Common over the counter pain relievers for humans are toxic & can be deadly to pets. Many poisonings are accidental, others occur when pet owners try to medicate their pets without direction from their Veterinarians. If your pet seems ill or in pain, never assume to know what will heal your pet----- visit your pet's veterinarian.
Depending on the dosage, non-veterinary medicines can produce effects such as: gastrointestinal upsets, ulcerations &/or perforation of the digestive tract, bleeding disorders, kidney damage & central nervous system problems such as seizures & coma.
The following items are poisonous to dogs:
- Rodent poison: even if these are place away from pets, rodents can carry them to pet-occupied areas
- Plant poisoning: Toxic plants include: sago palms. tulips, oleander, hyacinths, poinsettias, azaleas, lilies. Amaryllis and many wild mushrooms. Also onions, grapes and raisins.
- Household chemicals: bleach, liquid potpourri, deodorant and most of our cleaning solutions
- Insecticides: many of these work to impede nerve function in insects. Ingestion can occur through skin absorption or oral intake.
- Toad poisoning: some species secrete a toxic substance when threatened
- Heavy metals: mercury, lead or excessive amounts of zinc, iron, cobalt and copper. These can be found in paints, pennies, vitamins, soil contamination or polluted water
ANTI-FREEZE
As little as 4 teaspoonfuls can be fatal to a 10 pound dog!
Exercise caution in the winter months as anti-freeze has a temptingly sweet taste that pets enjoy, but also contains lethal ethylene glycol. Carefully clean up any spillage.
Antifreeze Poisoning Prevention Tips:
• Clean up antifreeze spills immediately.
• Check your car regularly for radiator leaks.
• Always store antifreeze containers in areas that are inaccessible to your pets.
• Never allow your pets to have access to the area when you are draining antifreeze from your car.
Propylene glycol is a less toxic form of antifreeze and should be used instead of ethylene glycol.
Sweetener (Xylitol): Could be toxic to dogs: This sweetener is found in sugar-free chewing gum, candies, baked foods and can cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets. Significant amounts ingested could cause a drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures There appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and liver failure in dogs. Signs can develop in less than 30 minutes but with small ingestions as much as 12 hours later. Contact your Veterinarian if you suspect this problem. |
