Part XVIII — Comprehensive toxicology

18.1 Foods (kitchen dangers)

18.2 Household plants (India-common)

• Oleander (Nerium oleander) — highly toxic; cardiac glycosides. Very common ornamental in India.
• Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) — liver failure. Common ornamental.
• Lilies — kidney failure in cats specifically; dogs less affected but still avoid.
• Azalea / rhododendron — cardiotoxic.
• Dieffenbachia — oral irritation.
• Philodendron, pothos — oxalate crystals; oral pain.
• Sacred lily (Zantedeschia) — irritation.
• Kalanchoe — cardiac glycosides.
• Amaryllis — vomiting, tremors.
• Autumn crocus (Colchicum) — severe GI and multi-organ.
• Yew (Taxus) — cardiotoxic.
• Castor bean (Ricinus) — ricin toxicity; common in India as a garden ornamental and oil source.
• Datura species — highly toxic anticholinergic.
• Neem — generally safe topically but toxic if ingested in large quantities.
• Marijuana / cannabis — increasingly common accidental exposure.

18.3 Human medications (locked-cabinet drugs)

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin at high dose) — GI ulceration, kidney failure. Human NSAIDs are dangerous to dogs; never dose from the human medicine cabinet.
• Paracetamol / acetaminophen — severe liver toxicity in dogs; extremely toxic to cats.
• ADHD stimulants (methylphenidate, amphetamines) — severe cardiovascular and neurological signs.
• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics) — serotonin syndrome.
• Sleep aids (zolpidem, benzodiazepines) — variable; paradoxical excitation possible.
• Blood-pressure medications — hypotension.
• 5-fluorouracil topical cream — extremely dangerous even in small amounts.
• Iron supplements — GI ulceration, systemic iron toxicity.
• Vitamin D supplements at high dose — hypercalcaemia.
• Pseudoephedrine (cold medications) — severe stimulant toxicity.

18.4 Household chemicals

• Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) — small quantities fatal; extremely toxic kidney failure. Bittering agent added to modern formulations but not universal in all markets.
• Rodenticides — anticoagulants (warfarin-class); bromethalin (CNS); cholecalciferol (calcium). All are dangerous; anticoagulants have an antidote (vitamin K1 class).
• Insecticides (household sprays, mosquito coils) — pyrethroid class toxicity.
• Slug and snail bait (metaldehyde) — seizures.
• Bleach / disinfectants — caustic; do NOT induce vomiting.
• Detergents — GI upset.
• Petroleum products — aspiration pneumonia; do NOT induce vomiting.

18.5 Environmental (India-specific)

• Blue-green algae in stagnant water — hepatotoxic.
• Compost — mycotoxins can cause tremors and seizures.
• Cocoa mulch — same theobromine as chocolate.
• Fertilisers — variable toxicity; some contain metaldehyde.
• Lead — from old paint or fishing weights (rare in India but possible).
• Copper toxicity — Bedlington Terrier inherited copper storage disease.

18.6 When you suspect poisoning — what to do

1. Remove the dog from the source; secure the container / plant sample.
2. Do NOT induce vomiting for: caustic substances, petroleum products, sharp objects, unconscious dog, or > 2 hours since ingestion.
3. Do NOT give food or water without vet guidance.
4. Call the nearest vet or emergency clinic immediately. In many regions, 24/7 dedicated animal poison-control lines may be limited; the vet-clinic emergency line is primary.
5. Bring the toxin container / plant / label. A photograph of the ingredient list saves time.
6. For known toxins, decontamination (induced vomiting by vet only; activated charcoal) is time-sensitive — within 2 hours is best.