Project Description
If you have any reason to suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian or one of the other resources listed:
• ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline® 24-hour animal poison control service at (855) 764-7661
Iron
Iron, found in many OTC multivitamins, prenatal vitamins, and supplements, can cause intoxication if ingested by an animal. Of note, iron can also be found in fertilizers, pesticides, single use hand warmers and heating pads such as ThermaCare.
Signs and symptoms of toxicity: Clinical signs of poisoning include vomiting, bloody diarrhea, fatigue, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, rapid heart beat, tremors, seizures, and coma.
Toxic consumption: Toxicity in dogs can be seen at doses greater than 20 mg/kg (9 mg/lb) of elemental iron. It is very important to determine the amount of elemental iron in the product. This information may be found on the label. There is no established threshold for toxicity in cats and all incidents of accidental consumption should be reported.
| X-Small Yorkie, Chihuahua |
Small Pug, Boston Terrier, Poodle |
Medium Beagle, Scottish Terrier |
Large Boxer, Cocker Spaniel |
X-Large Retriever, German Shepherd |
XX-Large Great Dane, St. Bernard |
| 1 - 10 lbs. (0.45 - 4.6 kg) |
11 - 25 lbs. (5 - 11.4 kg) |
26 - 40 lbs. (11.8 - 18.2 kg) |
41 - 70 lbs. (18.6 - 31.8 kg) |
71 - 90 lbs. (32.3 - 40.9 kg) |
91 - 110 lbs. (41.4 - 50 kg) |
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| > 9 mg | > 100 mg | > 236 mg | > 372 mg | > 646 mg | > 828 mg |
References:
Albertson, J. (2006). The toxicity of iron, an essential element. Veterinary medicine (February).
Pet Poison Control is provided free as a public service by the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. Today we’re asking you to support us with a small donation. If you would like to dedicate your gift in honor or memory of a pet or individual, you will have that option before checkout. Your gift of any amount helps us maintain this resource and make it available to the pharmacy and veterinary communities. Thank you!
