LIST OF TOXINS THAT ARE DANGEROUS TO YOUR DOG

Undoubtedly, you love your dog and do everything you can to keep them safe, but you may be overlooking some harmful products and goods that are lurking in your home. Below is a list of toxins that are dangerous for your dog. Toxins include food, chemicals, and everyday items. Poisoning can be avoided after reading about the toxins and the associated symptoms below.

A list of the 10 most common toxins:

  1. Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Dogs cannot metabolize chocolate quickly which results in poisoning and can result in death. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures.
  2. Xylitol: Xylitol is a sweetener that is commonly used as a sugar substitute. Xylitol can be found in sugar-free gum, candy, baked goods, and even some peanut butter brands. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and just a small amount can cause hypoglycemia, liver failure, and death.
  3. Coffee: Avoid sharing a cup of coffee with your pup in the morning. Coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that is harmful to dogs. Dogs that drink coffee can quickly become hyperactive and their blood pressure rises. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include hyperactivity, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, and tremors.
  4. Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs. Symptoms of grape and raisin poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
  5. Onions and garlic: All parts of onions and garlic are considered toxic. Onions and garlic contain thiosulphate, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in urine, rapid heart rate, and anemia.
  6. Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts can cause vomiting, lack of coordination, and hyperthermia. The most common sign of macadamia nut poisoning is weakness, especially in the back legs. Just a small amount can cause unfortunate symptoms.
  7. Moldy food: Just as humans can’t eat rotting food, neither can dogs. Dogs can develop an allergic reaction to mold spores, which can lead to difficulty breathing, sneezing, and a runny nose. In some cases, mold spores can even cause seizures.
  8. Alcohol: Alcohol is a depressant which disrupts the balance in bodily systems. Alcohol poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, tremors, difficulty breathing, and even death.
  9. Paint: Paint is poisonous for dogs if ingested. Sometimes when people have leftover paint, they’ll store it in places like the basement or garage. Dogs may be attracted to the smell of paint and try to lick or eat it, which can lead to gastrointestinal upset and even more serious health problems. Paint may also contain lead, which can be toxic to dogs and cause neurological problems.
  10. Pesticides: Pesticides are meant to keep away pests and rodents and they typically contain a variety of toxins that are harmful to dogs. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and death.

The key takeaways are to always read the ingredients in food, store all goods and products in a secure place, and if you have any questions regarding food or products contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 for help. Whether it’s questions or concerns about certain products or potential poisoning symptoms, Pet Poison Helpline® is always available to lend a helping hand.