Top Poison Dangers for Your Dog
If your dog is like most, he probably has a penchant for mischief; and that means occasionally getting in to things that are better left alone. Some of these things can even lead to accidental poisonings. Each year there are over one hundred thousand cases of dog poisonings. Many of those cases are caused by common and surprising substances, and most instances could be avoided.
As in most health issues, prevention is the first line of defense in protecting your dogs against accidental poisonings. Make sure you know the top poison dangers for your dog and how to prevent exposure.
- Medicine for humans. Human medications are, of course, meant for humans and can cause a wide range of adverse effects if Fido mistakes them for a tasty treat. In most cases pets gobble up medicine that has fallen to the ground when the owner attempts to open a tricky cap. Keep all medicines out of the reach of pets and open over a counter or bowl to catch any which happen to fall. It’s also a good idea to have your dog trained to wait for permission before gobbling up whatever falls on the floor (I hear you laughing, but trust me, it is possible!)
- Household cleaners and chemicals. Cleaners are caustic and can cause huge problems if your pet swallows any. Avoid using cleaners around your pet and be sure to drain, dump or rinse anything that has held cleaners. Store cleaners in a lock-tight space.
- Lawn Care Supplies and Insecticides. Dogs are naturally attracted to many lawn care products but many of them can be toxic if ingested. Check the label, use only pet safe products, and use only as directed. Store out of reach of your pet.
- Human food. Scrap the table scraps for Fido; they may cause serious problems. What is good for humans is not always good for our pets. Chocolate, onion, garlic, grapes, avocado, macadamia nuts, and some sugar substitutes among other foods can cause everything from tummy distress to death in dogs.
- Flea and tick products. Flea and tick products are insecticides and designed to kill the pests that can cause your pet distress. Used incorrectly though, and you can cause a lot of harm to your pet. Always follow product instructions and talk to your vet or professional dog groomer for specific advice.
If your pet has ingested something you suspect might be harmful, call your vet immediately. You may also call the Pet Poison Hotline 800-213-6680 (fee applies). If you have any questions about quality flea products, proper application, or grooming, please feel free to call Awesome Doggies Mobile Pet Grooming at (858) 633-3641 or contact us online. Serving San Diego county, Awesome Doggies is the area’s premier mobile dog grooming service, with a specialty in serving elderly, fragile, and traumatized pets.
For more information on poison dangers check out these articles:
Top Ten Most Frequently Reported Poison Dangers for Dogs in 2011 l Pet Poison Helpline
Top 10 Dog Poisons l WebMD