Poisoning in Dogs & Cats
Information on Sources, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Some Background Knowledge on Poisons
What are Poisons and how Do They Work?
Poisons are substances that have a harmful effect on organs or metabolic processes. They can become effective through contact with the body surface or by entering the body (e.g., ingestion, inhalation). Poisons can have varying degrees of potency and are classified as “Highly Toxic Substances”, “Toxic Substances”, and “Harmful Substances”.
- Highly toxic substances are substances that, even in very small quantities, lead to death or permanent health damage.
- “Toxic Substances” refers to poisons that, when ingested in small quantities (not very small quantities), lead to death or permanent damage.
- “Harmful Substances” refers to substances that do not lead to death, but to acute or permanent health damage.
Effects of Poisoning
Poisons cause various types of damage in the organism.
- They can primarily damage the liver → Hepatotoxins (e.g., Paracetamol),
- damage the kidneys → Nephrotoxins (e.g., heavy metals),
- damage the nerves and/or the brain → Neurotoxins (e.g., Botulinum toxin)
- or affect oxygen exchange in the body (e.g., carbon monoxide).
The effect of poisons is influenced by age, body weight, and general health status.
The effect of poisons is influenced by the amount of poison ingested (concentration poison), but can also accumulate due to increasing damage from repeated contact (cumulative poison).
Particularly Toxic Substances
Some particularly toxic substances that can also be relevant for dogs and cats are:
Botulinum Toxin
Botulinum toxin is the most toxic substance worldwide and is produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Poisoning with this toxin also plays a role in dogs and cats (→ Botulism disease).
Aflatoxin
Aflatoxins are produced by molds of the genus Aspergillus. They are present in mold spores and can be easily inhaled or found on or in moldy food. Specific aflatoxins cause liver and lung damage. They are among the most carcinogenic substances. They can also be relevant for dogs and cats if moldy feed or food scraps are fed.
Dimethylcadmium
Dimethylcadmium is an environmental toxin and exerts its effect through the heavy metal cadmium it contains. As an environmental toxin, it easily enters the food chain. It is particularly found in:
- Seafood,
- Offal,
- Wild mushrooms,
- Oilseeds,
- Wheat,
- Potatoes
Repeated intake of cadmium can lead to kidney failure and demineralization of bones (osteoporosis). In humans, it has been found that cadmium can also lead to increased cell aging, and thus to susceptibility to disease and lung cancer. In cases of acute poisoning, death usually occurs due to kidney failure.
What Symptoms Can Indicate Poisoning?
What Measures are Generally Appropriate in Cases of Poisoning?
What Potentially Toxic Substances and Plants are Found in our Animals' Environment?
Which Poison Control Centers Exist in German-Speaking Countries?
All Described Poisoning Sources and Toxins
Poisoning by Human Medicines
Poisoning by Food
Poisoning by Veterinary Products
Poisoning by Chemicals
Poisoning by Garden and Houseplants, Algae, and Fungi
Poisoning by Animal Toxins
Downloadable and Printable Content (PDF)
Would you like to download or print some information on possible poisoning sources as a PDF? No problem.
- At the end of each described poisoning, you have the option to download or print the information as a PDF.
You can also choose from pre-compiled packages. Diese sind:
- Poisonings, Part I: Introduction, Symptoms, and First Aid for Poisonings
- Poisonings, Part II: Poisons in the Living Environment of Our Dogs and Cats – Medications
- Poisonings, Part III: Poisons in the Living Environment of Our Dogs and Cats – Food
- Poisoning, Part IV: Poisons in the Environment of Our Dogs and Cats – Chemicals in the House and Garden
- Poisoning, Part V: Poisons in the Environment of Our Dogs and Cats – Toxic Garden and Houseplants, Algae, and Animal Toxins