When parents bring a new baby home, particularly if it’s their first one, they’ll usually spend a lot of time making sure the environment is safe.
As the infant grows and becomes mobile, first by using a walker and then by crawling and walking on their own, any parent will tell you that you can’t turn your back on them for even one second. They simply get into everything.
Baby proofing starts with the obvious: locking the cupboard under the sink where the bleach is kept, securing the knife drawer in the kitchen, or entirely blocking the access to the garage.
However, if you have a singularly determined and curious tot, you begin finding more and more breakable items accumulating on high surfaces and more and more bedroom doors locked from the inside.
Fast-forward a few years. The little one has survived the minefield of toddlerdom and is preparing for school.
You decide that it’s the perfect time to augment the family with a lovable, furry friend. Your natural thought is that if you went through all that effort to make the house safe for a baby it would, by default, be safe for a dog, right?
The answer, in fact, is no.
Many things in our everyday lives that are of no danger to us are seriously hazardous to a canine. Chief among these are foods and medications we take every day.
Depending on the amount ingested, certain foods and medicines can cause severe stomach issues, neurological problems, heart and lung issues, and even death. Unfortunately it doesn’t always take a lot.
In line with the severity of the symptoms and the types of toxins consumed, dog owners should take the necessary steps to deal with the emergency: either by calling an animal poison control hotline or by taking the dog directly to a veterinary clinic.
The following are some of the most often overlooked, everyday dangers to your dog.
MEDICINE
Chief among all doggy threats is medication. This can be either our own prescription meds, over-the-counter stuff, or medication for the dog itself.
We might be in the habit of leaving these items out from time to time on the counter or nightstand, assuming our kids won’t be able to open them. But even though our medicine bottles may have baby -proof caps, they are not “chew-proof.”
Some of the more common drugs you’re going to want to keep locked away from your pets are:
Blood pressure meds like Metoprolol, Losartan, and Lisinopril, which can cause gastrointestinal upset (like vomiting, diarrhea, or poor appetite), lethargy, or central nervous system ailments such as stumbling, tremors and seizures.
Anti-depressants like Lexapro, Zoloft, or Prozac that can cause a condition called “serotonin syndrome.” This condition can raise a dog’s blood pressure and heart rate causing uncontrollable seizures.
Drugs like aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen and other anti-inflammatory pain meds might lead to kidney failure and ulcers in dogs.
Any over-the-counter drugs, including supplements and vitamins such as prenatal care, iron, and vitamin D, can also harm a dog if taken in large doses.
In addition to human medicine, a dog’s own medications must be stored in a secure manner to avoid accidental overdose. This applies to heartworm medicine, flea and tick treatments, as well as any other prescribed remedies.
HUMAN FOOD
Most dogs look at us longingly whenever they see us enjoying a hearty meal or a nice snack. We might look at those sad puppy eyes or wagging tails and think that giving them a little bite won’t hurt anybody. While treating our dogs to a delicious morsel of food can provide them with immeasurable joy, it’s essential to know that some foods can cause severe harm. Feeding dogs the following foods must be avoided at all costs.
Chocolate: If a baby gets into the Halloween candy and eats an entire bag of fun-size Snickers, chances are all he’s going to have is a huge tummy ache. However, chocolate can actually be fatal to dogs because of a chemical called methylxanthine. In small amounts, methylxanthine only causes vomiting. But 4 to 8 ounces of chocolate could be enough to kill the dog, depending on the size. Under no circumstances should dogs ever be fed chocolate.
Onions and garlic: Members of the Allium family include onions, garlic, chives, scallions, and leeks. All of these can cause problems for your dog because they contain a compound that can damage the hemoglobin and cause anemia. A telltale sign of this would be red or brown urine. Generally, a dog would have to consume about .5% of its body weight to be affected. If you grow any of these plants in a garden, make sure the dog does not have access
Raisins and grapes: These fruits have been linked to kidney failure in dogs. Even derivatives such as grape juice or jelly can cause toxicity.
Sugar substitutes: Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in a wide variety of products like chewing gum, mints, candy, and other artificially flavored products. It can provoke a drop in blood sugar, seizures, and liver failure in dogs. For a complete list of products with Xylitol, click here.
Salt: A household item that’s used in cooking every day, salt can be lethal to dogs if consumed in vast quantities. Aside from vomiting and diarrhea, salt can cause involuntary seizures, coma, and even death.
Mushrooms: Although mushrooms bought at the store are generally non-toxic and edible, wild mushrooms are another story. If you see your dog eating a mushroom while taking him on a walk through the woods, it’s best to contact a veterinarian immediately.
Alcohol: This would manifest itself much the same way as in humans. Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to vomiting, difficulty breathing, fainting, and death.
HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS
These items from around the house can poison humans and canines alike. To avoid any misfortune, all these products we’ve mentioned should be kept under control, either stored away behind cabinet doors or in high places where pets can’t reach.
Cleaning products: Detergents, soaps, and bleach are sometimes more easily accessible because of their constant use. Nevertheless, if dogs consume these types of substances, they could suffer vomiting, digestion problems, or kidney failure.
Garage products: Harsh and poisonous materials such as antifreeze, gasoline, and kerosene can cause grave harm to a dog. If the product makes contact with a dogs skin or face, it can cause burns and rashes. However, if consumed, it can lead to serious intestinal problems and death.
Lawn and outdoor care products: Fertilizers, insecticides, pool cleaning chemicals, and other supplies used to maintain gardens and backyards can cause all sorts of health problems for dogs, ranging from mild stomach upset to death.
Pest control chemicals: Sometimes toxic products must be employed to eradicate pests that have invaded an area of your home. The materials used to treat infestations can be potentially harmful to dogs, as they usually consist of poisonous chemicals. Additionally, dogs can get sick from biting or eating a pest killed by the treatment. To make sure that pest control is done in a safe and effective way, consider our suggestions for the best pest control companies.
PET INSURANCE
Regardless of how diligent you are in keeping your dog away from these items, there are always accidents.
We love dogs in part because of their inquisitive nature. But it’s also because of this that there’s no telling what a dog might eat away. Additionally, you can’t always be vigilant when a child or unaware guest gives the dog some artificially flavored gum or chocolate thinking that it will be alright.
We want to provide our dogs with the quality of life they deserve. That’s why it’s sensible to be prepared for the worst. Taking a look at our Top Ten Pet Insurance providers for the year is a good place to start.