Even Small Doses Can Have a Big Impact on
Animal Health
MINNEAPOLIS, May 8, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- It's school finals season. Whether it's a cup
of joe, a chocolate bar or an energy drink, caffeine consumption
during school finals increases faster than skyrocketing tuition.
While most students can handle the extra jolt of energy, dogs and
cats are much more sensitive to the effects of the stimulant.
"So many products contain caffeine at various strengths, that
it's difficult to know when something is dangerous," said Dr.
Renee Schmid, a senior veterinary
toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. "The reactions that humans
feel from consuming caffeine, such as an increased heart rate, are
intensified in pets. In addition to an increased heart rate, if the
dose is too high, caffeine can lead to an elevated blood pressure,
abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and in extreme cases,
death."
"Regardless of its form, caffeine has the
same negative effects on your pet's health."
Although most people consume caffeine in a drink, or in treats
like chocolate or chewing gum, caffeine pills are also still
heavily marketed and purchased. "Regardless of its form, caffeine
has the same negative effects on your pet's health," Dr. Schmid
added.
"My husband is the last person on earth still taking caffeine
pills each morning," joked Becky
Maxwell, who lives in the Atlanta area with her husband Keith and their
wire fox terrier named Cooper. "He had just purchased a new package
of pills, which was in a box, in a bag, on top of the kitchen
table. Somehow, Cooper got the box out of the bag, tore open the
box and chewed open the pill pack. We found the ripped-up
packaging, and several pieces of pills, but we don't know how many
he actually ate."
Maxwell did a quick internet search and found that caffeine can
be dangerous to pets, so she rushed Cooper to Veterinary Emergency
Group (VEG) in Alpharetta,
Georgia. Once there, the medical team had her call the
toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline.
"We are quite often the next call the veterinarian asks the pet
owner to make after a pet eats something potentially toxic," Dr.
Schmid explained. "Most veterinary hospitals in the U.S. don't have
toxicologists on staff to treat patients, so many rely on our
expertise to help them diagnose and treat poisoning cases."
The amount of caffeine in less than one tablet was enough to
cause a poisoning concern for Cooper. The fact that he likely
ingested several pills made Cooper at a high risk to develop severe
signs. By the time Cooper arrived at the hospital, he was already
hyperactive and had an elevated heart rate. He was given a sedative
to help calm him down and treated with an anti-emetic to help avoid
vomiting with possible aspiration due to his neurologic status. He
was placed on IV fluids, provided diligent nursing care, and his
treating veterinarian was advised to give anticonvulsants if
seizures developed and methocarbamol for tremors. After a night of
monitoring and care, Cooper was able to go home the following
day.
"The folks at VEG were very compassionate, and allowed us in the
treatment area rather than making us wait in the lobby. It really
helped calm us down," Maxwell added. "We also really appreciate how
quickly Pet Poison Helpline communicated with the hospital. It
allowed them to work on Cooper almost immediately."
In addition to learning that caffeine can be dangerous to pets,
the Maxwells now know that certain dog breeds are more prone to
getting into trouble.
"We've had dogs our entire adult lives, but never a terrier,"
Maxwell explained. "They get into everything. It's like having a
toddler."
Pet Poison Helpline created Toxin Tails to educate
the veterinary community and pet lovers on the many types of
poisoning dangers facing pets, both in and out of the home. All the
pets highlighted in Toxin Tails have been successfully
treated for the poisoning and fully recovered.
About Pet Poison Helpline
Pet Poison HelplineĀ®, your trusted source for toxicology and pet
health advice in times of potential emergency, is available 24
hours, seven days a week for pet owners and veterinary
professionals who require assistance treating a potentially
poisoned pet. We are an independent, nationally recognized animal
poison control center triple licensed by the Boards of Veterinary
Medicine, Medicine and Pharmacy providing unmatched professional
leadership and expertise. Our veterinarians and board-certified
toxicologists provide treatment advice for poisoning cases of all
species, including dogs, cats, birds, small mammals, large animals
and exotic species. As the most cost-effective option for animal
poison control care, Pet Poison Helpline's fee of $85 per incident includes follow-up consultations
for the duration of the case. Based in Minneapolis, Pet Poison Helpline is available
in North America by calling
800-213-6680. Additional information can be found online at
www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
Contact: Dr. Renee Schmid
Pet Poison HelplineĀ®
(952) 806-3803
RSchmid@petpoisonhelpline.com
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SOURCE Pet Poison Helpline