We all love and care for our dogs and want nothing but the best for them. We try our hardest to be the best owner that we can be and keep them out of harm’s way. But what if I told you that there are everyday household items or certain foods that can be toxic and potentially deadly to dogs? Here are some of the more common and frequently reported poison dangers for dogs.
Foods are Some of the Deadliest
Food is the most reported poison danger for dogs. Specifically, chocolate, xylitol, and grapes/raisins. The darker, more bitter, and more concentrated the chocolate is, the more toxic it can be. The chemical that causes that toxicity is theobromine. Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener, which is used in a lot of sugarless gums and candies. If even a small amount is ingested, it can result in liver failure or an extremely dangerous drop in blood sugar. A dog eating raisins and grapes can result in kidney failure and is easily one of the most toxic foods for them.
Be on the Lookout for Mouse and Rat Poisons
There are several active ingredients in different poison products, which increases the chance of potential toxicity for dogs. Dogs consuming different poison products can result in various dangerous side effects. These can vary from internal bleeding and swelling of the brain to kidney failure or vomiting. If a rodent was killed due to ingesting the poison it can still be poisonous to a dog if they eat the dead rodent.
Insecticides and Fertilizers Can Be Deadly
It can be deadly if a dog consumes even a small amount of insecticides such as bug spray or certain fertilizers. Make sure you keep any insecticide or fertilizer out of reach of your pet. An example of toxic products are rose-care products. These typically contain a chemical known as organophosphate, which is extremely deadly to dogs. A dog ingesting this toxic chemical can lead to seizures or even death.
Monitor Your Household Cleaning Products
Strong acidic common products such as countertop sprays, lye, toilet bowl cleaners, etc. can cause severe side effects in dogs. When something is labeled “organic” or “natural” it does not mean that it is safe for your dog. While not all cleaning products are potentially harmful for your dog, just be sure to do your research on the ingredients and keep them out of reach so they can’t get to them.
Manage Certain Human Medications and Veterinary Pain Relievers
NSAID drugs like ibuprofen, antidepressants, Acetaminophen such as Tylenol, and ADD/ADHD medications can be toxic and cause complications in your dog. Clinical signs could be kidney failure, tremors, seizures, death and many more. Your vet will prescribe a safe medication and dosage for your pet, so be sure to follow their instructions. Veterinary pain relievers, if consumed in large amounts, can also have uncomfortable and fatal consequences for dogs.
What Should I Do If My Dog Ingests Any of These Toxic Items?
Household items make our lives easier and sometimes more fun, but if we have pets, we want to make sure our homes are a safe environment for our furry friends. If your dog consumes any of these toxic items, contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855)-764-7661 to get immediate help. Carefully monitor your dog’s health and watch out for any of the symptoms listed above.
