As a pet parent, you do your best to keep your furry companion from danger, but pets have a reputation for being curious, and you need to be aware of a list of toxins that can harm your dog. Dogs can get into toxins that are dangerous to them. Below is a list of some of the top 10 toxins your dog can encounter in your home.
- Over-The-Counter Medications: Not all human-friendly or over-the-counter medications, such as Tylenol, are safe for dogs. Human-friendly medications can result in severe symptoms for your dog, including vomiting, lethargy, and tremors. Your vet will prescribe any medication if your dog requires it. Always consult your veterinarian before administering any medications.
- Moldy food: Just as humans cannot 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.
- 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.
- Paint: Paint is poisonous for dogs if ingested. If people have leftover paint, they may store it in places such as 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 might also contain lead, which can be toxic to dogs and cause neurological problems.
- 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.
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Dogs cannot metabolize chocolate quickly which results in poisoning. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and death.
- 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.
- 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.
- Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins are highly toxic and can cause kidney failure in dogs. Clinical signs of grape and raisin poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.
- 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.
Always consult your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 if your dog is experiencing symptoms or if they encountered a toxin.
