Cleaning Products
Poisoning by cleaning products represents one of the most common toxicological emergencies in small animal practice. Almost all cleaning products used in the household can be potentially toxic to dogs and cats, with toxicity varying greatly depending on the type of cleaning product, the amount ingested, and the time of veterinary intervention. Cleaning products comprise a heterogeneous group of chemical substances found in various household cleaners such as floor cleaners, toilet cleaners, glass cleaners, laundry detergents, and dishwashing detergents. Even products labeled as “natural” or “eco-friendly” can lead to significant poisoning symptoms in pets. Cats are particularly at risk due to their intensive grooming behavior, which allows them to ingest cleaning product residues from their fur. Dogs, on the other hand, are more frequently affected by direct ingestion of cleaning products or by chewing on cleaning product bottles.
The most important facts at a glance
Cleaning product poisonings represent a common and potentially life-threatening emergency situation in small animal practice. The multitude of chemical compounds in common household cleaning products can lead to a wide range of symptoms in dogs and cats, from local irritations to severe systemic reactions. Cats are particularly at risk due to their intensive grooming behavior, while dogs are more frequently affected by direct ingestion of cleaning products.
Clinical signs vary depending on the type of cleaning product, route of exposure, and amount ingested. They range from mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, and diarrhea to respiratory distress, neurological symptoms, and organ failure in severe poisonings. Diagnosis is primarily based on anamnesis, clinical symptoms, and evidence of exposure to cleaning products.
Treatment includes decontamination, prevention of further absorption, and symptomatic support. Special caution is required with corrosive substances, as inducing vomiting is contraindicated. Fluid therapy, pain management, and organ support form the cornerstones of treatment.
The prognosis is good for mild poisonings and timely treatment, while severe poisonings with corrosive substances can lead to long-term complications or death. Preventive measures such as safe storage of cleaning products, the use of pet-friendly alternatives, and keeping pets away from freshly cleaned surfaces are crucial to prevent poisonings.
Causes, development and progression
Almost all cleaning products used in the household are potentially toxic to our dogs and cats.
Household cleaners are one of the most common sources of poisoning in cats. They are particularly at risk due to their intensive grooming habits.
Even those labeled as “green” or “natural” can lead to poisoning symptoms. The dose is crucial.
Many substances cause irritation and erosion of the skin and respiratory tract, as well as chemical burns and bleeding of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract.
On the other hand, most cleaning products can be considered safe for our animals if used correctly and handled carefully.
Some tips on this can be found under the heading “Prophylaxis” (see below).
Cleaning products represent a very heterogeneous group of substances. It is not possible to list all substances potentially toxic to dogs and cats.
Some important ingredients of cleaning products are listed as examples.
These are:
- Chlorine
- Ammonia
- Glycol ethers
- Formaldehydes
- Phthalates
- Surfactants.
Poisoning by cleaning products can occur in various ways. The most common routes of exposure are:
Oral ingestion is the most common route of exposure when animals drink directly from open containers, lick cleaning product residues, or lick freshly cleaned surfaces. Particularly concentrated products such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners pose a high risk of severe chemical burns. Modern products like laundry detergent pods are especially attractive to pets due to their soft consistency and colorful appearance, and biting into them can lead to severe poisoning.
Dermal exposure occurs when cleaning products get on the animal’s fur or skin, which is particularly problematic for cats, who then groom themselves and ingest the substances orally. Inhalation of vapors, especially from chlorine- or ammonia-based products, can also lead to respiratory irritation.
Particularly toxic ingredients in cleaning products include:
- Chlorine (in the form of hypochlorite) in bleaches, toilet cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners
- Ammonia in glass cleaners and strong all-purpose cleaners
- Phenols in disinfectants (especially toxic to cats)
- Cationic surfactants in fabric softeners and disinfectants
- Acids and alkalis in drain cleaners and descalers
- Glycol ethers in glass cleaners and floor cleaners
- Formaldehydes in some disinfectants
- Phthalates as fragrance carriers
The toxicity of these substances varies considerably, with highly corrosive products such as drain cleaners and concentrated bleaches capable of causing life-threatening damage even in small quantities.
Mechanism of action
Chlorine in the form of hypochlorite is a main component in bleaches. It is also found in many cleaning products such as laundry detergents, dishwashing detergents, toilet cleaners, pool cleaners, and all-purpose cleaners.
Chlorine reacts with the water in the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract and respiratory tract to form acids (hypochlorous acid or hydrochloric acid). Both acids are highly toxic.
The toxic effects depend heavily on the type of cleaning product, the chemical substances contained, the concentration, and the amount ingested. Cleaning products often contain surfactants, alcohols, bleaches, acids, bases, disinfectants, or solvents, each of which has different toxicological mechanisms of action.
1. Types of Cleaning Products and Toxicologically Relevant Ingredients
| Type of cleaning product | Typical toxic ingredients |
|---|---|
| All-purpose cleaner, dish soap | Anionic and non-ionic surfactants |
| Toilet/bathroom cleaner | Acids (e.g., hydrochloric acid, citric acid), fragrances |
| Drain cleaner | Strong alkalis (e.g., sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide) |
| Disinfectants | Quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), alcohols, phenols |
| Glass/surface cleaner | Isopropanol, ethanol, ammonia |
| Bleach | Sodium hypochlorite (chlorine-based), hydrogen peroxide |
| Fabric softener | Cationic surfactants |
2. Routes of Exposure in Dogs and Cats
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Oral: Licking spilled liquids, contaminated paws or fur
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Dermal: Skin absorption (rare, but possible with concentrated products)
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Inhalative: Inhalation of sprays, vapors (e.g., from chlorine cleaners or ammonia)
3. Mechanisms of Action by Substance Group
A) Surfactants (Anionic, Cationic, Non-Ionic)
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Destruction of cell membranes through their detergent (emulsifying) action
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Cell lysis of mucous membrane cells in the mouth, esophagus, stomach
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Irritation of skin and eyes (especially cationic surfactants)
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In higher doses: Vasodilation, circulatory collapse, respiratory distress
B) Alkaline Substances (Lyes, E.G., Drain Cleaner)
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Liquefactive coagulation necrosis (“liquefaction necrosis”)
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Deeply penetrating destruction of mucous membrane and tissue through hydrolysis of fats (saponification)
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Severe chemical burns in the mouth, esophagus, stomach → risk of perforations
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Possible late consequence: Esophageal strictures
C) Acidic Substances (E.G., Toilet Cleaner)
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Coagulation necrosis due to denaturation of cell proteins
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More superficially limited, but painful lesions
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Mucous membrane irritation, vomiting, hypersalivation
D) Sodium Hypochlorite (Chlorine-Containing Cleaners)
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Reacts with stomach acid → formation of chlorine and chlorine gas → inhalation toxicity
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Oxidative stress, cell damage
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Respiratory tract irritation, bronchospasm, possibly pulmonary edema
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Danger when mixed (e.g., with acids → chlorine release!)
E) Quaternary Ammonium Compounds (QACs, E.G., Benzalkonium Chloride)
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Strongly cell membrane damaging
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Neurotoxic in high doses → tremor, muscle twitching, seizures
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Severe oral ulcerations, esophagitis
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Late effects: Esophageal strictures, swallowing difficulties
F) Alcohols (E.G., Ethanol, Isopropanol)
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CNS depressant, hepatotoxic
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Mucous membrane irritant
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In high doses → ataxia, vomiting, hypothermia, respiratory depression
4. Species-specific Characteristics
Cat:
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Very sensitive to QACs and phenols (e.g., disinfectant cleaners with “-sol”)
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Often licks contaminated surfaces or paws → even small amounts ingested orally can be toxic
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Low glucuronidation capacity → prolonged half-lives of toxic substances
Dog:
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Ingests larger quantities due to curiosity or drinking from puddles
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Often affected by drinking from toilets with cleaner tabs or sink drains
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Inhalative reactions to chlorine or ammonia cleaners possible
5. Summary of Mechanisms of Action
| Substance group | Target structure | Toxic mechanism | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surfactants | Mucous membrane, skin, cell membranes | Detergent effect, cell lysis | Mucous membrane lesions, ulcers, circulatory symptoms |
| Alkalis | Esophagus, stomach, skin | Liquefaction necrosis, fat saponification | Perforation, necrosis, scarring |
| Acids | Mucous membrane, skin | Coagulation necrosis | Pain, ulcers, salivation |
| Hypochlorite | Respiratory tract, mucous membrane, cells | Formation of chlorine gas, oxidative stress | Respiratory distress, coughing, bronchospasm |
| QACs | CNS, mucous membrane, cell membranes | Cell membrane damage, enzyme inhibition | Salivation, seizures, swallowing difficulties |
| Alcohols | CNS, liver | CNS depression, liver cell damage | Vomiting, ataxia, CNS depression |
Conclusion
Poisoning with cleaning products in dogs and cats is complex due to the variety of toxic substances. The mechanisms of action range from direct cell membrane damage and chemical burns to systemic neurotoxicity. Cats are particularly at risk from QACs and phenols, while dogs are more often affected by alkaline or chlorine-containing agents. Since many cleaning products are highly irritating or corrosive, immediate measures (e.g., flushing, symptomatic therapy) are required. The prognosis depends heavily on the active ingredient, the dose, and the speed of veterinary intervention.
Symptoms of intoxication
Hypochlorite leads to different reactions depending on the concentration and the location of contact.
External contact (skin, eyes):
- Irritation / chemical burns of the skin
- Tearing
- Eyelid edema
- Corneal opacity
- Corneal ulcer
Respiratory tract (inhalation):
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Irritation of the respiratory tract
- Fluid accumulation in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
Oral ingestion:
- Irritation / chemical burns of the oral mucous membrane
- Irritation / chemical burns of the esophagus
- Irritation / chemical burns of the stomach
- Irritation / chemical burns of the intestine
- Vomiting
- Drooling (hypersalivation)
- Diarrhea.
- Depression
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
The clinical signs of cleaning product poisoning vary depending on the type of cleaning product, the route of exposure, and the amount ingested. Symptoms can appear within minutes to hours after exposure.
In cases of oral ingestion of corrosive cleaning products, animals often show immediate signs of pain in the mouth area, increased salivation (hypersalivation), retching, and vomiting, with the vomit sometimes being bloody. The affected mucous membranes in the mouth appear reddened, swollen, or show whitish discoloration and ulcerations. With progressive poisoning, lethargy, loss of appetite (anorexia), difficulty swallowing, abdominal pain, and bloody diarrhea may occur.
In cases of skin contact with corrosive substances, redness, swelling, skin irritation, and in severe cases, chemical burns can be observed. Animals often show restlessness, lick or bite at the affected areas, and try to remove the irritating substance.
Eye contact leads to tearing, eyelid spasms (blepharospasm), conjunctivitis, corneal opacities, and in severe cases, corneal ulcers.
Inhalation of vapors leads to respiratory irritation with symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, increased respiratory rate, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), and in severe cases, the development of pulmonary edema with foamy nasal discharge and bluish discoloration of the mucous membranes (cyanosis).
In cases of systemic absorption of toxic substances, neurological symptoms such as tremors, coordination disorders (ataxia), seizures, and impaired consciousness may also occur. Severe poisoning can lead to organ damage, particularly to the liver and kidneys, which can manifest as jaundice (icterus), increased urine volume (polyuria), or decreased urine production (oliguria).
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of cleaning product poisoning is primarily based on the anamnesis, clinical symptoms, and evidence of exposure. A thorough questioning of the pet owner is crucial to obtain information about the specific cleaning product, the estimated amount ingested, and the time of exposure. If possible, the original packaging of the cleaning product should be brought to the veterinarian, as the ingredients are important for the treatment strategy.
The clinical examination includes a thorough inspection of the oral cavity, skin, and eyes for signs of corrosive injuries or irritation. Vital parameters such as heart rate, respiratory rate, body temperature, and mucous membrane color are checked to assess the severity of the poisoning.
Laboratory tests are important to assess systemic effects. A complete blood count can provide indications of inflammation or dehydration. Blood chemical analyses help assess liver and kidney function, which can be impaired by certain cleaning products. Electrolyte determinations can detect disturbances in the acid-base balance, especially in cases of poisoning with highly acidic or alkaline products.
In cases of suspected lung involvement, chest X-rays can be helpful to diagnose pulmonary edema or chemical pneumonitis. If corrosive injuries in the gastrointestinal tract are suspected, endoscopy may be considered to assess the extent of the damage.
Toxicological analyses can be performed in specialized laboratories to detect specific toxins, but this is often not possible in a timely manner in practice and is usually not necessary for acute treatment.
Differential diagnoses include other poisonings (e.g., by pesticides, medications), foreign body ingestion, acute infectious gastroenteritis, and primary respiratory diseases.
Therapeutic principles
There is no specific antidote.
Decontamination is of great importance.
In case of external contact, the affected areas of the animals should be rinsed, showered, or bathed with water for a long time.
Eyes should also be rinsed with plenty of water for at least 15 minutes.
Vomiting should not be induced; instead, the animals should drink as much water as possible to dilute the acid in the gastrointestinal tract.
Further therapy is symptomatic and depends on the existing and anticipated disturbances.
The treatment of cleaning product poisoning requires a rapid and targeted approach aimed at decontamination, preventing further absorption, and providing symptomatic support. The specific measures depend on the type of cleaning product, the route of exposure, and the severity of the symptoms.
In cases of external contact, immediate decontamination is crucial. The affected fur and skin should be thoroughly rinsed with lukewarm water and mild soap to remove the chemicals. In case of eye contact, the eyes must be flushed with plenty of saline solution or clean water for at least 15-20 minutes. An ophthalmological examination should then be performed to assess the extent of the damage.
In cases of oral ingestion, the procedure depends on the type of cleaning product. For corrosive substances (acids, alkalis), vomiting should not be induced, as this can lead to renewed chemical burns of the esophagus. Instead, it is recommended to offer small amounts of water or milk to dilute the substance. For non-corrosive cleaning products, vomiting can be induced within the first 1-2 hours after ingestion under veterinary supervision, provided the animal is conscious and shows no neurological symptoms.
The administration of activated charcoal (1-4 g/kg body weight) can be useful in certain poisonings to reduce the absorption of toxic substances in the gastrointestinal tract. However, activated charcoal is contraindicated for corrosive substances and only has limited effectiveness for surfactants.
Intravenous fluid therapy is a central component of treatment to support circulatory function, promote kidney function, and accelerate the excretion of toxic substances. Fluid administration should be adjusted to the animal’s hydration status, with attention to electrolyte imbalances.
Further supportive measures include:
- Painkillers to relieve pain from chemical burns
- Gastric protectants such as proton pump inhibitors or H2 receptor antagonists for gastrointestinal lesions
- Antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections are suspected
- Bronchodilators and oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
- Anticonvulsants for seizures
In severe chemical burns of the gastrointestinal tract, parenteral nutrition may be necessary to allow the damaged mucous membranes to heal. In some cases, endoscopic or surgical intervention may be required to treat strictures or perforations.
Prognosis & follow-up care
The prognosis is good with consistent monitoring and therapy of the patients.
The prognosis for cleaning product poisoning varies considerably and depends on several factors: the type and concentration of the cleaning product, the amount ingested, the duration of exposure, the time of veterinary intervention, and the animal’s general health status before poisoning.
For mild poisonings with non-corrosive cleaning products and prompt veterinary treatment, the prognosis is generally good. Most animals recover completely within 24-48 hours without developing long-term consequences. For poisonings with corrosive substances such as drain cleaners or concentrated bleaches, the prognosis is more cautious, as these can cause severe and potentially irreversible tissue damage.
The prognosis is particularly unfavorable for animals that already show severe systemic symptoms such as respiratory distress, circulatory failure, or organ failure. There is also a risk of complications such as strictures, which may require surgical intervention, in cases of extensive chemical burns to the esophagus.
Aftercare plays a crucial role in complete recovery. After initial treatment, regular follow-up examinations should be performed to monitor the healing process. For chemical burns in the gastrointestinal tract, a special diet with easily digestible, soft food may be required for several days to weeks. The continuation of gastric protectants is often recommended for 1-2 weeks.
For skin burns, careful wound care is important to prevent infections and promote healing. Affected areas should be kept clean and dry; if necessary, local treatments with antiseptic solutions or ointments are needed.
Animals with eye damage often require long-term ophthalmological treatment with eye drops or ointments. Regular check-ups are important to detect complications such as corneal scars early.
If liver or kidney damage is suspected, blood tests should be repeated at regular intervals to monitor organ function. In some cases, long-term support for these organs may be necessary.
Research outlook
Research in pet toxicology is continuously evolving, with a particular focus on improving diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for household chemical poisonings. Current studies investigate the specific mechanisms of action of various cleaning product components on the organism of dogs and cats, with special attention to species-specific differences in the metabolism and elimination of toxic substances.
A promising area of research is the development of specific antidotes for common toxins in cleaning products. While only symptomatic treatments have been available for many poisonings so far, targeted antidotes could significantly improve the prognosis. New treatment approaches are being explored, especially for cationic surfactants, which are contained in many disinfectants and fabric softeners.
Biomarkers for early organ damage are gaining increasing importance in the diagnosis of poisonings. Modern laboratory diagnostic procedures enable the identification of subtle changes in organ function before clinical symptoms occur. This could lead to earlier interventions and better treatment outcomes.
In the area of prevention, research focuses on the development of safer cleaning product formulations that are less toxic to pets in case of accidental ingestion. At the same time, improved safety closures and packaging are being developed to reduce accessibility for animals.
Telemedicine approaches and digital tools for rapid toxin identification could improve the initial care of poisoned animals in the future. Apps that provide pet owners and veterinarians with quick access to toxicological databases could shorten the time to adequate treatment.
The long-term effects of subclinical exposures to household chemicals on pet health are another current research area. Studies suggest that chronic low-dose exposures could lead to subtle changes in organ function, particularly in the liver, kidneys, and immune system.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
- Which cleaning products are particularly dangerous for my pets?
The most dangerous cleaning products for pets are highly corrosive products such as drain cleaners, oven cleaners, and concentrated bleaches. Products containing cationic surfactants (often found in disinfectants and fabric softeners) and phenolic disinfectants are also particularly toxic, with the latter being even more dangerous for cats than for dogs due to their limited metabolizing ability.
- How long do I need to keep my pet away from freshly cleaned surfaces?
Surfaces should be completely dry before pets are allowed access again. For water-based cleaners, 30–60 minutes are usually sufficient, while for products with strong solvents or fragrances, 2-3 hours are recommended. If possible, rinse cleaned surfaces thoroughly with clear water to minimize residues.
- Are “natural” or “eco-friendly” cleaning products safe for my pets?
Even products labeled as “natural” or “eco-friendly” can be toxic to pets. Some contain essential oils like tea tree oil or citrus oils, which can be particularly poisonous to cats. The general rule is: the dose makes the poison – even seemingly harmless products can cause poisoning symptoms in larger quantities.
- How do I know if my pet has ingested cleaning products?
Look for sudden symptoms such as increased salivation, vomiting, retching, coughing, difficulty breathing, or unusual behavior. There are often signs of exposure, such as overturned cleaning product bottles, paw prints in spilled liquid, or residues of the cleaning product on the animal’s fur or mouth.
- What should I do if my pet has swallowed cleaning products?
Immediately remove your pet from the source of danger and secure the cleaning product. Carefully rinse the mouth with water without forcing the animal to swallow. Do not try to induce vomiting, as this can cause further damage with corrosive substances. Contact your veterinarian or a pet poison control center immediately and, if possible, bring the original packaging of the cleaning product.
- Can cleaning product poisonings cause long-term damage?
Yes, especially corrosive substances can lead to long-term damage. Corrosive injuries to the esophagus can cause scarring and strictures that impair food intake. Severe poisonings can leave permanent liver or kidney damage. Inhalation of fumes can lead to chronic respiratory problems.
- Which homemade cleaning products are safer for households with pets?
Vinegar-water solutions (1:1) are good for general cleaning purposes. Baking soda is effective for odor removal and light cleaning. Lemon juice with water can be used for glass surfaces. These alternatives are generally safer but should still be kept out of reach of pets.
- Are laundry detergent pods particularly dangerous for pets?
Yes, laundry detergent pods pose a particular risk. Their soft, colorful appearance makes them attractive to animals, and the concentrated formulation contains high amounts of surfactants. If bitten through, the casing can burst and release the concentrated detergent into the oral cavity, which can lead to severe corrosive injuries.
- How can I make my home more pet-friendly to prevent poisonings?
Store all cleaning products in locked cabinets, ideally with childproof locks. Use less toxic alternatives whenever possible. Dispose of used cleaning cloths immediately and do not leave any materials soaked with cleaning products lying around. Make sure that buckets with cleaning solution are never left unattended.
- Are there particular risk groups among pets?
Puppies and kittens are particularly at risk due to their curiosity and low body weight. Older animals with impaired liver or kidney function are less able to break down toxic substances and are therefore more susceptible to severe poisoning. Cats are generally more sensitive to certain chemicals than dogs, as they lack some detoxification enzymes.
Literature
- https://www.msdvetmanual.com/toxicology/household-hazards/chlorine-bleaches
- Cortinovis, C., Pizzo, F., & Caloni, F. (2015). Poisoning of dogs and cats by drugs intended for human use. The Veterinary Journal, 203(1), 52-58.
- Cortinovis C, Caloni F. Household Food Items Toxic to Dogs and Cats. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2016;3:26. doi:10.3389/fvets.2016.00026
- Khan SA, McLean MK, Slater M, Hansen S, Zawistowski S. Effectiveness and adverse effects of the use of apomorphine and 3% hydrogen peroxide solution to induce emesis in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2012;241(9):1179-1184. doi:10.2460/javma.241.9.1179
- Merola V, Dunayer E. The 10 most common toxicoses in cats. Veterinary Medicine. 2018;113(8):34-37.
- Löwe G, Löwe O. Notfälle bei Hund und Katze – Ein tierärztlicher Ratgeber. 2. Auflage. Kreuztal: Kynos-Verlag. 2021; 208 S.