Antigen Tests Pose Potential Threat For Pets

March 1, 2022

Photo credit: Pasi Mämmelä 

 

The Australian Animal Poisons Helpline is warning all pet owners of the dangers associated with take-home antigen tests, after receiving a slew of calls from concerned residents. 

 

Millions of these antigen tests have been handed out all across the world, so this message applies to all pet owners, as well as parents of small children.

 

While the risks are rare, if these antigen tests get into the wrong hands and paws, it could mean a trip to your nearest poison control centre.

 

The offending ingredient in these tests is a chemical called sodium azide, which needs to be handled carefully as it is extremely toxic. It acts as a preservative. Each test, approved by Health Canada, contains very small amounts of sodium azide. But if inhaled, swallowed or if it comes into contact with the skin, it could cause a severe allergic reaction.

 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, People exposed to a small amount of sodium azide will have an immediate reaction with some or all of the following symptoms:

 

  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid breathing
  • Rapid heart rate
  • Restlessness
  • Weakness
  • Skin burns and blisters (explosion or direct skin contact)

 

Some pet owners in Australia have reported animals who have ingested a number of vials of buffer solution and showed severe signs of poisoning: 

 

  • Convulsions
  • Low blood pressure
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Respiratory failure
  • Slow heart rate

 

The Australian Animal Poisons Helpline says:

 

“The actual risk of poisoning in any individual case will depend on the amount of sodium azide ingested and the weight of the animal involved. Very small animals, or those animals that ingest a larger number of the solution could possibly be at risk of poisoning.”

 

If you have pets and/or small children in your house, make sure you keep all medical supplies and prescriptions out of reach and securely locked away. 

 

With any kind of medication, it’s always important to read the directions carefully before using.

 

If your pets exhibit any signs of poisoning, as listed above, call your veterinarian right away. For more information in Ontario on toxic substances in your home, visit ontariopoisoncentre.ca.