Introduction
According to the American Kennel Club, poisoning is one of the top 5 causes of pet injury. Each year, pet poison control centers receive over 200,000 calls about possible pet poisoning cases. In fact, the ASPCA Poison Control Center reported a 24% increase in potential toxin exposures in 2020 alone.
Poisoning can occur from many common household items that owners don’t even realize are dangerous to dogs. Poisoning may also occur from outdoor sources like plants, flowers, or rodent or snail bait. Even foods that are perfectly safe for human consumption can harm your pet.
Knowing about potential poisons is the best way to prevent exposure and be prepared in case an emergency occurs. This guide covers the most toxic substances dogs can accidentally ingest, how to recognize symptoms, and what to do if you suspect poisoning.
Most Toxic Foods
There are several common foods that are extremely toxic and dangerous for dogs to ingest. These foods should always be kept out of reach of dogs to avoid accidental poisoning. The most toxic foods for dogs include:
Chocolate – Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which are toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. Even small amounts of chocolate can cause vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and even death in dogs.
Xylitol – This is an artificial sweetener found in many products like gum, candy, toothpaste and baked goods. For dogs, xylitol can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar, depression, seizures and liver failure. Even small amounts of xylitol can be toxic.
Grapes and Raisins – These fruits contain an unknown toxin that can damage a dog’s kidneys and lead to kidney failure. Even a few grapes or raisins can cause vomiting, lethargy and lack of appetite.
Onions and Garlic – Onions and garlic contain compounds that can damage a dog’s red blood cells and cause anemia if eaten in sufficient quantities. Avoid feeding dogs any foods containing onions or garlic.
Household Items
Some common household items can be extremely dangerous for dogs if ingested. Cleaning products in particular can be toxic due to chemicals like bleach, ammonia, and acidic drain cleaners. According to the FDA, ingesting concentrated amounts of cleaning agents can cause oral burns, throat swelling, and stomach irritation in dogs [1].
Rodent poisons and baits contain potent anticoagulants that prevent blood clotting and lead to uncontrollable bleeding. Just a small amount can be fatal to dogs. Mothballs, which contain pesticides like naphthalene and paradichlorobenzene, can also be toxic. These chemicals can damage red blood cells and cause anemia [2].
Batteries contain corrosive ingredients and metals like mercury and zinc that can cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Dogs who chew on batteries are at risk of burns, obstruction, and perforation of the esophagus and stomach. Antifreeze, which contains ethylene glycol, is extremely toxic. Just a few licks can lead to kidney failure and death in dogs [3].
Plants
There are many plants that are toxic to dogs. Some of the most poisonous house and garden plants for dogs include:
Sago Palms
Sago palms are very poisonous to dogs, especially the seeds which contain the toxin cycasin. Ingesting any part of a sago palm can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, liver failure and potentially death in dogs (source 1).
Lilies
All parts of lilies are extremely toxic to dogs and ingesting any part of the plant can result in kidney failure. Even small ingestions, such as chewing on a leaf or licking pollen that has brushed up against the plant, can be fatal (source 2).
Azaleas
Azaleas contain substances called grayanotoxins which affect the digestive system, heart rate and nervous system in dogs. Eating even a few azalea leaves can cause vomiting, diarrhea and drooling (source 3).
Daffodils
All parts of daffodils contain lycorine, an alkaloid that causes vomiting, diarrhea and cardiac arrhythmias when ingested by dogs. Consuming the bulb is the most toxic (source 1).
Tulips
Tulips contain toxic substances that can cause mouth and throat irritation, hypersalivation, vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. The bulbs are the most poisonous part (source 2).
Prescription Medications
Some of the most dangerous substances for dogs are human prescription medications, especially pain relievers, antidepressants, and ADHD medications. Even small amounts can be toxic or fatal to dogs.
Pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve) are very unsafe. Ibuprofen and naproxen can cause stomach and kidney problems in dogs (Source). Acetaminophen can cause liver failure, and as little as one extra-strength tablet can be deadly for a small dog (Source). Aspirin can lead to stomach, kidney, and liver toxicity.
Antidepressants like Prozac and Lexapro can cause serotonin syndrome in dogs, leading to agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. ADHD medications like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse can dangerously elevate heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature in dogs (Source).
It’s critical to keep all human medications safely away from dogs and contact your vet immediately if ingestion is suspected.
Symptoms
Some of the most common symptoms of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, lethargy, and an increased heart rate. Vomiting and diarrhea are typically the first signs that a dog has ingested a toxic substance. These symptoms can start within 30 minutes to several hours after exposure. Prolonged vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and even death if left untreated. What Are The Symptoms Of Poisoning In Dogs
Seizures may occur with poisoning from insecticides, lead, mercury, antidepressants, or other toxins. The seizures may be preceded by muscle tremors and occur shortly after ingestion. Seizures can lead to brain damage over time if not stopped. How to Know if Your Dog Has Been Poisoned
Lethargy and weakness is common when a dog is poisoned. The dog may appear drowsy or have difficulty standing or moving around. These symptoms tend to worsen over time as toxins build up in the body.
Many types of poisons can also lead to an increased heart rate or rapid/irregular heartbeat. This is the body’s attempt to pump toxins through the system faster. An increased heart rate combined with the other symptoms is cause for immediate veterinary care. How can I tell if my dog has been poisoned?
Treatment
If your dog has ingested a toxic substance, immediate treatment is crucial. Here are some common treatments vets use for dog poisoning:
Inducing vomiting is often the first step to flush out any toxins still in the stomach. This is done by giving the dog hydrogen peroxide orally or an injection of apomorphine. Inducing vomiting should only be done if instructed by a vet, as it can be dangerous in certain situations.
Activated charcoal can help absorb toxins that have already been absorbed into the bloodstream before they cause damage. It is given orally or through a stomach tube. The charcoal binds to the toxins which are then expelled from the body (https://www.oaklandparkanimalhospital.com/blog/92330-how-to-prevent-pet-poisoning).
IV fluids help flush toxins out of the body and prevent dehydration. They also help maintain blood pressure levels.
Antidotes counteract the effects of certain toxins. For example, anticholinergics can be given as an antidote for poisoning from insecticides and nerve agents.
Prevention
The best way to prevent dogs from eating toxic food or substances is through prevention methods like keeping hazardous items out of their reach. The ASPCA recommends storing household chemicals and toxins “in a cabinet your pet can’t access” (source). Things like antifreeze, pesticides, paint thinners, and cleaning products should be kept in a locked cabinet. Any food items that are toxic to dogs, like chocolate, raisins, coffee, and xylitol gum, should also be kept out of reach from curious pets.
It’s also important to train dogs from a young age not to eat food or garbage from the trash. Use positive reinforcement training to teach them to “leave it” and reward them for avoiding unhealthy or dangerous food items. Pet owners can also consider using pet-safe cleaners whenever possible to reduce the risk of chemical toxicity if ingested. Popular pet-safe cleaners include vinegar, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and enzyme-based cleaners (source).
What to Do
If your dog eats something toxic, it is important to remain calm and take action quickly. The first step should be to contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 immediately. Having the product or substance your dog ingested can help these experts provide the right guidance for your situation.
Be prepared to provide information about your dog, including their age, weight, and breed. Also have details about what they ate, including the amount and how long ago it was ingested. Being able to identify the product will allow the vet or poison control to look up specifics about toxicity levels and treatment.
Time is of the essence, so contact poison control or your vet right away if you believe your dog has eaten something poisonous. Try to remain calm, have the product details available, and follow their instructions for what to do next. Quick action can help prevent serious illness or worse outcomes.
Conclusion
In summary, some of the most toxic items a dog can ingest include chocolate, xylitol, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, macadamia nuts, alcohol, and prescription medications. If your dog has eaten any of these, it’s crucial to contact your vet right away, as acting quickly can save your dog’s life. The faster toxins are identified and treatment begins, the better the outcome will be for your pup.
To help prevent accidental dog poisoning, make sure to keep all human foods secured and out of reach, do not leave prescription meds where your dog can access them, and dog-proof your house and yard by removing any poisonous plants. Stay vigilant and aware of what your dog is chewing on or ingesting. With proper precautions, we can help keep our furry friends safe from toxins.