Anyone who has a dog knows that these beloved pets will eat just about anything. It seems that nothing is off-limits, from the food left out on the counter to their own vomit. But even though your dog's unusual snacks might usually only be enough to gross you out, there are some things that our dogs can eat that can end up with an emergency trip to the vet's office.
We've already shown you some of the most poisonous substances for cats, and even though they are often affected by the same toxins as dogs are, there are other things that give dogs more severe reactions. And it's not always what you'd expect, either — blue-green algae can cause sudden death in otherwise healthy dogs, so it's crucial to know how to protect your furry friend from this deadly plant!
The Pet Poison Helpline has put out a list of the most common causes for calls to their number. Many of us have these things sitting well within our dogs' reach at home! I bet a lot of people would never have guessed that number 4 could be so bad for our pets.
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1. Household Cleaners
Just because a product is labeled "natural" doesn't mean it's safe for your dog to ingest. Acidic cleaners such as calcium removers, lye, and toilet bowl cleaners can have fatal effects on your pet. Window and all-purpose cleaners aren't as toxic, but they should still be kept far away from curious dogs.
2. Fertilizer
Dogs usually don't get the urge to ingest fertilizer, but some organic varieties (which can include bone meal and blood meal) might appeal to your pet. Dogs can develop severe pancreatitis if they eat large amounts of fertilizer, so it's best to keep it away from them.
3. Rat Poison
If you need another reason to use humane traps for mice and rats, consider the fact that the same poison that's used to kill them can also kill your dog. Kidney failure, brain swelling, and internal bleeding can occur if your dog ingests these poisons, and even if they don't eat it directly, they could also end up experiencing the same effects if they eat a dead rodent that has consumed the poison.
4. Grapes and Raisins
Many dogs like the sweet taste of grapes and raisins. However, this fruit can cause kidney failure in dogs if they eat too much of it.
5. Insecticides
Many of the insecticides we use to protect our plants can hurt our dogs, even in small amounts. When buying pesticides, be on the lookout for desulfoton, which can be deadly to dogs, even if they only consume a little bit.
6. Antidepressants
Antidepressants are the leading prescription medication that leads to calls to the Pet Poison Helpline due to the neurological problems they cause when ingested by pets. Seizures, sedation, and tremors are just some of the effects that dogs can experience when they consume medication such as Prozac, Celexa, and Paxil.
7. Artificial Sweeteners
Xylitol, which is an artificial sweetener frequently found in gum and candy, is extremely toxic to dogs. It can cause severe drops in blood sugar and liver failure when ingested even in small quantities.
8. Human NSAIDs
Ibuprofen and naproxen are great for chasing away your little aches and pains, but they can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure when ingested by dogs. Never swap out your pet's prescribed medication for something that's used to help humans unless directed to do so by your veterinarian.
9. Chocolate
Just about everyone knows that chocolate is bad for dogs, but what many people don't know is that the darker and more concentrated a chocolate is, the more likely it is to poison your pet. Be careful to keep not only chocolate away from your pets, but also snacks containing chocolate.
10. Acetaminophen Drugs
You may not recognize that fancy name, but acetaminophen is found in common over-the-counter drugs including Tylenol and many types of cold and cough medicines. Ingestion can cause liver failure in dogs, and a single Tylenol pill can cause death in cats.
11. ADD/ADHD Drugs
Drugs like Adderall can have devastating effects on dogs, including heart problems, seizures, and elevated body temperature.
12. Veterinary Prescription Pain Relievers
Just as humans can be poisoned by ingesting too much medicine, dogs and cats can get sick from too much Rimadyl and other pain relievers. Dogs can experience acute kidney failure if they consume the drugs in large amounts.
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