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There
certain potentially harmful substances that dogs get into more than others.
In
2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed more than 130,000 cases.
The top calls of 2007 involved the following common household goods and products:
Prescription
and over-the-counter drugs, both of the human and pet variety, including painkillers,
cold and flu preparations and antidepressants. Dog owners should never give their
four-legged family members any type of medication without first talking with a
veterinarian. All drugs should be kept out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets
above countertops.
Insecticides and insect control products such as
flea and tick preparations and insect baits. Some species of animals can be particularly
sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you follow label
instructions exactly and never use any product not specifically formulated for
your dog.
Common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe.
Rhododendron, sago palm and schefflera can also be harmful to dogs (see the complete
list below).
Chemical bait products designed for mice, rats and other
rodents. When using any rodenticide, place the product in areas that are completely
inaccessible to your dogs.
Common household cleaners such as bleaches,
detergents and disinfectants. Gastrointestinal distress and irritation to your
dog's skin, eyes or respiratory tract may be possible if a curious dog has an
inappropriate encounter with such products.
What should I include
in my dog's first-aid kit?
Accidents happen, so it's smart to be
prepared in case of an emergency. ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center experts recommend
that you invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your dog.
The kit should
contain:
- Fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce
vomiting)
- Turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer
peroxide)
- Saline eye solution
- Artificial tear gel (to lubricate
eyes after flushing)
- Mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing
an animal after skin contamination)
- Forceps (to remove stingers)
-
Muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
- Can of
your pet's favorite wet food
- Pet carrier
Always consult
a veterinarian or the ASPCA for directions on how and when to use any emergency
first-aid item. We also suggest that you keep the telephone number of the ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center-(888) 426-4435-as well as that of your local veterinarian
in a prominent location.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Poisoned
- Don't panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking can interfere
with the process of helping your dog.
- Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely
collect and have at hand any material involved that your dog injested. This may
be of great benefit to your vet and/or APCC toxicologists, as they determine what
poison or poisons are involved. In the event that you need to take your dog to
a local veterinarian, be sure to take the product's container with you. Also,
collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your dogmay have vomited or chewed.
- If
you witness your dog consuming material that you suspect might be toxic, do not
hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if you do not notice any adverse effects.
Sometimes, even if poisoned, a dogl may appear normal for several hours or for
days after the incident.
Foods to Avoid Feeding Your Dog
- Alcoholic
beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all
forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt
-
Yeast dough
- Garlic
- Products sweetened with xylitol
Warm
Weather Hazards for your dog- Animal toxins-toads, insects, spiders,
snakes and scorpions
- Blue-green algae in ponds
- Citronella candles
-
Cocoa mulch
- Compost piles Fertilizers
- Flea products
-
Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
- Swimming-pool treatment supplies
-
Fly baits containing methomyl
- Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde
Medications
Common examples of human medications
that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include:-
Pain killers
- Cold medicines
- Anti-cancer drugs
- Antidepressants
- Vitamins
- Diet Pills
Cold Weather Hazards
for your dog- Antifreeze
- Liquid potpourri
- Ice melting
products
- Rat and mouse bait
Common Household
Hazards for your dog- Fabric softener sheets
- Mothballs
- Post-1982
pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)
Holiday Hazards
for your dog- Christmas tree water (may contain fertilizers and bacteria,
which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.
- Electrical cords
- Ribbons
or tinsel (can become lodged in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction-most
often occurs with kittens!)
- Batteries
- Glass ornaments
Non-toxic
Substances for Dogs and Cats
The following substances are considered
to be non-toxic, although they may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some animals:
- Water-based paints
- Toilet bowl water
- Silica gel
-
Poinsettia
- Cat litter
- Glue traps
- Glow jewelry
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