We love our animals and it’s important to know what dog poisons to avoid to keep pets safe.
Dog Poisons to Avoid
- Over-the-counter medications such as: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen and naproxen (Advil, Aleve), as well as herbal and nutraceutical products.
- Prescription medications for people. It takes only a small amount of prescription meds for people to seriously harm a dog!
According to WebMD/Pet – some of the most common and harmful medications that poison dogs include:
- Prescription anti-inflammatory and pain medications can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers or kidney failure.
- Antidepressants can cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome — a dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may cause seizures.
- Blood pressure medications.
More Poisons for Your Dog
- People food – Read about Foods Toxic to Dogs HERE
- Chocolate
- Veterinary products – This includes medications as well as flea and tick treatments. Just as we can be sickened or killed by medications intended to help us, cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Some of the more commonly reported problem medications include painkillers and dewormers.
- Household products – often cleaning products and other household goods are a leading cause of pet poisoning, resulting in stomach and respiratory tract problems. The pet poisoning symptoms they may produce include stomach upset, depression, chemical burns, renal failure and death.
- Rodenticides – Unfortunately, many baits used to lure and kill rodents can also look tasty to our pets. If ingested by dogs, they can cause severe problems. Sometimes the dog eats a rodent that has already ingested poison.
- Insecticides – Items such as bug sprays and ant baits can be easy for your pet to get into and as dangerous for your pet as they are to the insects.
More Pet Poisons to Avoid
- Plants. They may be pretty, but plants aren’t necessarily pet friendly. The ASPCA has an online list of poisonous plants here. Some of the more toxic plants to dogs include:
- Azaleas and rhododendrons. These pretty flowering plants contain toxins that may cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and potentially even death.
- Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants may cause serious stomach problems, difficulty breathing, and increased heart rate.
- Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.
- Lawn and garden products. Products for your lawn and garden may be poisonous to pets that ingest them.
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned – stay calm, gather any remains of what they ingested, call your Vet or Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661 This is a 24/7 helpline.
Learn more about Pet Poison Awareness Month HERE