Article Title: 10 Of The Biggest Dog Killers In Your Home
Author: 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/
