SolveYourProblem.com Article Series: Dog Care
Dog Care Tips
10
Things In Your Home That Can Kill Your Dog
Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores
and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything.
However, there are many toxic substances found in your home
that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list
of ten common household substances that you should make sure
to keep out of your dog’s reach.
1.
Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but
common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It smells
and tastes very sweet
to your dog and is very appealing to him. Ethylene glycol is
toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by
it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling
and lethargy leading to kidney failure. Make sure to keep your
antifreeze out of your dog’s reach. If you suspect that your
dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian
immediately.
2.
Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called the obromine
which is toxic to dogs. Baking chocolate and dark chocolate
is especially dangerous. While it usually takes a somewhat
large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, poisoning and death
does occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate
poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination,
and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual
heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect
your dog has eaten chocolate.
3.
Bleach: As
you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. Keep
all products containing bleach out of your dog’s
reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting,
and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your
dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.
4.
Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets
can kill a small dog. Dogs lack the proper liver enzymes to
break down acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include drooling,
lethargy, and abdominal pain. If you suspect your dog has ingested
Tylenol, call your veterinarian immediately.
5.
Watch Batteries: If your dog ingests a watch battery, it
can cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach within
12 hours. All other alkaline batteries are toxic to dogs as
well. Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite,
vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested
a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.
6.
Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs. They contain
an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement
and seizures. When metabolized, ingestion of moth balls can
lead to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls
include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth
balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.
7.
Fabric Softeners and other detergents: All sorts of household
detergents are toxic to dogs at one level or another, but fabric
softeners fall into the highly toxic category. Signs of toxicity
include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle
weakness, and even coma. Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog
has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
8.
Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly
toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting,
drooling, seizures, and coma. You should take your dog to the
veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash
or other household item containing boric acid like contact
lens solution or denture cleaner.
9.
Peach Pits: With most fruits, the pits and the seeds are
toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting,
and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has eaten a peach pit
or the pit or seeds of any fruit, take him to the veterinarian
immediately.
10.
Household Plants: Many common and popular household plants
are highly toxic to dogs. A partial list of toxic plants includes
poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy. Symptoms
of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting
and central nervous system excitement. Many of these plants
are fatal if ingested. Please contact your veterinarian immediately
if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.
With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from
getting into substances that are toxic to them. Many veterinary
school websites offer lists of things that are toxic to dogs
and what you should do if your dog ingests such things. As
always, if you think your dog may have eaten something dangerous,
contact your veterinarian immediately or take your dog to the
closest emergency clinic.
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