Blog Post: Poison Prevention Week March 18-24

Thanks to numerous online resources, today’s pet owners are well-informed
as to the common, everyday poison risks that exist for their pups as well as
resources for emergency help. We’d like to support that effort with a quick, comprehensive list of common poison risks and how you can protect your pooch from these potential hazards.

“Human” Foods

Practically everyone knows that chocolate is a big No-No for dogs, but so
is zylitol, the sweetener found in many “sugarless” foods and candies. Also on the Bad-for-Dogs list are anything that contains alcohol, apple seeds, avocado, anything with caffeine, chives, fermenting yeast (as in bread dough), grapes and raisins, leeks, macadamia nuts, mushrooms, onion and walnuts.

Around the House

Nicotine, including cigarettes, patches, or gum, can cause heart and respiratory failure in pets.

Household cleaners, even ones that say they’re natural and/or organic, can be bad for pets, so keep them up high and out of reach of pets.

Human medicines such as antidepressants, ADD and/or ADHD prescription drugs or any medications that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol), amphetamine,
ibuprofen, naproxen and any medication intended for use by humans should never be given to pets.

Topical solutions, like sunscreen and bug repellent, and rubbing alcohol should also be kept well out of your pet’s reach.

In the Garden

Fertilizers, insecticides (including spot on flea/tick treatment), rock salt, mouse & rat poison, and any product that contains organophosphates (often found in rose-care products) can be life-threatening even in small amounts.

Plants, including aloe, baby's breath, bulbs (including tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths), carnations, chamomile, hyacinths, hydrangea, lilies and poinsettias as well as grass (because of the pesticides and/or fertilizer that may be sprayed on lawns) can also be hazardous to your pooch.

Signs to Look For

If your dog has ingested anything you think may be poisonous, it may show signs of gastrointestinal distress (including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling/hyper-salivating or loss of appetite), internal bleeding (pale gums, racing heart,  weakness, lethargy, coughing up blood, vomiting blood, collapse), kidney failure (“uremic” breath, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst or urination or decreased or absence of urination) or liver failure (yellow discoloration of gums, vomiting, diarrhea, black-starry stool, weakness, or collapse).

If your dog shows any of the above signs, call your veterinarian immediately!  You can also phone Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680 for assistance.

Pooch Proof Your Home

Pooch-proofing your home, just like baby-proofing, requires attention to details and persistence. Store medicines, cleaning supplies and other toxins in high cupboards; make sure trash cans have tight lids; and always keep gardening supplies in latched sheds.

Also visit informative websites, like http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/ to familiarize yourself with potential problems and other tips for protecting your pup.

You can also prepare by making a canine poison first aid kit for your home, which should include the following items:

• Hydrogen peroxide 3% within the expiration date (used to induce vomiting)
• An oral dosing syringe or turkey baster (for administering hydrogen peroxide)
• Teaspoon/tablespoon set (to calculate the appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide to give)
• Liquid hand dishwashing detergent
• Rubber gloves
• Triple antibiotic ointment (with NO other combination ingredients – NOT for use in CATS!)
• Vitamin E oil
• Diphenhydramine tablets 25mg (with NO other combination ingredients)
• Ophthalmic saline solution (artificial tears)
• Can of tuna packed in water (or tasty canned pet food)
• Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage (like Gatorade)
• Corn syrup
• Vegetable oil

It's good to be prepared, but please, ALWAYS speak with a poison control specialist PRIOR to initiating any therapies at home.

Paul Berkovitz is owner and Camp Director of Camp Bow Wow in Agoura Hills.  Camp Bow Wow - Where a Dog can be a Dog!