10 Things Most Likely to Poison Your Dog
Dogs are a key part of our families and we would do anything to keep them safe and healthy. You could accidentally poison your dog and put your favorite canine in grave danger with unexpected pet toxins around your house. The best way to avoid that awful scenario is to know about these dangers and keep them safely away from your furry friend. Here’s Oakland Veterinary Referral Service’s list of top 10 things most likely to poison your dog:
- Food Toxins
There are plenty of foods that are toxic to dogs, many of which you probably eat on a regular basis. Some of the worst offenders are:
- Chocolate
- Grapes
- Raisins
- Onions
- Xylitol
- Avocado
- Macadamia Nuts
- Garlic
Be sure to keep these foods far away from your pupper at all times. This includes securing them in the garbage if your dog likes to trash surf. If you suspect your dog might have eaten something they shouldn’t, call a veterinarian right away.
- Human Drugs
Both over-the-counter and prescription medications can be harmful to your dog. Medications like ibuprofen and naproxen can bring about ulcers and organ failure, and you should never give them to your pup.
- Cleaning Products
Many of the products you use to clean your home can cause major health issues for your dog. Keep all of your cleaners (even the ones that claim to be “natural) locked up safely somewhere where your dog cannot reach them. Try to keep your dog outside or in a kennel while you use the cleaning products so you can avoid an accidental pet posioning.
- Alcohol
Even a small amount of alcohol is poisonous for dogs. If a dog sneaks a few sips of alcohol, they might start vomiting. If they ingest too much, they could experience breathing problems, and in severe cases, death.
- Rodenticides
This one might not be as much of a surprise since these products are designed to kill rodents, but rodenticides are extremely poisonous for canines. Sometimes a dog might even eat a rodent that has ingested rodenticides and symptoms of poisoning might now show up for a few days. If you have any rodenticides in your home, be sure they are locked away safely. When you use them to kill rodents, keep your dog far away from the area and supervise them when they are outside.
- Plants
Some items that can poison your dog are pretty obvious, but others, like common houseplants, slip past even the most diligent pet owners.
Some plants that are incredibly toxic to dogs are:
- Azaleas and rhododendrons
- Tulips
- Daffodils
- Sago palms
It’s always a good idea to check with your veterinarian before bringing any plant home to make sure it will not hurt your furry friend.
- Lawn and Garden Products
The products that make your lawn look so lush and beautiful are extremely harmful for your pup. Be diligent about keeping your dog away from the grass after treating it.
- Prescription Veterinary Medication
Even medication designed for pets can be toxic in large doses. The next time you get some monthly preventives or another kind of prescription, be careful that your dog doesn’t ingest more than the recommended dose. Be careful where you store medications too since many dogs have amazing counter surfing skills.
- Caffeine
You might need your morning cup of joe to get you started each day, but caffeine is extremely poisonous to dogs. Never leave coffee or other highly-caffeinated drinks unattended around your pup–especially if he is prone to taking a taste of whatever is nearby.
- Paint and Glue
Anything that comes in liquid form could be enticing to your dog. If you are painting a room or using glue to fix a piece of furniture, make sure your dog is far away until the area is dry.
You definitely don’t want to accidentally poison your dog. If you ever suspect a pet poisoning, please call the Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 as soon as possible. The OVRS emergency room staff at (248) 334-6877 can then coordinate with poison control to treat your pet. The faster we can intervene, the better chance we have of a successful outcome.
