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.
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.
