10
Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home
By Colin Philips
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.
8) 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.
About the Author:
Dog Health Revealed is an excellent place
to find dog links, articles and resource. For more information
on
Dogs visit: http://www.doghealthrevealed.com/blog/2007/02/28/10-of-the-biggest-dog-killers-in-your-home/
Source: http://www.isnare.com
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