Poisons advice 24 hours a day

For poisons advice please call

 

020 7188 0200

For non urgent admin enquiries please email info@vpisglobal.com

The VPIS is a subscription service for veterinary professionals only.   

Pet owners should contact their local veterinarian.

Don't have a vet? Click here to find your local veterinary practice. 

Substances of low toxicity

The following is a list of some substances that are frequently eaten by pets and described as being of low toxicity.  If any of these items are eaten acutely then they are likely to cause only minor clinical effects, i.e. drooling, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.

Baby care products

  • Baby oil
  • Baby wipes
  • Nappies
  • Nappy rash cream

DIY products

  • Emulsion paint
  • PVA (polyvinyl acetate) glue
  • Superglue/ cyanoacrylate glue

Medication

  • Emollients i.e. E45® preparations, petroleum jelly, aqueous cream (this does not include creams for psoriasis)
  • Folic acid
  • HRT (hormone replacement therapy) tablets
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Zinc oxide creams/ lotions (Sudocrem®) 

Plants

  • Fuchsia species
  • Holly (Ilex species)
  • Honeysuckle (Lonicera species)
  • Pyracantha species
  • Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia)

Stationery

  • Blu-tack® or other similar adhesives
  • Chalk
  • Crayons
  • Graphite pencils
  • Paper
  • Rubbers
  • Wax candles

Miscellaneous

  • Cut-flower/ houseplant food
  • Coal (real or artificial)
  • Expanded polystyrene
  • Icepacks (methylcellulose)
  • Lipstick
  • Matches
  • Silica gel (found in new handbags, shoe boxes etc)

 

What to do

No specific management is required.  Small amount of oral fulids should be encouraged to ease irritation or to replace fulids lost after minor gastric upset.  If worrying symptoms occur animals should be seen by their local veterinarian.