09 Dec 09 How To Reduce The Risk Of Your Dog Consuming Toxic Things
Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. So, if you read on you’ll see that there is a list of 4 very important home-based products that should be kept out of your dog’s reach. Just by following these simple steps you can make sure your dog health care routine is boosted.
1) Antifreeze: Many people do not realize it, but common antifreeze kills many pets each year. It’s the sweet smell of the antifreeze that attracts dogs. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure. You can prevent this painful death by just making sure the product is kept far out of reach. If your dog does end up ingesting some antifreeze, call the vet immediately.
2) Chocolate: Don’t ever let your dog eat chocolate, as it is poisonous to dogs. People assume that only large amounts kill pets, but in fact any amount can prove dangerous. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea, increased urination, and increased activity. This can progress to seizures and unusual heart rhythms. If you think your dog might have just eaten some chocolate, visit the vet promptly. This is not good for a dog’s health.
3) Bleach: As you might imagine, household bleach is toxic to dogs. All bleach-related products are to be kept high up out of a dog’s reach. Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your vet immediately. You have to keep your dog health care routine in check otherwise these substances could kill.
4) Mouthwash: Highly toxic to dogs is an owner’s mouthwash, and this is commonly found in the home. There are some symptoms associated with mouthwash which are very unpleasant, and these include drooling and seizures. You should take your dog to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.
With diligence on our part, we can help prevent our dogs from getting into substances that are toxic to them. Pet owners do a lot for their pets in terms of feeding and grooming, but a proper dog health care routine isn’t complete without making sure dangerous products are kept away from the pet. As long as you stay vigilant, you shouldn’t need to visit the vet with a sick dog that has just ingested something toxic.
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