Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in many chewing gums, sweets, foods, oral rinses, toothpastes and supplements. It exists naturally in fruit and vegetables (in low concentrations) and is a normal intermediary metabolite in glucose metabolism.  It is also popular in people with diabetes or on low-carbohydrate diets. Xylitol may be [...]

Around this time of year, glow sticks are a cause for concern. Sold during Bonfire Night and Halloween celebrations, these tubes made of pliable soft plastic (easily chewed through by a playful dog or cat) contain a liquid that glows in the dark. Although the chemicals inside these items are [...]

A 4 month old Yorkshire terrier vomited the day after ingestion of Slider fireworks. He vomited the next day and was weak with diarrhoea. On presentation blood tests showed he had hypoglycaemia. He was given IV fluids but remained recumbent. An X-ray showed ascites. The dog deteriorated and died during [...]

Tea tree oil is an essential oil that owners often apply to their pet’s skin for a variety of reasons, the most common being as a flea repellent or to relieve the symptoms of a skin irritation. It is assumed that because it is a natural product they can use [...]

Sago palm (Cycas revoluta) is a popular ornamental plant; however many are not aware of its toxicity in pets. A recent news article reported two dogs becoming seriously unwell following ingestion of king sago palm, with one dog sadly dying as a result of liver failure. There are several toxins [...]

With recent votes legalising the use of both recreational and medicinal cannabis in some US states (Colorado, Washington, Alaska and Oregon) and the growing popularity of cannabis-infused pet products, there has been a lot of discussion around its effect in animals. The US' Pet Poison Helpline have reported a 200% increase in the [...]

Branded “the most dangerous plant in Britain”,  hogweed has been making headlines following several news reports of severe dermal reactions in both humans and animals after contact. The plant is rapidly spreading throughout the UK and Ireland, and tends to be found around watersides as well as in grassy areas [...]

The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS) is teaming up with International Cat Care and Agria Pet Insurance to launch a Keeping your Cat Safe campaign which starts in July 2015. As part of this collaboration, International Cat Care will produce information on the most common cat poisonings, as well as [...]

British resorts could be closed this summer after swarms of large, barrel jellyfish were spotted off the south west coast in recent weeks, and experts are claiming thousands more could potentially be on the way. Wind-driven currents, an ideal water temperature, a long-term food supply and mass breeding are just [...]

The ongoing battle against snails and slugs continues, and pet owners will often apply slug baits to their gardens. These preparations often contain metaldehyde and represent the biggest cause of poisoning fatalities in dogs that are reported to the VPIS. The high fatality rate is due to: the extremely low [...]