FROM FIRST TO TENTH IN DOG POISONS
FIRST
Medications that are over-the-counter. A group that contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil, Aleve), also including herbal and nutraceutical products.
SECOND
Medications prescribed for people. These are drugs that might be beneficial or even lifesaving for humans but can have the opposite effect in dogs. And it doesn’t always take a large dose to do severe damage.
Some of the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include:
- Pain medications and prescription anti-inflammatory products can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or kidney failure.
- Antidepressants can cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome — a dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may even cause seizures.
- Blood pressure medications
THIRD
The food people eat. Sure, your sweet dog can look so cute as he sits begging for a piece of your chocolate cake or a chip covered in guacamole, but by not giving him what he wants you could save his life. Animals have different metabolisms than humans. Some foods, like onions and garlic, as well as beverages that are just fine for us can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal, for dogs.
- Alcohol. The symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs is similar to those in people, and may include vomiting, breathing problems, coma and, in severe cases, death.
- Avocado. To us they seem healthy, but avocados have a substance called persin that can act as a dog poison, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
- Grapes and raisins. The experts aren’t sure why, but these fruits can induce kidney failure in dogs. Even a small number may cause problems in some dogs.
- Xylitol. This sweetener is found in many products, including sugar-free gum and candy. It causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, resulting in weakness and seizures. Liver failure also has been reported in some dogs.
Some other foods you should keep away from your pet include tomatoes, mushrooms and most seeds and nuts.
FOURTH
While not harmful to humans, chocolate products contain substances called methylxanthines that can cause vomiting in small doses, and death if ingested in large quantities. Darker chocolate contains more of these dangerous substances than do white or milk chocolate. The amount of chocolate that could result in death depends on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog. For smaller breeds, just half an ounce of baking chocolate can be fatal, while a larger dog might survive eating up to 4 ounces to 8 ounces, though 8 ounces would be very dangerous. Coffee and caffeine have similarly dangerous chemicals.
FIFTH
Veterinary products. This includes medications as well as flea and tick treatments. Just as we can be sickened or killed by medications intended to help us, cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Some of the more commonly reported problem medications include painkillers and de-wormers. And you may think you’re doing your dog a favor when you apply products marketed to fight fleas and ticks, but thousands of animals are unintentionally poisoned by these products every year. Problems can occur if dogs accidentally ingest these products or if small dogs receive excessive amounts. Talk with your vet about which OTC products are safe.
SIXTH
Products from around the house, from cleaners to fire logs can be poisonous. Just like cleaners like bleach can be poison to people, they are also a leading cause of pet poisoning, resulting in stomach and respiratory tract problems. Not surprisingly, chemicals contained in antifreeze, paint thinner, and chemicals for pools also can act as dog poison. The pet poisoning symptoms they may produce include stomach upset, depression, chemical burns, renal failure and death.
SEVENTH
Rodenticides – Unfortunately, many baits used to lure and kill rodents can also look tasty to our dogs. If ingested by dogs, they can cause severe problems. The symptoms depend on the nature of the poison, and signs may not start for several days after consumption. In some instances, the dog may have eaten the poisoned rodent, and not been directly exposed to the toxin.
EIGHTH
Insecticides – products such as bug sprays and ant baits can be easy for your dog to get into and as dangerous to your pet as they are to the insects.
NINTH
They can be very pretty, but plants aren’t necessarily pet friendly. Some of the more toxic plants to dogs include:
- Azaleas and rhododendrons. These pretty flowering plants contain toxins that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and potentially even death.
- Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants may cause serious stomach problems, difficulty breathing, and increase the heart rate.
- Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.
Lawn and garden products. Products for the lawn and garden can also be poisonous to dogs that ingest them.
IF YOU SUSPECT DOG POISONING
If you think your dog has been poisoned, try to stay calm. It is important to act quickly, but rationally.
First gather up any of the potential poison that remains – this may be helpful to your veterinarian and any outside experts who can assist with the case. Ifg your dog has vomited, collect the sample in case the vet needs to see it.
Then, try to keep your dog calm and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435. Experts at the APCC are available to answer questions and provide guidance 24 hours a day for a $60 consultation fee. Another option is the Pet Poison Hotline with a fee of $59 per incident.
PROTECTING YOUR DOG FROM POISONOUS HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
- Try to keep all medications, even those in child-proof bottles, in cabinets that are inaccessible to your dog. If you inadvertently drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately. Supervise anyone, such as the elderly, who may need help taking medications.
- Always follow guidelines on flea and tick products.
- Although you can safely give some “people food” to your pet as a treat, others are toxic. If you have any questions about what is sage, ask your vet. Or, err on the safe side and give treats made specifically for animals.
- Be sure any rodent products that you use are in metal cabinets or high on the shelf where your dog can’t find or reach them. Remember that dogs can be fatally poisoned by eating an exposed rodent, so always be very cautious about using these products. Tell your neighbors if you put out rat bait, so they can protect pets from exposure, and ask them to do the same for you.
- When buying plants for your home, opt for those that won’t cause problems if you dog happens to nibble on them. The ASPCA has an online list of toxic and nontoxic plants by species. If you choose to have toxic plants, be sure they are kept in a place where your dog can’t reach them.
- Store all chemicals and cleaners in pet-inaccessible areas of your home.
