14 May

There are many household items that are dangerous and poisonous to you dog. We know that you want to protect your dog from the hidden dangers that lurk around your home. Below are things that are poisonous to your dog, so keep them away from your dog or puppy to keep them safe.

#1 Dog Poison – Antifreeze

Antifreeze is extremely toxic to dogs. It contains ethylene glycol, which can result in very severe symptoms, and even cause death.

Always store antifreeze well out of the reach of your dog and have it clearly labeled. Clean up antifreeze spills immediately – no matter how small – and keep your dog away from the area of the spillage until the area is clean and dry.

If you think that your dog or puppy has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your vet immediately (day or night).

Symptoms of antifreeze poisoning in dogs:

  • Seizures
  • Appearing drunk and uncoordinated
  • Vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Being Lethargic

Food, dangerous food…

Many of the foods that we eat aren’t safe for your dog and can be poisonous. Never feed your dog the following foods.

  • Chocolate – the darker the chocolate, the more toxic to your dog.
  • Raisins and Grapes – can cause severe kidney damage leading to acute (sudden) kidney failure with lack of urine production
  • Alcohol – most people think of only alcoholic drinks but mouthwash, perfume and aftershave are also all dangerous to your dog
  • Macadamia Nuts – why these nuts are toxic to dogs is unknown but the most common sign is weakness and inability to walk, especially in the hind legs
  • Xylitol – a sweetener found in chewing gum and some sugar-free peanut butters can be fatal if ingested/li>
  • Moldy food & waste – Can be very harmful to your dog, as they contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. Signs of this type of poisoning include vomiting, tremors and seizures
  • Caffeine – large amounts of caffeine can affect your dog’s heart, so keep coffee, tea and energy drinks safely stored
  • Salt – an abundance of salt is bad for your dog and may lead to sodium ion poisoning/li>

Medications that are toxic to dogs

Many medications that are meant for humans – even those intended for other pets – are poisonous to dogs. Be sure to keep medicines well out of reach of your pet at all times. Paracetamol, anti-inflammatory medications (including ibuprofen), antidepressants and blood pressure medication are among medicines poisonous to dogs.

Common human painkillers can be very toxic to dogs (and cats) in even very small doses so it’s always best to seek your vet’s advice before giving anything to your pet.

Plants That Are Toxic

Lilies are particularly toxic to dogs, eating just one tuber may produce severe intestinal upset and if more are eaten, cardiac imbalance and organ damage are possible.

  • Lilies
  • Daffodils
  • Rhododendrons
  • Dumb cane (dieffenbachia – a common houseplant)
  • Ivy
  • Foxgloves
  • Mistletoe
  • Poinsettia
  • Azaleas
  • Chrysanthemums

For information and expert advice on common dog poisons, and the best ways to keep them away from your pet, contact your local vet.