It’s important to be aware of the potential toxins around your home that could harm your dog. Dogs are naturally curious, which can put them at risk of coming into contact with harmful substances. Below is a list of items that are deadly to dogs that may be in or around your very home.

1. Medications: 

• Antidepressants – Ingestion of antidepressant human drugs, like Prozac, can lead to severe health issues in dogs. Possible clinical signs include sedation, lack of coordination, agitation, tremors, and seizures. 
• ADD/ADHD Medications – Ingesting just a small dose can cause life-threatening tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, and heart complications in dogs.
• Human NSAIDs – Human NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen, can be hazardous for dogs if ingested. These drugs can result in serious stomach and intestinal ulcers and potentially lead to kidney failure.
• Veterinary Pain Relievers – Carprofen, commonly referred to as Rimadyl, is a vet-exclusive, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat osteoarthritis, inflammation, and pain in dogs. When taken in large amounts it can cause severe gastric ulcers and acute kidney failure in dogs. 

2. Foods: 

• Chocolate – Theobromine is a chemical found in chocolate that can be toxic to dogs. The darker, more bitter, and more concentrated the chocolate is, the higher the risk of toxicity it poses. A few symptoms of poisoning include tremors, seizures, and irregular heartbeats. 
• Xylitol – A sweetener found in many sugarless gums and candies that can be extremely dangerous for dogs. Ingesting even a small amount can lead to a rapid and life-threatening decline in blood sugar levels and possible liver failure.
• Raisins/Grapes – Raisins and grapes are often overlooked as being dangerous for dogs, but small amounts can result in kidney failure. 

3. Cleaning Products: 

• Sprays, Detergents, and Polishes – Acidic or alkaline cleaners, such as toilet bowl cleaners, drain cleaners, rust removers, and more can be highly corrosive and pose a significant risk to dogs. Even products labeled as natural may cause severe reactions, so it is best to practice caution with any cleaning product. 

4. Rodenticides: 

• Mouse/Rat Poisons – These products can be highly toxic to dogs due to the numerous active ingredients present. Depending on the type of poison ingested, it can cause effects such as internal bleeding, brain swelling, kidney failure, and even severe vomiting and bloat. Additionally, there is also the possibility of relay toxicity, in which pets can be poisoned by consuming dead rodents that had been poisoned by these products. 

5. Fertilizers: 

• Organic products that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron can be especially tempting and hazardous. Consuming a large amount can lead to severe pancreatitis or form a concretion in the stomach that can obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.

Before using any new products or foods, check with your veterinarian on how it can affect your pup. If you think that your dog ingested something hazardous, don’t waste any time and reach out to your vet and Pet Poison Helpline® (855) 764-7661 immediately.