In 2010, there were over 100,000 pet poisoning cases in the United States and the majority of them were the result of common substances found in the home that are oftentimes harmless to humans. Some of the most harmful cases of pet poising is caused by medications and foods that are taken by people each day. Symptoms of pet poisoning are dependant upon how much of the substance was inhaled or ingested and how the substance affects the body of the dog. Some poisoning symptoms may coma, respiratory and cardiac arrest, neurological and gastrointestinal problems, and sometimes death.
Some Dog Poisons
1. Medications intended for use in humans should never be consumed by a dog. Medications that may have positive health benefits for people can have just the opposite effect for a pet. Some of the most harmful and common medications that can poison a dog are:
- Medications such as naproxen or ibuprofen, which are nonsteroidal anti inflammatory medicines, can cause kidney failure or intestinal and stomach ulcers.
- Medications such as antidepressants can result in vomiting and a more serious condition, serotonin syndrome, which is a harmful problem that raises blood pressure, heart rate, temperature and could result in seizures.
- A tuberculosis drug known as Isoniazid is hard for dogs to process. If a small dog consumes just one of these tablets it can be harmful. Some poising symptoms include coma and seizures.
2. Tick and flea products can cause unintentional poisoning when accidentally ingested in small amounts or in excessive amounts.
3. Foods that is intended for people can sometimes be dangerous and even fatal for a dog and the reason being is that dogs have different metabolisms than humans. Some of these foods include:
- Alcohol
- Chocolate
- Macadamia Nuts
- Avocado
- Raisings and Grapes
- Xylitol