A number of common substances found in foods, plants, household products and medicines are poisonous to dogs. Below is an overview of some of the most common and dangerous poisons for dogs:
1. Food
- Chocolate : Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. The higher the quality of the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content.
- Grapes and raisins : Can cause acute kidney failure, even in small amounts.
- Onions and garlic : They contain substances that can damage red blood cells and lead to anemia.
- Avocado : Contains persin, which can cause vomiting and diarrhea.
- Alcohol : Even small amounts of alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coordination problems, breathing problems, coma, or even death.
- Xylitol : This artificial sweetener is found in some chewing gum, toothpaste, and baked goods. Xylitol can cause a sudden release of insulin, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and liver damage.
- Caffeine : Caffeine is highly toxic to dogs and is found in coffee, tea, energy drinks and some medications.
- Raw yeast dough : The yeast in raw dough can ferment in a dog’s stomach, leading to bloating, pain and, in severe cases, alcohol poisoning.
2. Plants
- Lilies : Some types of lilies, especially Easter lilies, are highly toxic, especially to cats, but can also be dangerous to dogs.
- Azaleas and rhododendrons : These plants contain grayanotoxins that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and, in severe cases, death.
- Oleander : It is extremely toxic, causing cardiac arrhythmias, vomiting and death.
- Tulips and daffodil bulbs : Contains toxins that can cause severe stomach irritation, vomiting and, in severe cases, heart problems.
3. Chemicals and household products
- Antifreeze (ethylene glycol): Has a sweet taste, which can be appealing to dogs, but is highly toxic and can lead to kidney failure and death.
- Cleaning agents : Bleach, disinfectants and stain removers can cause burns, vomiting, diarrhea and inhalation can cause lung damage.
- Pesticides and insecticides : Can be fatal if swallowed or in contact with skin.
- Rodent poison : Contains strong anticoagulants that can cause internal bleeding, or bromethalin, which damages the nervous system.
4. Medicines
- Paracetamol (acetaminophen): Highly toxic to dogs, can cause liver damage, bleeding and death.
- Ibuprofen and aspirin : Can cause stomach ulcers, kidney and liver damage, or in severe cases, death.
- Antidepressants : Can cause neurological problems such as tremors, convulsions, and in severe cases death.
- Vitamins high in iron : May cause stomach and liver damage.
5. Other dangerous substances
- Some essential oils : Some essential oils, such as tea tree oil, eucalyptus oil, cinnamon oil, are toxic to dogs when ingested or applied to the skin.
- Tobacco : Contains nicotine, which can cause increased heart rate, tremors, vomiting and, in severe cases, death.
Symptoms of poisoning
Symptoms of poisoning in a dog can vary depending on the type of poison, the amount the dog has ingested and the speed at which the poison takes effect. The most common symptoms include:
- Gastrointestinal problems : Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive salivation, loss of appetite.
- Neurological symptoms : Convulsions, tremors, uncoordinated movements, disorientation, loss of consciousness.
- Breathing problems : Shortness of breath, fast or difficult breathing.
- Changes in behavior : Lethargy, restlessness, hyperactivity, increased aggressiveness.
- Changes in gum color : Pale, blue, or yellow gums may signal a circulatory or liver problem.
- Organ failure : Severe cases can lead to liver, kidney or heart failure.
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First aid for suspected poisoning
If you suspect that your dog has ingested something poisonous, it is important to act quickly and effectively:
1) Keep calm : Even if the situation is serious, try to stay calm so that you can act properly.
2) Seek veterinary help : Contact the veterinarian immediately and describe the situation. Tell him what the dog ate, when it happened, and what symptoms appeared. The vet can give you specific instructions on how to proceed until you arrive at the clinic.
3) If the veterinarian recommends inducing vomiting : Use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide at a dose of 1 ml per kilogram of the dog’s body weight (maximum 45 ml). Use a syringe to apply in the dog’s mouth. Vomiting should occur within 10 minutes. Never use saline or other home remedies unless specifically recommended by your veterinarian.
4) Give the dog activated charcoal : Activated charcoal binds the residual poison in the digestive tract and prevents further absorption (do not overdose the dog with black charcoal, in case of poisoning, give the whole plate mixed in water). EntereZoo gel , which also binds toxins, should not be missing in the home medicine cabinet .
5) Prepare for the trip to the vet : If possible, take a sample of the vomit, poison container, or medicine that the dog ingested with you. This will help the veterinarian determine the type of poisoning more quickly and choose the right treatment.
A quick reaction is key in case of poisoning. If you suspect poisoning, immediately contact a veterinarian