COVID-19 And Your Dog – Animal Poisons Helpline
Toilet paper may have the headlines, but many families who are concerned about the spread of coronavirus have also introduced or increased their use of disinfectant products around the house. These may pose a risk to pets if they are not stored or used correctly. Some households have stocked up on cold and flu medications which may also be hazardous.
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To avoid accidental poisoning of your dog, keep all of these products out of their reach and preferably locked away in cabinets. Handbags and backpacks are another location that dogs could access many of these items; keep bags closed and off the ground. Never give your dog a human medication unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian. Keep dogs away from areas that are being disinfected until the surfaces dry thoroughly. The following provides more information on these products …
• Hand sanitisers: generally contain ethanol; an
alcohol that is rapidly absorbed when ingested. Products tend to taste bad which limits ingestion, however many products (especially for children) can be scented which increases their desirability to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, wobbliness, inability to stand up and in severe cases seizures and coma.
• Common household disinfectants: Dogs are often
exposed to these products after chewing on the container, drinking from a mop bucket, or even indulging in the toilet water. There are many different types of disinfectants but commonly they contain bleach or benzalkonium chloride. When licked or ingested a dog may start to drool, vomit and if the product was concentrated, may even develop ulcerations of the mouth and tongue. In severe cases, corrosive injury to the oesophagus and stomach may lead to serious and potentially long-term complications. Household bleach can also trigger breathing symptoms if inhaled and dogs with preexisting respiratory disease may be at increased risk of complications.
• Cold and flu medications: contain a range of drugs, 34
DOG WORLD November 2020
many of which can be poisonous. Pseudoephedrine (a decongestant) can cause stimulatory signs such as agitation, hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure and tremors. Dextromethorphan (a cough suppressant) can cause a range of signs; from lethargy and wobbliness through to stimulatory signs similar to those described for pseudoephedrine. Paracetamol is very dangerous and may cause liver failure and changes to red blood cells. Ibuprofen may lead to stomach ulcers, vomiting, kidney damage and seizures. Small ingestions of nasal sprays containing oxymetazoline and xylometazoline can cause slowing of the heart, slow breathing, low blood pressure and possibly coma.
• Herbal cold and flu remedies: may contain the
sweetener xylitol which can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels and liver damage in dogs. If you think your pet has been exposed to any of these products, call 1300 TOX PET (1300 869 738) for a tailored risk assessment and recommendation, including first aid measures. The Animal Poisons Helpline is a registered charity that provides a free service for all pet owners. Visit www.animalpoisons. com.au for more information.
