DANGERS IN THE HOME
TOXIC PLANTS, SUBSTANCES & GASES
Dogs/ Puppies are always poking their noses into anything and everything. And this can cause problems even what seems to be the safest of places can have very harmful consequences. Dogs unfortunately can't read labels and things that we find, smell or taste disgusting, Dogs find them very tasty, so if you find you dog eating- rolling in something harmful/dangerous consider it to be an emergency and get your dog to the vets as with poisoning every minute can count. If you can't get there immediately listed below are the differences in toxins & chemicals and what aid you can give until vet treatment.
Signs of Poisoning
Call your vet
Changes to behaviour--------- Shivering/ Anxiousness, Staggering, Seizures, Excessive Drooling
Changes in Breathing----------Panting / Gasping
Bleeding---------------- From any body opening, caused by rat bait (Warfarin).
CAUSTIC Poisoning
ALKALINE-------------- Drain cleaner, Kerosene etc
You need to NEUTRALISE the chemicals, do not try to induce vomiting as this will cause more burning.
Try equal amounts of Vinegar, Lemon Juice and Water, Syringe into back of dog's mouth to cool and neutralise chemicals in the stomach. Seek Vet assistance.
ACID Poisoning
ACID---------------------Batteries, Bleach etc
You will need to ABSORB the chemicals
Use Milk of Magnesia or you can absorb with Charcoal Tablets and water. This will absorb the toxins from the stomach before they are digested in the dogs system. Seek Vet assistance.
TOXIC Substances
Toxins------------------Tablets, Anti-Freeze
If your dog has swallowed these you will need to make you dog vomit, (not Caustic or Acids). Vomiting will help remove them from the dog's system. Seek Vet assistance.
PRODUCTS
Milk Chocolate & Baking Chocolate contains THEOBROMINE can be harmful.
Baking chocolate has nine times the amount of Theo bromine than milk chocolate.
Harmful toxic dosage said to be 1,000 milligrams per 20lb Dog, or 28oz of Baking chocolate.
Tobacco
Caffeine
Make up
Hand Soap
HUMAN MEDICATION
ACETEMINOPHEN-------Contained in Human Cough Suppressants
IBRUFEN
ASPIRIN --------- Can cause digestive bleeding
Human Medicated Shampoo's
Toothpaste as they may contain harmful detergents
PLANTS
Yew, Holly, Mistletoe, Rhododendron, Azalea, Spider plants, Caladium, Ivy leaves, Tulips.
Chewing or swallowing the leaves can be very harmful to your pet.
Grass Foxtails/ Burrs-------- Common in fields, pathways etc
If your dog has been in long grass and starts to sneeze, pawing at the eyes, shaking or tilting the head, licking the feet. Check for slivers between toes, in the ears or nostrils they can easily penetrate the skin and cause abscesses, Seek Vet assistance.
Not all poisons, chemicals need to be swallowed to be harmful coming into contact can be just as dangerous, RINSING the dogs coat thoroughly with water, will assist to dilute the toxins. Then seek Vet advice,
The over usage of flea dips etc can cause harm, always ensure you read packaging first.
GASES
CARBON MONOXIDE ---------------------Signs Bright red Lips and Gums
If you dog has come into contact with harmful gases get the dog into the fresh air and seek vet assistance immediately.
The information provided on these pages is intended as a guide only. Should you have any cause for concern with your dog you must always seek professional advice from your vetanary surgeon .
Remember give your vet as much information as possible; he may need to know the ingredients and what concentrations from the packaging/ bottles, and the amount your dog has swallowed or come into contact with. If your dog has vomited take a sample to the vets