– Alcohol, in addition to causing intoxication, can cause a coma or even be fatal.
– Avocados: a fatty acid found in avocado leaves, fruits, seeds and rind called “persin” can cause shortness of breath, abnormal accumulations of fluid in the chest, abdomen and the sac that surrounds the heart.
– Chocolate: this and any product related to chocolate, such as cocoa powder, cocoa beans, cocoa mulch, are very dangerous for dogs. These products contain caffeine and theobromine, both of which are nervous system stimulants, and since dogs metabolize theobromine more slowly than humans, it can cause a multitude of problems, including death. Dark chocolate has the highest concentration.
– Coffee, tea and cola: they contain caffeine and can cause caffeine toxicity, in addition tea and cola contain theobromine.
– Grapes and raisins – they are highly toxic to dogs – we do not know the toxic component, but eating large amounts can cause kidney damage or failure.
– Macadamia nuts: another toxic mystery, but a dangerous food for dogs, it can cause depression, hyperthermia, weakness, muscle stiffness, tremors and increased heart rate.
– Mushrooms: contain toxins that can be fatal if ingested by a dog.
Nutmeg – I didn’t know this would affect a dog, but it is on the list of very dangerous foods for dogs, and if a dog eats enough it can be fatal. I don’t know what is enough, so keep it away from your dog.
– Onions and garlic: It is not known how many onions or garlic a dog (or cat) should consume, but they are considered dangerous because they contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can break down red blood cells and cause anemia. According to what I have read, consumed in large quantities can result in severe anemia and even death, if not treated by your veterinarian.
– Xylitol: This is a sugar substitute found in some chewing gums and sugar-free candies that is extremely harmful to dogs. If a dog eats enough candy, it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar, loss of coordination, depression, liver damage, collapse, and seizures.
Yeast Dough: Rising yeast dough can cause gas to build up in a pet’s digestive system, causing the stomach or intestines to rupture. Do not feed your dog raw dough that contains yeast. Once cooked, a small amount of bread or muffins is fine for your pet. Website design By BotEap.comSome plants are also very toxic to dogs. Puppies are often the most curious, but dogs that love to dig can get in trouble too. Website design By BotEap.comThe following plants generally cause the same amount of problems and these are the symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, depression, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, drooling, tremors, seizures, and an upset stomach. Website design By BotEap.comAmaryllis, Azaleas, Autumn Crocus. Christmas pine needles, chrysanthemum bulbs, cyclamen, daffodils, some ivy, holly, kalanchoe and lilies, sago palms, oleander, poinsettia, tulip and daffodil are the most common found in our gardens. However, the castor oil plant contains a highly toxic protein and one bean can kill a human and four beans can kill a horse, so I’d remove my garden from that plant just to be safe. If a bean can kill one of us, I’d bet a serious bite from a puppy or dog could be lethal. Website design By BotEap.comAlso new to the garden circle is the cocoa bean mulch that smells like chocolate, the dogs are drawn to it and eat it. It can cause a lot of trouble including death, stick to our regular mulch to be safe. Website design By BotEap.comDo not allow your dog to swim in standing water or in any water that you are not sure is free from contamination. Website design By BotEap.comDogs are like children, they are very curious and are attracted to things because they smell good. If it smells good, it must taste good and that’s where the problem lies. Website design By BotEap.comAll dogs are at risk when it comes to chewing or swallowing a toxic or obstructive object, especially old dogs and young puppies. It’s a good idea to make your home “baby-proof” by keeping things out of your dog’s reach, and when you’re outdoors, a careful look can prevent mishaps.
Invest in an emergency first aid kit for your dog. Must contain:
– a new bottle of hydrogen peroxide (3%) to induce vomiting
– a turkey syringe or a large syringe to administer the peroxide into the dog’s mouth
– saline solution for the eyes
– artificial tear gel to lubricate the eyes after rinsing
– forceps (tweezers) to remove stingers
– a muzzle to protect against bites induced by fear or arousal
– Mild dishwashing liquid that cuts grease to bathe the skin after any contamination.
– a can of your pet’s favorite wet food
– a pet carrier Website design By BotEap.comKeep your vet’s phone number close to your phone and also keep the ASPCA poison control number at 888-426-4435 (there is a charge for this service). The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website has an alphabetical list of the most common plants, with information about their safety. Website design By BotEap.comIf at any time you think your pet has ingested a toxic substance, call your veterinarian immediately. Time is of the essence and the life you save will be that of your pet.