Pet poisoning is an increased risk in the Middle East; this is because of a combination of extreme temperatures, indoor plants grown for shade, and household products. Pets, especially dogs and cats, are prone to ingesting toxic materials through their exploration using their mouths; for example, toxic houseplants, human food, and chemical based products. Awareness of potential pet poison hazards can help prevent accidents and save animal lives.
Dangerous Plants Prevalent in the Region
Sago Palm is one of many common indoor and outdoor plants found throughout homes and gardens in the Middle East, as well as other parts of the world, it is very poisonous to animals; if ingested by a dog or cat it will destroy the liver and lead to vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and potentially death. The sago palm is particularly dangerous as the seeds of the plant are also toxic. Another common plant is devil’s ivy (golden pothos), and many other types of plants from the araceae family contain a toxin called calcium oxalate. When a dog or cat eats this type of plant, they will experience irritation in their mouth, throat, and digestive system.
There are several other common hazardous plants in the Middle East:
- Oleander is another widely planted garden shrub in the Middle East that causes problems for pets; specifically oleander causes issues with the heart and the nervous systems of pets, and can cause irregular heart rhythms, and cause a pet to collapse.
- Date palm seeds, although unappealing to some pets, are still a hazard; date palm seeds have been known to cause intestinal blockage and cyanide poisoning.
- Aloe vera gel has become increasingly popular for treating burns, skin irritations, etc. The leaves of the aloe vera plant are toxic and can cause lethargy and tremors in pets.
- Lilies are highly toxic to cats and have been known to cause kidney failure in pets.
Toxic Foods Commonly Encountered
Dietary elements in Middle Eastern culture are commonly shared with pets as part of a meal and include pet-toxic ingredients. Grapes and raisins, in most cases — regardless of amount — can lead to a dog’s acute kidney failure. Theobromine, found in chocolate products, will create hyperactivity, rapid breathing, and potential cardiovascular problems for both dogs and cats.
Some key foods to avoid include:
- Regional cooking onions and garlic (can destroy a dog’s red blood cells and create anemia).
- Xylitol is found in some dates or gum products (can create hypoglycemia and liver failure in animals).
- Lamb kebabs or other fatty meat products (can create pancreatitis due to excessive fat consumption).
- Drinking alcohol (from fermented milk products or in social situations) can cause a coma or death in animals.
Pet eating trash or food debris in the house increases the risk for all these dangerous items.
Household Chemicals and Toxins
The higher chance of poisoning in a dusty, hot climate creates an increased risk for chemicals used for cleaning. Antifreeze found in vehicle leaks is sweet tasting and is a common substance found in garage areas; antifreeze poisons a dog’s kidneys quickly. Rodenticides used by people in their homes to control desert pests can be toxic to animals if they ingest either the rodent poison or the poisoned rodent.
Some of the most common household chemical hazards include:
- Cleaning agents such as bleach and ammonia can irritate a pet’s lungs and eyes with both inhalation and ingestion.
- Pesticides for controlling pests on date farms or gardens (can create tremors and seizures in animals).
- Human medicines such as ibuprofen (are easy to access from pet owner’s purses/bags and can poison the animal’s stomach and kidneys).
These need to be stored safely out of pet reach.
Recognizing Symptoms and First-Aid Steps
The signs of the toxin will depend on which toxin, but most times, there are symptoms that include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, drowsiness, shakiness, or convulsions. For plants, you need to look at whether your child has oral irritation (e.g., burning sensation); for food items, if they have hyperactivity; and for chemicals, if they have chemical burns or respiratory distress.
Emergency care for first aid:
- Gently remove the remaining toxin from the mouth.
- Do not induce vomiting unless specifically directed—do not use any home remedy (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) without direction.
- For some substances, offer small amounts of milk or water to help dilute, but do not force the ingestion of fluids.
- Take note of the type of substance, how much was consumed, and when it was consumed so as to provide this information to your veterinarian.
If you suspect your pet is poisoned, seek immediate advice from a veterinarian. “Timing is everything in poisonings. The sooner your pet receives medical attention, the greater their chances of recovery versus possible death,” said Dr Sarah of Veterinary Clinic Dubai. Contact your local vet or animal hospital for assistance in performing the necessary decontamination, administering activated charcoal, or receiving an antidote.
Prevention Strategies for Pet Owners
- Change in risk factors: pet-safe ferns to avoid sago palms.
- Counter-mount food containers (rodent proof trash cans).
- Non-toxic repellents vs toxic repellents (child safety gates to block off areas of exposure).
- Households should be educated on “no sharing” and other guidelines to prevent poisoning.
- Toxic screening tests during annual vet visits will help families better protect their animals.
These strategies will create safe, resilient homes in a region where many people consider themselves to have an animal loving culture.
Conclusion
By being proactive in preventing poisonings and by responding quickly when a poisoning is suspected or occurs, you can continue to enjoy your companion pets throughout the Middle East. Educate yourself as to what may potentially harm your pets and consult with veterinarians proactively for guidance on how to best protect them. By educating yourself and taking proactive measures to ensure healthy, happy pets you will also provide for their joyous health for years to come.