Common Commercial & Household Toxins

This article is meant to discuss some of the more common toxic substances that can be found around one’s house.  It by no means is meant to be a complete list of every poisonous substance around the house.  If one is not sure something is toxic, you should call different poison control centers to find out.  A list of phone numbers can be found at the end of this article.

Organ Systems affected by toxins (symptoms are extremely variable depending on the type of toxin).   Toxins affecting the neurological system can cause:

• Excitation  (amphetamines, caffeine, lead, moonseed, nicotine, water hemlock)
• Depression and Coma (alcohols, pine oil disinfectants, antihistamines, barbiturates, lead, mercury and salicylates)
• Loss of Motor control (botulinum, buckeye, antifreeze, lead and nicotine)
• Behavioral Changes (lead, marijuana, morning glory, nutmeg and periwinkle)

Gastrointestinal Toxins can cause stomatitis and pharyngitis (acids, alkalis, drain cleaners, bleach, deodorants, fertilizers, petroleum detergents)

·        Salivation (ammonia, nicotine)
·        Dry Mouth (amphetamines, antihistamines)
·        Gastroenteritis (bismuth, detergents, soaps, bleach, sanitizers, lead, mercury, pine oil disinfectants, 
         mushrooms)

Blood Toxins can cause methemoglobin (acetaminophen)

·        Hemolysis (acetaminophen, copper, onions, turpentine)
·        Coagulapathies (aspirin, rat poison)

Cardiovascular Toxins can cause tachycardia (caffeine, nicotine)

• Bradycardia (digitalis, oleander)
• Direct damage to the heart (oleander)

Other toxins can affect the liver: acetaminophen, coal tar derivatives, petroleum. 
Kidneys: mushrooms, bismuth, anti freeze, mercury, petroleum, turpentine, volatile oils.
Lungs: ammonia, chlorine, gasoline, pine oil disinfectants, kerosene.
Eyes: mushrooms, nicotine, lead, mercury.

The above list is by no means meant to be a complete list of toxins or symptoms, but they are a list that people should be aware of.

More Info:

Grapes and raisins have now been shown to be toxic to dogs.  Some information suggests they may also be toxic to cats and ferrets, but there is no scientific data to confirm this.  The first symptom is vomiting up to 24 hours after digestion. Other symptoms that can occur up to several days after: diarrhea decreased appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain and decreased urine production. Treatment consists of decontamination (induce vomiting by activated charcoal), hospitalization, IV fluids, monitoring and possibly dialysis.

Xylitol is a 5 carbon sugar alcohol used as a sweetener in sugar-free gums, candies, toothpastes, mouth washes, baked goods. It has been proven to be toxic to dogs. Symptoms: vomiting, weakness, ataxia, seizures, decreased blood sugar.  Death is due to liver failure. Symptoms can occur as soon as 15 minutes after exposure and up to 12 hours after ingestion.  Treatment: decontamination by induction of vomiting, hospitalization, IV fluids and monitoring.

If you are in doubt of a substance being toxic, you can contact one of the following animal poison control centers:

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center:
1-888-426-4435
OR
Pet Poison Helpline:
1-800213-6680.

Article submitted by:     Dr. Mark Leinen, DVM
                                  Shenandoah Animal Hospital
                                  13600 St. Road 84, Davie (Shenandoah Square)     
                                  954-370-7245