From: Price Steve <sdprice510@mac.com>
Date: Thu, Aug 18, 2011 at 6:48 AM
Subject: FYI for your blog
To: Liebmann-Smith Joan <JLiebmannSmith@gmail.com>
Top 10 Household Items Toxic to Dogs
We all have a mental list of dangerous items to keep away from Fido, such as chocolate, antifreeze and household cleaning items. But did you know that there are many items that can be harmful (even fatal) to your dog that you may have not even known about? We've compiled a list of lesser-known household items that are harmful to dogs. Please feel free to share any others you think of with us!
Hey ma - I'm not feeling too good - I probably shouldn't have been sniffing around those ferns earlier!
1. Fruits and Vegetables
Onions, garlic, mushrooms, grapes, raisins and avocados are just a few of the fruits and veggies that are harmful to Fido. In general, it is the pits, seeds and leaves of these items that can cause stomach irritation – thus your safest bet is to play it safe and avoid these altogether. DiamondPaws.com offers a list of fruits and veggies that are safe for your pup.
2. Yeast Dough / Unbaked Bread
Dogs have mastered the art of begging, and there's nothing that makes a dog's mouth water more than freshly baked items. Although you may be tempted to toss Fido a bit of raw dough when baking, steer clear –unbaked bread or any dough containing yeast can be potentially deadly to your pup, as it can expand in his digestive track and cause a fatal blockage. If Fido has a bit of a sweet tooth, try sweet treats made specifically for dogs, such as Bocce Bakery's PB n J All Natural and Organic Dog Biscuits.
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3. Alcohol and Alcohol-Based Products
Sadly, we've all heard stories of careless guys feeding their dog beer. Although it may seem funny to some, an intoxicated dog is no laughing matter. Alcohol and alcohol-based products can cause your pup to experience serious intoxication, leading to coma or death – and the smaller the dog, the higher the risk.
4. Macadamia Nuts
Most of us are unaware just how toxic macadamia nuts are to dogs. As few as six nuts can cause your pup to develop a reaction called macadamia nut toxicosis. Within 12 hours of digesting the nuts, dogs may experience depression, inability to walk, paralysis of hind quarters, elevated heart rate, and muscle tremors. If the macadamia nuts are digested with chocolate, the combination can be deadly.
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- Ooof – that ice cream gave me a bellyache!
5. Xylitol
Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in gum, candy, bakery items, toothpaste and diet foods. Ingestion of this sweetener can cause an increase in insulin levels within your pup, leading to a drastic blood sugar drop and potential liver failure.
6. Flowers and Plants
Dogs are curious creatures by nature and love nothing more than to poke around the great outdoors. If you let Fido loose in your backyard and keep a garden, take note – there is a laundry list of plants and flowers that can be toxic to your pup, including lilies, aloe, and ferns. The ASPCA offers up a comprehensive list of plants to avoid.
7. Fat Trimmings, Bones and Bone-In Meats
Although feeding your dog meat scraps and bones may seem like the most natural thing in the world, it can actually be extremely harmful to your pup. The fat trimmed off of meat can cause pancreatitis in dogs, and small pieces of bone may obstruct digestive system and cause lacerations. In other words? Stick to bones and treats made specifically for dogs – and save your table scraps for the trash can.
8. Milk
Nothing attracts a dog like a big bowl of ice cream. Unfortunately, milk and other dairy-based products can cause stomach upset in your pup. Additionally, dairy products have been known to be the impetus for other canine food allergies. If you're looking for a healthy and safe treat that will cool Fido down on a hot summer day, most dogs love ice cubes. If your dog isn't a fan, most chain grocery stores now carry frozen treats made specifically for pups.
9. Medicines
If your dog has an ailment, it is important to use treatments designed for dogs only. Human medications such as Acetaminophen (Tylenol), Ibuprofen, Cold and Flu Medicine can be potentially fatal to your pup, as it causes damage to the liver and red blood cells.
10. Pest Control Products
Pest control products such as rat poison, insect repellant, moth balls and pesticides can be extremely dangerous – even deadly – to your pets. Fortunately, there are now many companies specializing in non-toxic methods that are safe for pets and children!
What to Do if Your Pet Has Ingested a Toxin
Gather Information
Be sure to have all information ready for your veterinarian, including the type of toxin (it's helpful to bring the toxin's container along) and your pet's basic information (breed, weight, etc.). It is also helpful to collect anything that your pet may have chewed or vomited in a sealable plastic bag.
Contact Your Veterinarian or the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center
Be prepared – always keep your veterinarian's phone number as well as the phone number of the closest 24 hour emergency vet clinic close at hand. If your pet is not exhibiting any symptoms just yet or there is not a 24-hour vet hospital nearby, you may want to call the poison control center. Note that a $65 consultation fee may apply.
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