Common substances poisonous to pups

Date: 3/28/2010

While the saying goes “curiosity killed the cat,” it can also be pretty harmful to your pup when his natural explorative nature gets him chewing or swallowing certain common household substances that are toxic to dogs.

Knowing what to avoid – and what to do when the worst-case-scenario happens, can save your pet’s life. 

Here’s a working list of what to watch out for:

Garage items:

Paint thinner, paint, antifreeze, gasoline, rodent control bait traps, insecticides, ice melting products, Citronella candles, Guerilla glue, cocoa mulch, swimming pool chemicals, blue-green algae for ponds, lawn fertilizers, slug or snail baits with metaldehyde and insect baits with methomyl.  Paint chips, linoleum, lead dust and heavy metals can also be harmful.

Household cleaners:

Keep bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, fabric softener sheets, moth balls and plumbing agents/drain cleaners away from your pet. Rinse food and water bowls thoroughly before using.

Human medicines:

Puppies should not consume acetaminophen, ibuprophen, naproxen, acetaminophen, anti-depressants (such as Effexor, Cymbalta, Prozac or Lexapro), cold medicines, diet pills/supplements, medicines for ADD and ADHA, sleeping pills, birth control pills, ACE inhibitors such as Zestril or Altace,   If you think your pup has injured himself or is in pain, consult a veterinarian.

Liquid potpourri:

While the scent may be great for you, the enticing smell can lure a pup into consuming this harmful substance.

Plants:

Common house plants that are harmful to your pup include lilies, sago palms, asparagus ferns, English ivy, amaryllis and Bird of Paradise plants.  Outside plants to avoid include tulip and Narcissus bulbs, azalea and rhododendrons, Bleeding hearts, cyclamen, tomato plants,  oleander, yew, daffodils, foxgloves, geraniums, Nightshade, primroses, poppies, Castor bean, kalanchoe,and schefflera. And while marijuana may be medicinal for some humans, it’s a definite no-no for canines.

People food:

While many pet owners give their pup “people food” out of love and affection, be careful not to include any of these : alcohol, avocados, dark chocolate, coffee, garlic, Macademia nuts, onions, grapes, raisins, yeast dough or xylitol (a common sweetener in candy and chewing gum). You should also avoid giving pups fatty foods and moldy or spoiled food as they can be a bad for them as they are for you.

Pet products:

A flea collar may be helpful when worn, but harmful when eaten. You will also want to be careful not to over-dose your pet on items such as heartworm preventatives, de-wormers, nutritional supplements and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).