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Medications:

When you travel with medications, make sure you are aware of or have a written list of the exact medication name, strength and how much of each medication you have on hand (whether it’s prescription or over-the-counter). Consider utilizing tamper-resistant containers/bottles when organizing medications to minimize risks for curious pets.

Below you can find more info on common toxic medications and other hazardous items often seen when traveling:

• Albuterol Inhalers: Albuterol is rapidly absorbed when ampoules or inhalers are punctured, which can cause a rapid onset of elevated heart rate, arrythmias, vomiting, hyperactivity or lethargy in pets.
• Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and acetaminophen are some of the most common pain relievers used. Risks with pet exposures vary based on specific medication formulations and dosing, but NSAID’s are notoriously hard on the kidneys and can cause ulceration and bleeding within the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Acetaminophen exposures can lead to liver damage and methemoglobinemia – a condition that causes difficulty in the blood’s normal ability to carry oxygen and keep tissues and organs healthy.
• Vitamins/Supplements: Though supplements can be purchased over the counter or are marketed as “natural” does not mean they are less of a risk in certain pet exposure situations.
  • Diet and mood-enhancing products may contain caffeine and/or ingredients like 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), both of which can cause severe cardiac and neurologic symptoms.
  • Vitamin D is available as a supplement by itself or in combination with other products. Exposures to vitamin D at certain levels can cause increased calcium within the body, leading to stomach upset, mineral deposits in tissues and kidney damage, which can require difficult and long courses of treatment.
• Eye Drops and Nasal Sprays: Some nasal sprays and eye drops that are marketed to help treat stuffy noses and red eyes contain medications like oxymetazoline. When ingested by pets, these ingredients are rapidly absorbed and can cause vomiting, weakness, panting, agitation, low heart rate and low blood pressure, even in very small quantities.

Gum, Candy and Snacks:

• Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that is often used as a sweetener in gums, candies, cough drops, foods, toothpaste, mouthwash and other products. When dogs ingest xylitol, they can be at risk for GI upset, low blood sugar and liver damage, which can be life-threatening. Xylitol is also commonly found in combination with melatonin.
• Trail Mix: Raisins are common in trail mix and can cause GI upset and kidney damage with some pet exposures (as can grapes). Macadamia nuts can cause GI upset, neurologic signs (like tremors and difficulty walking) and elevated body temperature in dogs. Chocolate can also cause stomach upset, hyperactivity, elevated heart rate/arrythmias and neurologic symptoms.

Coins:

Spare change can be easy to drop or misplace and can be foreign body risk by causing obstructions in the GI tract. Coins containing zinc (like US pennies minted after 1982) carry additional risks as well. Metallic zinc is irritating to the GI tract causing vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, anemia, injury to the liver and kidneys and sometimes pancreatitis. Prompt removal of zinc coins from the GI tract is the primary treatment for potentially problematic ingestions.

Nicotine:

Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, e-cigarettes or any other nicotine products are all dangerous to pets and, if ingested can cause nicotine poisoning. Signs of nicotine poisoning can occur rapidly – as little as 15 minutes – and can include GI upset including nausea, vomiting, drooling and diarrhea. In more severe cases, hyperexcitability, muscle tremors, increased heart rate that can lead to weakness, seizures low blood pressure and difficulty breathing can occur. Pets can be exposed to nicotine if they chew on pre-filled cartridges or refill bottles containing an e-liquid. In addition to the e-liquid, swallowing the e-cigarette battery can cause burns to the mouth, throat or stomach.

If you suspect your pet may have been exposed to any toxic substances, please contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately.