In 2008 the ASPCA handled more than 140,000 cases of pet exposure to toxic substances. The best way to prevent poison is to know the various forms and keep your dog away from them.
Poisonous Plants
Does your dog spend a lot of time outside in his fenced-in backyard, unsupervised? If so, make sure he does not have access to any of the poisonous plants list below. This is only a small list of dangerous and potentially life threatening plants:
- Azalea - The Azalea leaves are consider toxic. The leaves can cause stomach irratation and abnormal heart rate, even death.
- Marijuana - Can result in a depression of the central nervous system and cause vomiting, diarrhea and an increased heart rate that could result in seizures.
- Lantana - Very popular in the south, can cause diarrhea and in rare cases, death.
- Jasmine - The berries are considered fatal.
- Oleandor - This is an extremely dangerous plant and cause heart failure, digestive problems and death.
- Chrysanthemum - These can produce gastrointestinal upset, drooling, diarrhea and depression.
- Rhubarb - Rhubarb can cause trembling, diarrhea, increased drinking and urination and even death.
- Yew - Can cause breathing problems, heart problems, trembling and possible death
Poisonous Foods
Candy, pizza w/onions, nuts other foods and snacks may be common foods around your home but could be lethal for your pet:
- Chocolate - Milk chocolate and especially it's more potent variants "cocoa powder" and "semi-sweet" chocolates, cause the heart rate to increase and produce irregular heart beats. This can be fatal to your Rottie and exercising afterwards is even more dangerous.
- Macadamia Nuts - From as little as a half dozen kernels (de-shelled) can cause a tremor of the skeletal muscles or paralysis of the hind quarters. Your dog may begin panting heavily. This is fortunately a temporary condition.
- Mushrooms - This fungi speicies numbers around 1 1/2 million. Certain varieties can even kill humans, enough said.
- Onions - Also garlic (though less toxic) can cause the red blood cells to burst while circulating your dogs body. This can cause your Rottie to become breathless. Signs may not show up for several days.
- Sugar Free Products - Contains Xylitol which lowers blood sugar levels. A pack of gum can be lethal to a small dog.
Poisonous Chemicals & Substances
Be sure to check out the ASPCA web site for complete information on toxic and non-toxic chemicals and substances.
- Anti-freeze - Considered to be one of the most hazardous (and sweet smelling) substances to animals. Just one tablespoon can kill a small dog.
- Medications - Aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), and naproxen (Aleve) can cause vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
- Rat Poison - Don't forget those other obvious poisons around the home.
- Zinc Poison - Cause from ingesting pennies minted after 1982.
By no means is the above list anywhere near complete. Other considerations such as objects with sharp edges (read internal tearing) and objects that can causing choking or blockage of any sort.