Q. What is poisonous to my puppy?
A. March is Pet Poison Awareness Month. Each season brings its own list of concerns for pet safety. In this article I will cover the most common substances to avoid.
Let us begin with food we eat. We love sharing our snacks with our best friend. Giving a bit of carrot, potato, meat is safe but not macadamia nuts, chocolate, grapes, sugar free foods with xylitol, also known as birch sugar, onions and garlic, avocado, fruit pits and seeds, and greasy foods. Macadamia nuts can cause muscle shaking, hindlimb weakness, vomiting, and high fever. Just 6 nuts can make your dog sick. Chocolate has a chemical called theobromine. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, heart problems, tremors, seizures, and possible death if your dog eats enough of it. Dark chocolate is most toxic, especially baker’s chocolate. Grapes and raisins usually surprise folks. Just one grape or raisin can cause kidney failure. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that causes liver failure. Read labels carefully because it is in everything from diet snacks, some peanut spreads, and toothpaste. Onions and garlic are in the same plant family. When enough has been eaten, the red blood cells die and your pup becomes anemic. Garlic is used a lot in dog products, but the amount is small and is safe. Avocados have Persin in all parts of the plant. Persin can cause vomiting and diarrhea when too much is eaten. The pit is big and can cause a blockage in the intestines. Some fruit pits and seeds contain the poison cyanide. Cooked fat on meat turns to grease. Both fat and grease are extremely irritating to your dog’s gastrointestinal tract but also can cause pancreatitis.
Medications should be kept out of reach of children but also inquisitive Fido. Dogs and people do not metabolize drugs the same way and can cause severe problems. Best not to medicate your pup with your medication or over the counter drugs without your veterinarian’s supervision.
Household cleaning supplies can make them sick. Read the labels and know what you are using to clean your house. Even products that say they are all natural may be toxic to your best friend.
Nearly everyone has plants in the house, get flowers on special occasions, and grow beautiful plants in their gardens. Know what you are growing. Most dogs will grab a plant and run with it but won’t eat it. Others may do just that. If you see leaves chewed or flowers missing, be aware the culprit may be your wild puppy. Common spring plants which can cause problems are tulips, daffodils, azaleas, Lily of the Valley, rhubarb leaves, and hyacinths to name a few.
Common symptoms seen in poisonings are vomiting and diarrhea, inappetence, excessive drooling, excessive drinking and urination, weakness and lethargy, coughing, vomiting blood, pale gums, nausea, and racing heart rate. If you are suspicious Fido got into something and any of these symptoms are present, call your veterinarian.
The lists above are not complete. If you are concerned, you can go to the ASPCA website for more information, read the labels on cleaning products and medications, and do your research before buying plants.
Here are some references to call if you suspect your pup has gotten into something: ASPCA Animal Poison Control (888)426-4435, Pet Poison Helpline (855) 764-7661, or your veterinarian.
Judith K. Herman, DVM, CVH
Animal Wellness Center
Augusta, Maine
www.mainehomeopahticvet.com