dog poisoning

- Alcoholic beverages
- Avocado
- Chocolate (all forms)
- Coffee (all forms)
- Fatty foods
- Macadamia nuts
- Moldy or spoiled foods
- Onions, onion powder
- Raisins and grapes
- Salt in excess
- Yeast dough
- Garlic

From tiny Yorkshire Terriers to huge Bernese Mountain Dogs and everything in between... dogs have never been very fussy about what they'll eat, especially if they are outside and exploring. Let's face it, they all started as hunters and scavengers!

Four main causes of dog poisoning:

1. getting into your medications
2. ingesting chemicals, cleaning products and the like around your home
3. eating plants that are poisonous
4. people food that's harmful to dogs

People Medications

As a dog lover, you know that you need to be extra careful with all medications around the home - and not just prescriptions. Keep them all in a closed cabinet, well out of reach of your dog. Some of the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen; Antidepressants and Isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug. If you happen to drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately.

Chemicals and Cleaners

And you also know that cleaners, chemicals and workshop stuff has to be carefully stored too -- I love the child-proofing cupboard fasteners for my peace of mind. Antifreeze, paint thinner, rat killer and chemicals for pools are some of the common dangers.

Poisonous Plants

You've probably also heard that Christmas Poinsettias are very poisonous to pets... but they're not the only common houseplant that can seriously harm or even kill your dog. You can find a complete list of dangerous-to-dogs houseplants here at the ASPCA site .

Reaction to a drug prescribed for people is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs. Just as you would do for your children, keep all medicines out of your dog's reach. And, never give your dog any over-the-counter medicine unless told to do so by your vet. Ingredients such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen are common in pain relievers and cold medicine. And, they can be deadly for your dog.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol

can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Grapes & Raisins

Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. In pets who already have certain health problems - or so called 'teacup size' pets -- signs may be more dramatic.

Yeast Dough

Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet's digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach or intestines to rupture. Because the risk diminishes after the dough is cooked and the yeast has fully risen, pets can have small bits of bread as treats. However, these treats should not constitute more than 5 percent to 10 percent of your pet's daily caloric intake.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets. In addition, raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet's digestive tract.

Salt

Large amounts of salt can produce excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. Signs that your pet may have eaten too many salty foods include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death.

Source: www.aspca.org

For immediate first aid, if you are positive that your dog has ingested this toxic substance, try to induce vomiting with a simple hydrogen peroxide solution

This method should only be used if the toxin has been ingested in the previous two hours, and should only be given three times, spaced apart at ten minute intervals. If your dog has not vomited after the third dose, do not use it, or anything further, to try to induce vomiting.

Do not induce vomiting unless you are absolutely sure of what your dog has ingested. If your dog has already vomited, do not try to force more vomiting.

A final word, do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is exhibiting signs of serious distress or shock.

Whether your dog vomits or not, after the initial care, you must take him to the vet's immediately.

Download a printable reference guide to treating dog poisoning here.

mix EQUAL PARTS hydrogen peroxide and water and give right away
1 or 2 tablespoons per 10 lbs. body weight to induce vomiting
use a turkey baster or eyedropper if necessary to give mixture to dog by mouth

do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious, is having trouble breathing, or is exhibiting signs of serious distress or shock. Whether your dog vomits or not, after the initial care, you must take him to a the vet's immediately.

Avocado

The leaves, fruit, seeds and bark of avocados contain Persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to recumbancy and seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Onions, Garlic, Chives

These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. An occasional low dose, such as what might be found in pet foods or treats, likely will not cause a problem, but we recommend that you do NOT give your pets large quantities of these foods.

Milk

Because pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase (the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk), milk and other milk-based products cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.