I once knew a mutt named Bailey who ate two boxes full of roach traps (thankfully, he survived the ordeal). If you suspect your dog has ingested something toxic, even if you’re not sure, call the 24-hour ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 888-426-4435. In the meantime, here’s a primer on poisonous substances to keep far away from Fido.
Over-the-counter medication for people – One Aleve, Advil, or Tylenol can kill a dog from intestinal bleeding, so please store your painkillers on the highest shelf, out of reach of inquisitive, investigative pups.
Antifreeze – This bright-green liquid often collects underneath cars in the winter, and its sweet aroma and flavor are irresistible to dogs, who go into kidney failure shortly after lapping it up. Also take care to walk dogs around these toxic green puddles, as the chemicals are absorbed through the skin of paw pads. If your dog has stepped in antifreeze, give him a paw bath right away.
Cocoa mulch – By now we all know that chocolate is toxic to dogs because of the chemical component Theobromine, which is also found in this very popular type of mulch. Dogs love to eat anything chocolatey, including mulch, so don’t use this stuff in your garden, and keep Spot away from areas landscaped with it.
Houseplants – Any species of lily is extremely toxic to all pets, so do your gardening and flower arranging with any other type of bloom, and don’t gift dog-owning friends with lily bouquets. Other species of flora to avoid: Amaryllis, Crocus, Azalea, Chrysanthemum (a.k.a. mum), Cyclamen, English Ivy, Japanese Yew, Kalanchoe, Oleander, Spathiphyllum, Pothos, Sago Palm, and tulip or daffodil bulbs (take special care that your eager terrier doesn’t unearth these). Also, be aware that cut flowers are grown with toxic fertilizers, which leach out into the vase water, so don’t let Spot drink water that’s had flower stems standing in it.
Grapes and raisins – Both the fresh and dry forms of this popular fruit pop up everywhere, so take care not to let your dog have any cereal, pastry, or other food containing them, as they cause kidney failure. And please instruct kids, who love snacking on raisins, never to share their treats with Spot.
Xylitol – This artificial sweetener is a key ingredient of sugarless chewing gum as well as many upscale toothpaste brands, and it’s poisonous to dogs. So take care not to let your dog pick up wads of chewed gum off the street, and never use human toothpaste on your dog – buy him his own tube.
Pet shampoo – Chemical ingredients in many pet shampoos are highly toxic; absorbed via the skin into the blood, they are ten times more potent than if ingested orally. Read the ingredient panel on your dog’s shampoo, and if it contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (a degreaser that irritates the skin), DMDM Hydantoin (which releases toxic formaldehyde), or anything ending with the chemical suffix –paraben (more toxic preservatives), use it to clean your tub and toilet until the bottle’s empty. After that, buy only all-natural brands.
Dog food and treats – Any food or treat containing artificial colors or the chemical Ethoxyquin, which extends shelf life yet is a known carcinogen, should be avoided by dogs hoping to enjoy a long, healthy life. And that’s all dogs, but especially those prone to seizures, which may be triggered by these chemicals. Look for all-natural treats and food brands preserved with Tocopherols (a.k.a. vitamin E).
