Most Common Poisons

Rat & Mouse Bait

Calls to the Helpline about pets ingesting rat bait are very common. While a variety of rodenticides are available, the most frequent exposures in Australia involve anticoagulant rodenticides. These baits can put pets at risk of serious, potentially life-threatening bleeding. The severity of poisoning depends on the active ingredient, the amount consumed, and the size of the animal. Signs of illness are often delayed, with affected pets sometimes appearing well for several days before developing bleeding complications. Please phone the Helpline if your pet has ingested rodenticide.

Grapes & Raisins

Dogs are uniquely sensitive to grapes, raisins and sultanas. Ingestion of these fruits can cause kidney injury, which may be life-threatening or lead to chronic kidney disease. Recent research suggests that tartaric acid, found in high concentrations in grapes, is likely responsible for this toxicity. Early signs of poisoning include vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhoea and lethargy. As the illness progresses, affected dogs may develop increased thirst and urination, which can indicate kidney damage. The Helpline can rapidly determine if your dog has ingested a toxic amount of fruit.

Fertiliser

There is significant variation in the composition of fertilisers. Some dogs find organic fertilisers irresistible and may gorge themselves on them when given the chance to do so. Dogs that ingest large amounts of fertiliser can be at risk of severe gastroenteritis. Less frequently, poisoning from the mineral content, gastrointestinal obstruction or even pancreatitis may occur. In these cases, the Helpline experts can rapidly assess the risk to your pet on a case by case basis and determine if immediate veterinary assessment is required or home observation can be safely recommended.

NSAIDs

The Animal Poisons Helpline frequently receives calls about pets ingesting ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Toxic exposures often occur when pets chew into packets containing tablets, liquids, or topical gels. The risk of poisoning depends on the specific drug, the amount ingested, the species and the weight of the animal. Cats are particularly sensitive to poisoning from NSAIDs. Overdose can cause gastrointestinal irritation, kidney injury, and, in severe cases, neurological signs such as seizures or coma.

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is a popular indoor plant from the Araceae family. All parts of the plant contain microscopic, needle-like crystals called insoluble oxalates. When chewed, these crystals can cause an immediate burning sensation in the mouth and tongue. Affected animals may drool, lick excessively, paw at the mouth, vomit, or show signs of pain or difficulty swallowing. In rare cases, swelling of the mouth and throat can occur, leading to breathing difficulties. More recently, there have also been reports of cats and guinea pigs developing kidney damage after ingestion.

Wild Mushrooms

Wild mushroom ingestion is one of the most frequent reasons pet owners contact the Animal Poisons Helpline. Mushrooms can be extremely difficult to identify, and in some cases poisoning may not become apparent until hours after ingestion. The effects can range widely depending on the species and toxins involved. While many mushrooms cause no illness or only mild gastrointestinal upset, certain species can lead to severe and potentially life-threatening poisoning. Of greatest concern is the risk of liver failure, most famously caused by the Amanita phalloides, or “death cap” mushroom.