Many pet poisonings are the
result of exposures to common household cleaning agents. For pets, both
epileptic and non-epileptic, exposure to many of these products is extremely
dangerous.
Some cleaners can destroy tissue on contact by acid or alkaline burns,
by dissolving through tissue membranes, by absorbing through to the animal's
bloodstream and causing generalized illness and a variety of other mechanisms.
Pine oils and electric dishwashing detergents particularly tend to be
quite toxic although the range of chemicals included in cleaning products
can cause signs varying widely from mild local irritation (many detergent
soaps) to deep penetrating tissue damage (alkaline products) to severe
systemic disease (pine oils and others). The best remedy is prevention.
Keep all cleaners tightly closed when not in use to prevent accidental
spills and ingestion. Also, be sure to keep pets out of newly cleaned
areas to avoid paw injuries from walking in the newly applied cleaning
solution and mouth burns from the animal then grooming itself. Also be
aware of the possible dangers of toilet bowl cleaners from dogs and cats
who consider the toilet just another water bowl! In case of accidental
exposure to cleaning products, it is generally recommended to flush the
skin (or mouth) with plain water to wash away remaining chemicals, then
call in to your veterinary clinic for further instructions.
It is best to keep dogs away from any areas where Fungicides are
being used. If you keep any of these substance stored, make sure to store
them in sealed containers and do not allow your dog access to an open container.
By keeping fresh drinking water available at all times may prevent the your
dog from finding alternative sources to drink to quench their thirst. Also
keep your dog's coat clean and free from any of these compounds, remember
take care to wash off, any detergent that is used to remove the poison. As
many dogs have been poisoned from licking the detergent used to wash off the
original poison. The most common cause of fungicide poisoning is from wallpaper
paste! So take care, when decorating.
A list of some toxic household chemicals This is by no means a comprehensive list but gives you some idea on what
to look out for.
A. Acids, Air Fresheners (solids, aerosol sprays, beads,
"plug-ins", etc.), Ammonia, Antiseptics, Anti-Freeze
B. Bleach, Bubble Bath, Batteries, Brake Fluid, Boric Acid
or anything containing Boric Acid
C. Carpet Fresheners, Charcoal Starting Fluid, Colognes/Perfumes,
Cosmetics, Creosote, Cocoa Shells (used as a decorative mulch)
D. Dish Detergents, Drain Cleaners, Deodorants, Deodorisers,
E. Epoxy Glues
F. Furniture Polish,
G. Gun Cleaners
H. Hair Dyes
I. Iodine, Insecticides, Insulation
J. Jewelry Cleaner
K. Kerosene
L. Laundry Detergents, Lead Curtain Weights, Lye, Lead
M. Metal Cleaners, Moth Balls, Matches,
N. Nail Polish/Remover, Nicotine
O. Oven Cleaner
P. Paint, Paint Thinners and Removers, Permanent Wave Solution,
Peroxides, Perfumes, Petroleum Products, Pine Oil and Pine Cleaning Products,
Plant Food, Potpourri, Putty
R. Rodent Poison
S. Shampoo, Shaving Lotion, Shoe Polish, Soap
T. Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Turpentine, Tar,
V. Varnishes and Stains
W. Window Cleaner, Wood Preservative, Windscreen Fluid
