10 Household Items Poisonous to Dogs

Many household items can be poisonous to dogs. The trend is on the rise with no apparent reason.

1. Human medications: Common human drugs such as painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements are poisonous to dogs. Pets snatch pill vials from easily accessible counters or medication accidentally dropped on the floor. Make sure you keep all medication out of reach.


2. Insecticides: Pet poisonings pertaining to products used to kill fleas, ticks and other insects are up. A key finding is the usage of products that eliminate fleas, ticks and other pesky bugs, is not reading and following label instructions exactly. Another mistake is applying the wrong topical treatment to the wrong species. It is best to talk to your vet before embarking on any flea program.


3. Veterinary medications: Misapplication by earnest pet owners involving animal-related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heart worm preventatives, de-wormers, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements can be poisonous to dogs.


4. Plants: Varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera found in homes are poisonous to dogs. What can you do? Learn about the plants in your yard and neighbourhood that are dangerous and be sure your dog does not have access to them. Ideally, remove all toxic plants on your own property including poisonous houseplants. Check out the plant before you purchasing.It is also a good idea to discourage dogs from nibbling on any variety of plant, as even non-toxic plants can lead to minor stomach upsets.


5. Rodenticides: Rat and mouse poisons can cause bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.


6. Household cleaners: Lock up your cleaning agents such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants.When inhaled by our furry friends, it can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.


7. Food: Chocolate is poisonous to dogs. The toxic compound in chocolate is theobromine, a substance found in cacao beans. The signs of toxicity of chocolate usually include excitement, agitation or nervousness, muscle tremors, vomiting, increase thirst and diarrhea. Some severe cases the dog may have muscle spasms, feel heat and enter into coma. A few were fatal. Dark chocolate has greater potential for poisoning, including baking chocolate. Forget white chocolate, even though it has less theobromine. The bottom line is to exclude chocolate from your recipe. Raisins and grapes can result in hyperactivity, vomiting, diarrhoea and kidney failure. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting and tremors in some dogs. Xylitol commonly found in human products, such as, toothpaste, chewing gum; baked goods can cause insulin release resulting in lower blood sugar and potential liver failure. The symptoms are lethargy and loss of coordination. Different dogs react differently, best is to avoidance.


8. Chemical hazards: Harmful items such as volatile petroleum-based products, alcohols, acids and gases which are found in ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and pool/spa chemicals. The side effects are gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.


9. Physical hazards: Items in this group include objects that could pose a choking hazard, risk for intestinal obstruction, or other physical injury


10. Home improvement products: Lead is especially injurious. Pets are exposed to it through many sources, including consumer products, paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded.

Before your dog needs help due to ingestion on any household items poisonous to dogs, decide which poison control helpline you want to use. Post the number where you can easily find it in an emergency.