In 2007, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center handled more than 130,000 pet poisoning cases.
The most common substances involved in these calls were:
- Prescription and over-the-counter-drugs
- Insecticides and insect control products
- Common household plants
- Chemical bait products
- Common household cleaners
Although many toxic substances are obvious and easy enough to store out of harm’s way, many others appear harmless-looking inside our refrigerators and pantries and even on our counter tops. Many well-meaning dog parents innocently share these dog toxins with their canine companions, unaware that the consequences could be deadly.
Before you share your next snack with your dog, take a look at the following list of toxic foods for dogs. Dogs (and other pets) should never be given any of the foods on this list.
Toxic Foods for Dogs
- Alcohol
- Avocados
- Chocolate
- Coffee, tea and cola
- Grapes and raisins
- Macadamia nuts
- Mushrooms
- Nutmeg
- Onions and garlic (and other foods in the onion family)
- Xylitol
- Yeast dough
Grapes and raisins are particularly common toxic foods for dogs of which many people are unaware. In fact, grapes and dogs are a deadly combination. From April 2003 to April 2004, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center managed 140 cases involving grapes and dogs. In these cases, the dogs ingested varying amounts of grapes or raisins. Of these 140 cases managed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, more than 50 of the dogs developed clinical signs of toxicity, ranging from vomiting to life-threatening kidney failure. Seven of the dogs died.
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center advises that people do not give grapes or raisins in any amount to their dogs.
There are also many common household and outdoor plants that are potentially dangerous for dogs (and other animals).
Two that are common around the holiday season are mistletoe and pine needles. Mistletoe is a poisonous plant that causes vomiting and diarrhea, difficulty breathing, collapse, erratic behavior, hallucinations and even death.
Pine needles are also dog toxins and can cause oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and posterior weakness. You definitely want to make sure that your pet does not lick the Christmas tree water or chew on the needles.
Those that live in temperate climates must also be extremely careful of the Sago Palm (Cycas Revoluta), which is deadly to dogs (and humans) if ingested. Dogs can die within a few hours of ingesting the seeds of the Sago Palm. Just one or two seeds can cause very serious toxic effects, including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, seizures, liver failure, and death. If any quantity of the plant is ingested, the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center should be contacted immediately and you should seek medical attention.
Other Common Toxic Plants
- Amaryllis (also known as the Belladonna Lily or naked ladies)
- Azalea
- Autumn Crocus (Colchicum autumnale)
- Castor Oil Plant (Ricinus communis)
- Chrysanthemum
- Cocoa Bean Mulch
- Cyclamen
- Daffodil
- Easter Cactus
- English Ivy (Hdera helix)
- Holly
- Kalanchoe
- Lilies
- Mistletoe
- Oleander
- Poinsettia
- Tulip/Narcissus Bulbs
For information on other toxic plants for dogs, visit the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center Web site at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/. They have an alphabetical list of the most common plants, with information about their safety.
What to Do if Your Pet has Ingested a Toxin
If your pet has ingested a toxin, you should immediately contact the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (APCC). The Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their phone number is 888-426-4435. There is a $60 consultation fee for this service, but the life-saving advice they provide is certainly well worth it.
Even the most well-meaning pet parent may be unknowingly exposing their canine companion (and other pets) to a host of poisonous substances. By becoming educated on pet toxins, you may very well be saving the life of your best friend.
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