of the container is of greater concern than the active ingredients. Signs of ingestion are usually limited to mild GI upset and do not require specific treatment.

This information is from the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

So just be careful.  Dogs don’t know that these baits are not for them!  Make sure you don’t leave them around where your dogs can get at them.

Quincy and Simon

Here is 3# of 10 for the 10 Most Common Toxicoses in Dogs – Chocalate

Chocolate contains two types of methylxanthine, theobromine and caffeine, with their amounts varying depending on the type of  chocolate. For example, milk chocolate contains about 60 mg/oz methylxanthine, dark chocolate about 150 mg/oz, and baking chocolate about 450 mg/oz.

Clinical signs of chocolate ingestion range from GI upset to cardiovascular effects (e.g. tachycardia, hypertension or hypotension, arrhythmias) to CNS signs (e.g. agitation, pacing, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures). The toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, the size of the animal, and the animal’s sensitivity to methylxanthines. Mild stimulation such as hyperactivity, agitation, and restlessness may occur in dogs ingesting around 20 mg/kg methylxanthine. Cardiotoxicosis may occur in dogs ingesting 40 mg/kg, and dogs ingesting more than 60 mg/kg may exhibit severe CNS signs, such as tremors and seizures. GI signs such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur with any amount because of chocolate’s high fat and sugar content.

This information is from the the “Toxicology Brief” ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

So remember, chocolate may chase the blues away for humans, but its poisonous for dogs!

Simon and Quincy