Summer Time Toxins – Cinema Veterinary Centre

Just a few things to remember this summer while are trying to beat the heat. With summer comes some summer staples that can be problematic and even toxic to our pets with exposure or ingestion. First up- Sunscreen. There are two types of sunscreen, mineral and chemical. With the mineral type of sunscreens, the active ingredients are usually a zinc oxide or titanium oxide. These cause a physical barrier blocking the skin from UV rays. With ingestion of mineral sunscreen, the zinc oxide which is converted to zinc salts in the stomach, can cause ulceration, vomiting, and diarrhea. Chemical sunscreens typically have active ingredients including salicylates and benzophenones. These will absorb UV rays and convert them into heat which is released. With ingestion, there can be gastrointestinal upset including ulceration, and potentially liver and renal damage with higher doses. Fortunately, treatment usually carries a good prognosis.
Pool chemicals is also high on the list of potential toxins. Shock treatments, stabilizers, clarifiers, and algaecides can all result in corrosive injury with exposure. Treatment for ingestion include flushing out the oral cavity and starting GI protectants. Even exposure to pool water that has been treated with high levels of chlorine can pose a risk and can cause dermatitis, corneal ulceration, and chemical burns. Pool salts can cause gastrointestinal upset, increased drinking, increased urination, and in some cases too high of sodium level can cause neurologic problems. Again, with prompt treatment this will usually carry a good prognosis. Cinema Veterinary Centre is located at 23460 Cinema Drive unit L, Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 253-9300.