Pet Poison Prevention in Miami: What Every South Florida Pet Parent Needs to Know

By Destiny Goods, Veterinary Technician, Equipaws Pet Services

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month

What Is a Poison, and How Does It Affect Your Pet?

What are common poisons for house pets? Great question! First, let’s talk about what a “poison” is and how they work. Poisons are substances that are toxic and can cause harm or even death. They can be inhaled, ingested, or even absorbed through the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes. Poisons can be found in a variety of forms, like plants, medications, gases, and most common household cleaners. A few examples are:

• Bleach
• Antifreeze
• Drain cleaner
• Pain medication
• Some nail products

There are also the obvious types of poisons that affect pets and their parents, like toxic chemicals, poisonous plants, pesticides, alcohol, etc. However, pet parents tend to be surprised when they discover how many substances are toxic to their animals. This is largely due to the fact that they’re only harmful to pets but not their parents, so they often get overlooked. Pets like cats, dogs, rabbits, and birds can be affected negatively by everyday household items; we aren’t even always aware of just how many toxic substances are within reach. Food is a perfect example of this!

Foods That Are Toxic to Pets (Including One Sneaky Ingredient)

There are many delicious treats that we enjoy, and though they aren’t harmful to us, they can be deadly to our pets and lead to poisoning. That’s why you should try to avoid feeding your pet(s) human food; of course, that is easier said than done. It’s going to happen so at least do the research! There is studied and accredited information out there; be mindful when looking on the internet. Things like chocolate, grapes, caffeine, onions, garlic, macadamia nuts, and avocados are highly toxic to pets. Even just a small amount of any of these foods can be fatal.

Watch out for xylitol

Another ingredient to watch out for is xylitol! It can be found under other names like:

• Birch sugar
• Birch sap
• Birch bark extract
• Wood sugar
• Xylite
• E967
• Meso-xylitol
• Sucre de bouleau

Commonly found in sugar-free treats and gums, this tricky chemical can still be found in a wide variety of other products. Always check ingredients and ensure any food you are giving your pet is 100% safe for them. Pets love to work their magic to get us to share our food, but a simple act of love can turn into a bad situation. It can be tough, but don’t fall for the begging! And if you do, please make sure that the food item is not toxic. To be extra cautious, make sure these toxic treats are not in an accessible place for your pet(s). Sometimes the temptation is too great, even for the goodest of pups, and they end up eating something they shouldn’t.

Toxic Plants Every Miami Pet Parent Should Know

Another thing animals LOVE eating but mostly shouldn’t: plants. Don’t get me wrong, there are many harmless plants out there that cause little to no issue if ingested, except maybe an upset tummy. There are even some plants that pets enjoy, like cat grass or hay. But for all the safe plants and flowers available, there are just as many, if not more, deadly ones.

Lilies

One very common flower that is found in most bouquets and pieces, but exceptionally deadly to cats, is the lily. Just a single nibble of this flower can send a cat to the emergency room and potentially cause lifelong damage. This flower is also toxic to dogs, but not to the severity of cats, however.

Succulents

Succulents are also a common house plant, yet most people aren’t aware that a number of different ones are poisonous to pets, like the string of pearls and aloe vera. I wasn’t joking when I said toxic substances are everywhere.

Other common toxic plants in South Florida

•       Sago palm (extremely toxic- causes liver failure in dogs)
•       Oleander (found in many Miami landscaping projects)
•       Dieffenbachia (common houseplant)
•       Pothos
•       Peace lily

Miami note:  Many popular landscaping plants in our area- including oleander and sago palm- are highly toxic. If you have dogs who spend time in the yard, walk the perimeter and know what’s planted. Please get rid of the sago palm immediately!

Household items & other hazards

Food and plants aren’t the only things that can be poisonous; our homes are filled with endless miscellaneous toxic items. Things like our medications, cosmetic products, air fresheners, and essential oils can be problematic for our pet(s). Working in veterinary emergency rooms and ICUs, it was common to see pet parents give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate pain for the pet. Though well-intended, those items are highly toxic, resulting in accidental poisonings and requiring them to seek immediate medical attention.

The Bufo Toad: South Florida’s Most Underestimated Pet Emergency

This section matters most for Miami pet parents.  Bufo toad toxicity is one of the most common pet emergencies in South Florida, and one of the least talked about. If you live here and have a dog or cat, please read this carefully.

Here in South Florida, we see another common kind of poisoning, toad toxicities. This occurs when a pet, typically a dog, consumes some part of a Bufo toad, a.k.a. marine toad. A single lick of this toad’s outer toxic substance can send a dog or cat to the emergency room. The longer the exposure, the more severe the poisoning. This is one of the reasons we recommend dogs NEVER be left outdoors alone in Miami. Bufo toads are everywhere! Read more about Bufo toads here.

How exposure to Bufo toads happens

•       Mouthing or licking the toad
•       Picking the toad up in their mouth
•       Eating a toad entirely
•       Even sniffing very close contact in some cases

Signs of Bufo toad poisoning in dogs and cats

•       Excessive drooling or foaming at the mouth
•       Pawing at the mouth or face
•       Red or pale gums
•       Disorientation or wobbling
•       Seizures (in severe cases)
•       Collapse

What to do immediately if you suspect Bufo toad poisoning

If you suspect your pet has encountered a bufo toad, act immediately; do not wait to see if symptoms worsen.

•       Rinse the mouth thoroughly with water for 10 minutes, wiping from side to side (not down the throat)
•       Call your emergency vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435
•       Get to an emergency vet as quickly as possible

 

The severity of pet poisoning depends on the size of your pet and the amount of exposure. Smaller dogs are at greater risk. The larger the exposure, the more urgent the situation. With fast treatment, most pets survive — but time matters.

Bufo toads are most active at dusk and dawn, and after rain. Walk your yard before letting your dog out at night, especially in summer. These are just a couple of examples. The list of accessible items in and out of your home that are toxic is vast.

 

Medications, Household Products, and Other Hidden Hazards

Beyond food and plants, our homes are full of substances that can harm our pets. A few that I saw repeatedly in the emergency room:

Medications that are dangerous to pets

Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) are among the most common causes of accidental pet poisoning. I understand why — when your pet is in pain, you want to help. But these medications are highly toxic to dogs and especially to cats, even in small doses. Never give human pain medication to a pet without explicit veterinary guidance.

Other household hazards

•       Essential oils (especially tea tree, eucalyptus, and citrus — toxic to cats)
•       Air fresheners and plug-in diffusers
•       Cosmetics and nail products
•       Bleach and drain cleaners
•       Antifreeze (has a sweet taste that attracts pets)
•       Batteries
•       Vape fluid (contains nicotine — extremely toxic)
•       Mushrooms (certain wild species in the yard)
•       Palm seeds
•       Slug and snail pellets
•       Weed killers and pesticides
•       Minoxidil

Take action this poison prevention month

We really aren’t aware of just how many toxic substances are within our pets’ reach. Plus, poisons aren’t a “one shoe fits all” kind of deal. With March being Poison Prevention Awareness Month, it’s the perfect time to educate ourselves and others. Take inventory of your home and what your pets have access to.

As a former emergency veterinary technician, I saw a large number of accidental poisonings and not always from a lack of awareness of poisons. Instead, a strong belief that their pet “would never get into that” or “they never eat things they aren’t supposed to”. It’s an unfortunate situation when pets decide to prove their parents otherwise. Luckily, with immediate emergency care, most pets end up surviving. But why take that risk to begin with? Just like when you have a new baby, you have to pet-proof your home. Take the time to look around, rearrange, organize, and maybe put a ban on lilies from entering your home.