Protecting Your Dog From Deadly Toxins in Your Food, Home and Yard

Take a moment to think about this… at any given point in time, we are exposed to some estimated tens of thousands of chemical toxins in our environment.  In our cleaning solutions, household items, beauty products, lawn care regimens, gardens, even in the foods we eat.  Many of them we don’t even realize we are being exposed to on a regular basis, yet they can cause quite adverse health effects.  Our dogs’ systems are even more sensitive to many of these substances than ours are, however, and what you don’t know about these items in your home environment, could mean serious trouble or death for your dog!​

​I’ve consulted with my veterinarian friend, Dr. Alisha Selzner of Companion Pet Hospital in Fishkill, NY, for her insight on some of these deadly substances…

​FOODS:
Many of the foods we find commonly in our pantries and gardens include ingredients that can cause serious toxicity reactions in our dogs.  And with summer heading in our direction, complete with picnics and outdoor parties where our dogs may be present, it’s important to protect our dogs from ingesting anything they shouldn’t be.  While there are many fruits, vegetables and meats that our dogs can eat without a problem, these are some very important food items to keep your dog away from…

• Avocados, Cherries and Peaches/Apricots - pits contain cyanide and sometimes this substance gets into the nearby fruit itself.  Safe amounts for us humans, but not for our canine friends!  Also, while the flesh of apples is safe for dogs, the apple seeds themselves are also toxic so please do not give a whole apple to your dog!
• Grapes and Raisins – ingesting either of these can lead to kidney failure
• Members of the onion family (onions, leeks, shallots, scallions, garlic) – these substances can produce what is known as Allium Toxicity, which according to Dr. Selzner “may initially cause gastrointestinal upset.  However, this toxin can also damage the red blood cells in the body causing a significant anemia (low red blood cell count).  It may take several days for enough red blood cells to be destroyed that you see signs such as depression, decreased appetite, pale gums, labored breathing, weakness, exercise intolerance, and even a red or brown-tinged urine.”
• Chocolate – contains theobromine (similar to caffeine), which can cause restlessness/nervous behavior, irregular heartbeat and increased blood pressure, and in larger amounts can cause tremors/seizures, internal bleeding and even a heart attack.  To a 10-lb dog, that “large amount” can be as small as 200mg.  The darker the chocolate, the higher the theobromine content.
• Macadamia Nuts – Dr. Selzner warns these and some other nuts, “cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and a high body temperature in dogs.”
• Chewing Gum/Candies containing Xylitol and other artificial sweeteners – these can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels, seizures and liver failure.
• Coffee Grounds/Tea Leaves – contain caffeine, which can cause hyperactivity, shaking, hypertension, rapid heartbeat and seizures.
• Alcohol of any kind – There’s nothing funny about giving a dog a few sips of beer, whiskey or any other alcoholic beverage.  Some people think it’s entertaining to watch a dog stumble about, but “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt”, and a dog certainly will, as his digestive system is not designed to break down alcohol in the same way that a human’s is.  The ingestion of alcohol can “cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, and potentially coma and even death,” says Dr. Selzner.

IN YOUR HOME AND YARD:

• Cigarettes and other forms of nicotine – Dr. Selzner says, “nicotine toxicity can be common and causes tremors, constriction of the pupils, drooling, excitement, vomiting and diarrhea, muscle twitching and potentially seizures, increased heart rate, and increased blood pressure.”  See, smoking is bad for your dog too!  So don’t smoke around your dog (or let him eat cigarette butts).
• Your Medication – Many human medications (such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, anti-depressants, and diet pills) can be fatal to dogs if ingested.  To be safe, keep medicine containers and tubes of ointments and creams off of counters/nightstands and sinks where they can be reached by a cat or jumping dog and knocked onto the floor.  Be vigilant about finding and disposing of any dropped pills.
• Antifreeze – Now, I’ve never ingested antifreeze (also known as ethylene glycol), but I’ve been told that to dogs, it has an extremely sweet smell and taste that is hard to ignore.  Even if it’s not winter, you may still have some lingering in your garage or basement, but this can be a costly mistake.  Dr. Selzner tells us more: “If your pet has been exposed to this substance, immediate veterinary assistance should be sought.  One teaspoonful is enough to be fatal to a 10-pound pet.  Although ethylene glycol toxicity can have many effects on your pet’s body, the most profound problem it causes is kidney failure.” 
• Rodenticides  – These rat and mouse poisons are meant to smell tasty to entice rodent pests to eat them.  The downside is they also can smell tasty to your dog!  Dr. Selzner cautions, “The typical active ingredients in these products are brodifacoum, diphacinone, warfarin, and bromadiolone, amongst others.  Traditional anti-coagulant rodenticides can be ingested at a toxic dose and they will not produce signs of poisoning for several days.  These anti-coagulant rodenticides can lead to internal bleeding by interfering with the appropriate function of clotting factors in the body.”  Dogs have been known to squeeze into tiny places or learn to open cabinet doors to get to rat huts/traps.  But it’s not only the traps you have to think about – it’s the critters who eat from the traps that also pose a problem!  “Even if they are not exposed to the rodenticide directly, pets (cats, in particular) that ingest the rodents exposed to the poison can be at risk.”

• Mulch - Grass seed and mulch do not typically produce toxicity in dogs by themselves, unless they are treated with an insecticide (see below).  Ingesting mulch can, however, “produce vomiting, diarrhea, or even lead to an intestinal blockage if consumed in large quantities.  It may also promote the transfer of intestinal parasites to dogs,” says Dr. Selzner.  She adds that the mulch to watch out for is cocoa bean mulch.  “Cocoa bean mulch has occasionally been linked to poisoning in dogs.  It is made from the hulls of cocoa beans and can be very inviting to dogs.  The toxicity associated with this type of mulch is due to the remnants of chocolate and may lead to vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and tremors if large amounts are ingested.”

• ​Lawn Fertilizers/Insecticides – Dr. Selzner gives us the lowdown on these: “Fertilizers (especially “rose food”) and other gardening products may contain organophosphate (specifically disulfoton) or carbamate insecticides that can be toxic and even fatal.  They can result in lethargy, vomiting, a decreased heart rate, difficulty breathing, inappropriate urination and defecation, tremors, weakness, a wobbly gait, paralysis, anything from depression to hyperactivity, and seizures.  Pets exposed to these insecticides require hospitalization, typically for several days.  If you have any doubts about the potential toxicity of the fertilizers or pesticides / insecticides you plan to use, you should always contact a veterinary professional first.”  Tick sprays and mosquito bombs are included in this mix.
• Plant Food – We already mentioned rose food and other insecticides, but organic options like bone and blood meal can also have adverse effects on your dog.  “When ingested by a dog, it can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, and it can potentially cause a gastrointestinal obstruction, requiring surgical removal.  Also, some forms of blood or bone meal are supplemented with iron, which when ingested in increased amounts, can result in iron toxicity,” shares Dr. Selzner.  Iron toxicity – who knew?  This is why we ask the experts!
• Swimming Pool Cleaners – “All chemicals related to the pool should be locked away.  Your pets should never be left outside alone by the pool either.  If ingested without being diluted in the pool, chlorine and algaecides can cause severe caustic injury to your pet’s mouth, esophagus, and gastrointestinal tract,” warns Dr. Selzner.  That’s good enough reason for me!
• But what if your pool is a Salt Water pool – or if you take your dog to the beach instead?  Well, salt toxicity is a real thing!  Dr. Selzner explains, “If a dog ingests too much salt water, severe hypernatremia (high salt content in the blood) can ensue.  Signs of this include vomiting, diarrhea, a wobbly gait, depression, and seizures.  It can lead to swelling of the brain and irreparable effects.”  So limit your dog’s access to the salt water to only under supervision, and don’t let him drink the water – got it!
• Mushrooms –It’s said that some 99% of mushrooms are relatively harmless, maybe just causing an upset stomach, but the other 1% are extremely toxic and can shut down the nervous system, resulting in death.  Best to steer clear of all of them and not allow your dog to prune the wild mushrooms growing in your yard or woods!

PLANTS/GARDEN:
Many common flowering and non-flowering plants can be toxic to our dogs if eaten – either in part (the seeds/pods, flowers, leaves, bulbs, or roots) or the entire plant.  Sure, they look pretty!  But please do not leave your dog unattended in a home or yard with the following plants.  Even if you don’t think your dog will eat the plants, remember – dogs will find ways to entertain themselves if they are bored, frustrated, curious or stressed.  Don’t let this be a deadly mistake! 

• House Plants like Elephant's Ear, Philodendrons and the Christmas favorites Mistletoe and Poinsettias
• Ornamental plants like Sago Palms, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Andromedas, Oleander and Hydrangeas
• Spring perennials like Daffodils, Irises, Tulips, Hyacinths, and Lilies (Tiger, Asiatic, Peace, Calla, and more)
• Climbing vines like English Ivy (and various other ivies), Wisteria and Morning Glories
• Plants that provide edible “fruit” to humans like Aloe, Macadamia Nut, Rhubarb, Cornstalks and Tomato plants

For a complete alphabetical list, check out the ASPCA: Animal Poison Control Center’s website at https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/dogs-plant-list.  They also provide lists of plants toxic to cats and horses, as well as a list of safe plants.

In the event that your dog IS suspected of ingesting one of these substances:
Dr. Selzner advises to “always call your veterinarian immediately.  Do not take a ‘wait and see approach.’  Even if your dog only ate a small amount of a suspected toxin, it is best to speak with a professional. Ingestion of two milk chocolate chips may only cause an upset stomach, while ingestion of two grapes or raisins could lead to something as significant as kidney failure.” 

Even after-hours, please call a veterinary emergency clinic, the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435, or the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-855-764-7661 (fees apply).  Your veterinarian or emergency clinic may still recommend calling the hotline either before bringing your pet in, or once you arrive at the office, as the veterinarians on call with these hotlines specialize in toxicology.

Can you induce vomiting on your own?  “While the induction of vomiting may be the first and a very important means of treatment for your dog, there are some chemical substances or foreign materials where vomiting could cause damage to the esophagus,” warns Dr. Selzner.  Your veterinarian or poison control center helpline will be able to advise you appropriately based on the ingested substance.

Lastly, Dr. Selzner notes: “Many toxin exposure cases will require induction of vomiting, decontamination (oral administration of a substance called activated charcoal) to help coat the stomach and limit the amount of the toxin absorbed through the stomach and intestinal walls, intravenous fluid therapy, medications, and close monitoring. It’s important to begin this process as soon as possible, so don’t hesitate to call your veterinarian if you suspect that a toxic substance has been ingested.”

To prevent the possibility of poisoning, Dr. Selzner advises:

• Do not allow your dog outside unsupervised.
• If your dog is prone to mouthing objects outside, or eating things, always walk them on a leash so that you can steer them away from potential toxins or foreign material.
• If you are in the kitchen cooking with potentially toxic foods (onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, artificial sweeteners), your dog should be kept in their crate or gated out of the kitchen until you are finished cooking and the area has been cleaned.
• Keep any toxic products, cleaning products, and corrosive materials locked in a cabinet or closet inaccessible to your pets.
• Dogs who go swimming at the beach should have their time in the salty ocean water limited and should be frequently offered fresh bottled water to help prevent salt toxicity. 

​Now that you have the lowdown on the toxins in and around your home that can equal big trouble for your dog, we hope you will choose wisely.  I’d like to thank Dr. Selzner of Companion Pet Hospital in Fishkill, NY for her thorough expertise, and we both wish you and your dog many happy (and safe) adventures ahead!

Dr. Alisha Selzner