10 Most Common Poisons to Your Pooch
Each year, there are almost 214,000 cases of pet poisoning in the U.S. Many of these were caused by household substances that may seem perfectly harmless to you. But just because something is safe for people doesn't mean it won’t hurt beloved pets. Some of the most dangerous canine poisons are foods and medications we take on a daily basis.
#1 Pooch Poison - OTC Remedies
Over-the-counter medications. This group contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil/Aleve), well as herbal and various nutraceutical products.
Prescription medications for people. Drugs that might be beneficial or even lifesaving for people can have the opposite effect in our four-legged companions. And it doesn’t necessarily take a large dose to do major damage.
Some of the most common and harmful prescription medications for humans that can poison your pooch include:
Prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medications
This group can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or kidney failure.
Prescription Antidepressants
Antidepressant can cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome - a dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, and high blood pressure, and may cause seizures.
Blood Pressure medications
#3 Pooch Poison - People Food
People food. Your canine companion may look so cute and irresistible as he sits patiently begging for a bite of your chocolate cake or a chip covered in guacamole dip, but not giving him what he wants could save his life. Animals have different metabolisms than people. Some foods, such as onions and garlic, as well as beverages that are perfectly safe for people can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal for canines.
Alcohol. Symptoms of alcohol poisoning in animals are similar to those in people, and may include vomiting, breathing problems, coma and in severe cases, death.
Avocado. You might think of avocados as healthy, but avocados contain a substance called persin that can act as a poison for your pooch, causing vomiting and diarrhea.
Macadamia nuts. Macadamia nuts can cause a number of debilitating symptoms including weakness, overheating, and vomiting.
Grapes and raisins. Canine health experts aren’t certain why, but these fruits can induce kidney failure in our furry friends. Even a small number may cause health problems in your pooch.
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 has also been reported in some canines.
Other foods you should keep away from your pet include tomatoes, mushrooms and most seeds and nuts.
Chocolate. Chocolate products contain substances called methylxanthines that can cause vomiting in small doses, and death if ingested in larger quantities.
Dark 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 4 ounces to 8 ounces, though 8 ounces would be extremely dangerous. Coffee and caffeine have similarly dangerous chemicals.
#5 Pooch Poison - Veterinarian Products
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. You may think you’re doing your pooch 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 to your vet about safe OTC products.
#6 Pooch Poison - Household Products
Household products. Household products from cleaning agents to fire logs. Just as cleaners like bleach can poison 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 pooch poisons.
#7 Pooch Poison - Rodenticides
Rodenticides - Unfortunately, many baits used to lure and kill rodents can also look tasty to our fur-babies. If ingested by your pooch, 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, your fur-baby may have eaten the poisoned rodent, and not been directly exposed to the toxin.
#8 Pooch Poison - Insecticides
Insecticides - Items such as bug sprays and ant baits can be easy for your pet to get into and as dangerous for your pet as they are to the insects.
Plants. They may be pretty, but plants aren’t necessarily pooch friendly. Some of them that are more toxic to canines 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 increased heart rate.
Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.
#10 Pooch Poison - Lawn Products
Lawn and garden products. Most products for your lawn and garden may very well be poisonous to your pup if ingested.