Veterinary toxicologist Dr. Renee Schmid returns to co-host with Alice and breaks down the surprising ways everyday supplements, human medications, gummies, and topicals can put pets at risk—especially during the holidays when visitors (and their Ziploc pill bags!) roll in. From multivitamins and “grass saver” methionine to tryptophan chews, alpha-lipoic acid, minoxidil, diclofenac creams, estrogen gels, 5-FU topical creams, tea tree oil, and even chewable Apoquel around cats, Dr. Schmid explains what’s dangerous, why, and what to do before panic takes over. Plus: practical storage hacks, vet-approved brands vs. online counterfeits, and the one line you should say to every house guest.
Dr. Renee Schmid is the Veterinary Medical Director and Senior Toxicologist at Pet Poison Helpline. She and her team field cases across North America and collaborate with human toxicologists and pharmacists to manage emerging exposures and new human drugs affecting pets.
Pet Poison Helpline is available 24/7/365 and will be listed in the show notes (add the number to your phone!). They’ll triage, advise if your vet visit is needed, and support your veterinarian from start to finish.
You’ll Learn
- Why multivitamins can be risky (vitamin D3, iron) and how gummies can trigger dangerous sodium shifts—even when “actives” aren’t toxic.
- The real danger behind methionine “grass saver” products and alpha-lipoic acid (neurologic signs, tremors, seizures).
- How tryptophan/5-HTP can flip from “calming” to serotonin-type agitation—and why mixing with Prozac/fluoxetine is not a DIY plan.
- High-risk topicals: minoxidil (Rogaine)—especially for cats, diclofenac gels (GI/kidney injury), estrogen transfers, and 5-FU (often fatal to pets).
- The holiday shortlist: grapes/raisins, turkey fat/skin (pancreatitis), guests’ loose medications, and dropped pills (remember: “one pill can kill”—e.g., baclofen).
- Farm & yard pitfalls: ivermectin misuse (paste/injectable), phosphide rodenticides → phosphine gas, mixing cleaning products, and why manure isn’t a snack.
- Smart prevention: guest-med checks, lockboxes, keep meds behind closed doors when dosing, buy vet-recommended brands, and skip sketchy online “deals.”
Resources:
Pet Poison Helpline (24/7) — (855) 764-7661
Pet Poison Helpline website (what to expect, toxin library)
NASC Quality Seal & ConsumerLab.com for product quality checks (ask your veterinarian for trusted brands)
Important: This episode is educational and not medical advice. If you suspect an exposure, call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline immediately (see show notes).
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Support our sponsor for this episode Blue Buffalo by visiting bluebuffalo.com. BLUE Natural Veterinary Diet formulas offer the natural alternative in nutritional therapy. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents. At Blue Buffalo, we have an in-house Research & Development (R&D) team with over 300 years’ experience in well-pet and veterinary therapeutic diets, over 600 scientific publications, and over 50 U.S. patents.
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