Harts Run Veterinary Hospital
728 Dorseyville Road
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
(412) 963-8889
| FAX: (412) 963-6799 |
| Office Hours M-T-Th-F 8:30 AM to 7:30 PM Wednesday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM Saturday 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM |
| ASPCA Dispels Common Misconceptions Related to Poisons |
MYTH: If eaten, poinsettias are deadly.
FACT: Poinsettia ingestions typically induce only mild to moderate irritation in the
gastrointestinal tract of pets. Keeping the plant out of reach to avoid stomach upset is a good
idea, but pet owners don't need to banish poinsettias from their homes for fear of a fatal
exposure.
FACT: Poinsettia ingestions typically induce only mild to moderate irritation in the
gastrointestinal tract of pets. Keeping the plant out of reach to avoid stomach upset is a good
idea, but pet owners don't need to banish poinsettias from their homes for fear of a fatal
exposure.
Data from March 1, 2007 JAVMA Vol 230, No. 5 News
MYTH: Swiffer WetJets contain an ingredient similar to antifreeze and causes liver failure in
dogs.
FACT: When used according to label directions, the ingredients in Swiffer WetJets are safe
around pets and will not cause liver damage at product concentrations. Despite a
similar-sounding name, the propylene glycol n-butyl ether or propylene glycol n-propyl ether
found in Swiffer differs substantially from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient
present in most antifreeze products, which can cause kidney, not liver, failure.
dogs.
FACT: When used according to label directions, the ingredients in Swiffer WetJets are safe
around pets and will not cause liver damage at product concentrations. Despite a
similar-sounding name, the propylene glycol n-butyl ether or propylene glycol n-propyl ether
found in Swiffer differs substantially from ethylene glycol, the potentially toxic ingredient
present in most antifreeze products, which can cause kidney, not liver, failure.
MYTH: Salt can be used to induce vomiting.
FACT: It was once believed that giving pets a spoonful of salt was an effective means of
making them regurgitate potentially harmful substances. However, salt is not a reliable emetic
and could actually lead to a sodium ion poisoning if too much is ingested.
FACT: It was once believed that giving pets a spoonful of salt was an effective means of
making them regurgitate potentially harmful substances. However, salt is not a reliable emetic
and could actually lead to a sodium ion poisoning if too much is ingested.
FACT: Macadamia nuts cause dogs to lose the use of their hind limbs! Dogs that consume
roughly one gram of macadamia nuts or more per pound of body weight can develop
lethargy, vomit or suffer from an increased body temperature, progressing to loss of
coordination, tremors, and profound weakness primarily in the hind limbs. So far, dogs are
the only species known to experience these effects. Usually these clinical effects resolve
completely in 24 to 48 hours with minimal management.
roughly one gram of macadamia nuts or more per pound of body weight can develop
lethargy, vomit or suffer from an increased body temperature, progressing to loss of
coordination, tremors, and profound weakness primarily in the hind limbs. So far, dogs are
the only species known to experience these effects. Usually these clinical effects resolve
completely in 24 to 48 hours with minimal management.
MYTH: Greenies pet treats are deadly to dogs, causing intestinal blockage when
swallowed.
FACT: Although the safety of Greenies remains controversial, the ASPCA reported that
Greenies do not pose a higher risk for gastrointestinal tract obstruction compared with other
edible chew products.
swallowed.
FACT: Although the safety of Greenies remains controversial, the ASPCA reported that
Greenies do not pose a higher risk for gastrointestinal tract obstruction compared with other
edible chew products.
FACT: Pennies are poisonous if ingested! US pennies minted after 1982 contain 99.2%
zinc (and 0.8% copper) by weight. Although an essential trace nutrient, zinc is a concern
because ingestions of substantial amounts can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, red blood
cells and gastrointestinal tract. As a reslut of the high zinc content, pennies minted after
1982 are considered to be potentially toxic if swallowed
zinc (and 0.8% copper) by weight. Although an essential trace nutrient, zinc is a concern
because ingestions of substantial amounts can cause damage to the kidneys, liver, red blood
cells and gastrointestinal tract. As a reslut of the high zinc content, pennies minted after
1982 are considered to be potentially toxic if swallowed