Dog Poison
What's in Your House?

You'll be amazed at how much dog poison exists in a normal household and how available and tempting it is to an inquisitive dog or puppy.

Keep dog poison safely out of the way or there could be tragic consequences.

Alcohol

Don't share your alcoholic drink with your dog. Alcohol is a dog poison. It can cause, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, tremors and damage the central nervous system. It can also be fatal.

Avocado

Avocados can cause stomach pains and digestive upsets to your dog, including vomiting and diarrhea.

Chocolate

Your dog should never eat chocolate. Chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine which affects the central nervous system and heart rate of the dog. If you believe your dog has eaten chocolate you must seek veterinary advice immediately as ingestion of chocolate can cause death. Cooking chocolate contains the most theobromine followed by dark chocolate, milk chocolate and white chocolate.

Although dogs love the taste of it, don't be tempted to treat him with chocolate.

Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, hyperactivity muscle tremors, increased urination and increased heart rate.

Coffee and Tea

Caffeine affects the central nervous system and the heart. Symptoms of caffeine poisoning can include vomiting, a racing heart and in severe cases, death.

Fat from Ham and Turkey

Never give your dog fat trimmings from meat and especially from ham as high fat consumption could lead to pancreatitis. Cases of pancreatitis can range in severity from mild to life threatening. Turkey skin is also high in fat content.

Grapes Raisins and Sultanas

Grapes and the dried variety of grapes including raisins and sultanas can cause kidney damage to your dog.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts can cause tremors and muscle weakness in dogs.

Milk and Dairy Products

It has been reported that as many as 50% of dogs are lactose intolerant. Many dog's digestive systems do not handle milk or dairy products well. The usual symptom is severe diarrhea.

Onions and Garlic

Onions and garlic contain a substance called thiosulphate. Dogs can develop haemolytic anaemia which causes destruction of the red blood cells.

Green Potatoes or the Potato Sprouts

These contain solanine glycosides which can cause vomiting, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea, nervous system stimulation, depression, trembling, paralysis and cardiac arrest.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, contact your vet immediately and have as much information available as possible about what your pet has ingested and all the symptoms.

National Animal Poison Control Center.

The Animal Poison Control Center recommends investing in an emergency first-aid kit for your dog.

The kit should contain:

- a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
- a turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
- saline eye solution
- artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
- mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin contamination)
- forceps (to remove stingers)
- a muzzle (to protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
- a can of your pet's favorite wet food
-a pet carrier