As a responsible pet owner, you need to be aware of potential toxins that can harm your beloved canine companion/s.
Dogs are naturally curious and may accidentally encounter substances that are toxic to them. Understanding the most common toxins and their effects on dogs can be essential for safeguarding them.
We wanted to highlight a range of toxic substances that your dog may come into contact with within the average Australian household. Ranging from foods to garden products to medications to household chemicals.
Let’s take a look….
Dogs and Chocolate
This is the big one and the most well-known toxin for dogs. The days after Easter are when we see a big increase in dogs visiting our facilities, in both Lynbrook and Berwick Clyde, as a cheeky pooch has gotten access to an egg hunt or some discarded chocolates.
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. These compounds affect their central nervous and cardiovascular systems.
Symptoms may include increased heart rate, restlessness, vomiting, diarrhoea, muscle tremors, increased urination, excessive thirst, and even seizures.
The severity of the symptoms depends on the type of chocolate consumed (eg. dark chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate), the quantity ingested, and the size of the dog.
Seek immediate veterinary care if your dog has ingested chocolate.
Onions and Garlic
Whether raw, cooked, or powdered, onion and garlic contain compounds that can cause damage to a dog’s red blood cells. This can lead to a condition called haemolytic anaemia.
Symptoms may include weakness, lethargy, pale gums, rapid breathing, and dark-coloured urine. In severe cases, it can cause collapse or even death.
Keep onions and garlic, and foods containing these ingredients away from your dog.
Grapes/Raisins
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, although we don’t exactly know why. The effects can vary from dog to dog, but typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, lethargy, increased thirst, and decreased urine production.
If your dog ingests grapes or raisins, speak to a vet immediately.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in many sugar-free products such as gum, candies, baked goods, and even some peanut butter. It can also be sold on its own for use in cooking, and you can often find it in toothpaste. It is highly toxic to dogs.
When ingested, xylitol causes a rapid release of insulin, resulting in a sudden drop in blood sugar levels. Symptoms are weakness, loss of coordination, seizures, liver failure, and, in severe cases, death.
Keep all products containing xylitol out of your dog’s reach.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides are substances used to control rodents. Ingesting rodenticides can lead to internal bleeding, seizures, kidney failure, and even death. If you suspect your dog has ingested rodenticide or has come into contact with rodents that have consumed it, contact your vet immediately.
You can find further information about the use of rodenticides on the government website here.
Snail Bait
Snail and slug baits often contain metaldehyde, which is highly toxic to dogs. Symptoms from ingesting it can be severe tremors, seizures, elevated body temperature, rapid breathing, and, in extreme cases, death.
If you use snail bait in your garden, ensure it is inaccessible to your dog or consider pet-safe alternatives.
Medications
Many human medications, like ibuprofen, acetaminophen (paracetamol), and antidepressants, can be extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms from ingesting them can be gastrointestinal ulcers, kidney and liver damage, central nervous system depression, and even death.
Always store medications securely, and never administer human medications to your dog without advice from your vet.
Household Cleaners
Common household cleaners, such as bleach, disinfectants, and floor cleaners, often contain chemicals that are harmful to dogs. When ingested or exposed to the skin, these substances can cause gastrointestinal upset, oral and throat burns, respiratory distress, and organ damage.
Macadamia Nuts
If your dog eats Macadamia nuts, they can cause weakness, tremors, vomiting, elevated body temperature, and difficulty walking. Like grapes, we don’t know why, but even small amounts can be toxic.
Avocado
The flesh, pit, and skin of avocados contain persin, a substance that can cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and pancreatitis. While the flesh itself is not highly toxic, the pit presents a choking hazard and can cause intestinal blockages. Keep avocados out of your dog’s reach.
Being aware of common household items and foods that are toxic to dogs is part of being a responsible pet owner.
Remember, if you suspect your dog has ingested any of these toxins, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Prevention is key, so keep hazardous substances securely stored and out of your dog’s reach to keep a safe and toxin-free environment for your beloved pets.
If you have any questions about your pooch, or would like to book a consultation, you can contact us here.
