Protecting Your Dog From The Top 10 Household Hazards

Few things are more terrifying for the pet owner than having their dog poisoned. Luckily, veterinarians are trained for such emergencies and with immediate and proper treatment, most pets can be saved. For the pet owner, taking precautionary measures to safeguard their pet can make the difference in their pet’s life.

In 2008, the Animal Poison Control identified the top ten pet household hazards. The number one poison hazard was the intentional or accidental ingestion of human drugs like Tylenol or anti-depressants with 79,585 cases in 2008. Second were pesticides, which accounted for 39,874 cases. Food was the third most common hazard with 11,290 cases, half of which were a result of chocolate. The rest of the top ten hazards were biological hazards (plants being most common), veterinary drugs (often misapplied or improperly dispensed by owners), cleaning products, chemical hazards, metals, cosmetics and personal care and general household hazards.

Medications are the biggest culprit of dog poisonings, with most pet owners not realizing a death hazard for their pet is lying right on their nightstand or inside their hand if they attempt to medicate their pet without veterinary supervision. Top pet drug poisons include over-the-counter (OTC) pain medications or anti inflammatory drugs, like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve), which can cause serious problems even in small doses. Other common hazards are antidepressants, oral diabetes treatments, vitamins, diet drugs, pseudoephedrine (used in many cold and sinus products), ADHD medication, Fluorouracil (anti-cancer drug), Isoniazid (tuberculosis drugs), Baclofen (muscle relaxant) and Vitamin D derivatives.

Although adding beauty to the landscape or our yard, plants are also responsible for pet medical emergencies. The most common poisonous plants are lilies, marijuana, sago palm, tulip/ narcissus bulbs, azalea, oleander, castor bean, cyclamen, kalanchoe, yew, amaryllis, autumn crocus, chrysanthemum, english ivy, peace lily, pathos and schefflera.

Although human foods may seem innocent when slipped under the table to our pets, feeding people food can be a deadly mistake. The top food dangers are chocolate, coffee, caffeine, alcohol, avocado, macadamia nuts, grapes and raisins, yeast dough (expands when ingested causing extreme pain and rupturing of intestines or stomach), raw or undercooked meat, eggs and bones, Xylitol (an artificial sweetener used in baked goods), candy, gum, toothpaste, onions, garlic, chives, milk, fatty foods and salt.

Other common hazardous items are batteries, fabric softener sheets, post 1982 pennies (due to a high level of zinc), antifreeze, liquid potpourri, ice melting products, citronella candles, compost pile fertilizers and some fly, slug and snail baits.

Measures can be taken to prevent accidental pet poisonings. Keeping products, like medication or harmful foods stored away in a secure cabinet, preferably above countertop height, greatly reduces a dog’s chance of access to harmful materials. Remember, a child proof container is not pet proof as their powerful jaws can easily crack it open spilling its contents on the floor for an inquisitive pet to ingest. Always read the label of any product used, whether for cleaning or personal care, following all instructions for safe usage and storage. Become familiar with plants in and around the home, keeping pets secure from hazardous plants, or consider an alternative non-toxic variety. Never give medication or supplements to your pet without first getting the approval of your veterinarian. Although Fido may try to persuade with begging puppy dog eyes for a piece of human food, keep him on a veterinarian recommended pet food diet.
If you know your pet has been poisoned and they are not showing any serious signs of illness, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 to determine if your pet needs to be seen or if treatment can be given at home. If your pet is having difficulty breathing, is seizuring, bleeding or is unconscious, go to your vet or emergency clinic immediately.

Having an emergency poison kit at home may also be vital for pets, as your veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center may advise administering poison first aid to your pet. The kit should contain the following items:

Remember; always consult a veterinarian or the poison center for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item.

This information was taken from the Ultimate Dog Lover, coauthored by Mikkel Becker Shannon. Mikkel will be leading two dog training seminars with Second Chance Animal Adoption August 24 and 25 from 6 to 8pm. August 24 will be at the Visitor’s Center and focus on socializing your dog with people, children and pets. August 25 will be at Second Chance Thrift Store and will focus on common behavior problems and their solutions with live demo dogs. Classes are $10 each with information and registration available at Second Chance Thrift Store or call Kate at 290-3595.