10 Common Things that Can Kill a Dog

Dangerous Substances for Dogs

andra picincu
Dogs are very curious and like a lot to dig. Therefore, they can eat almost anything. A very large number of substances that you keep at home can kill your dog. Read further about ten substances that must be kept away from dogs, being harmful for their health:

1. Antifreeze

Many people don't realize that the ordinary antifreeze kills many pets each year. The smell and taste of this substance are sweet and can be very tempting for a dog. The substance contained by antifreeze, ethylene glycol, is very toxic. Symptoms of poisoning include anxiety attacks, vomiting and lethargy, which led to kidney failure. If you suspect that your dog has swallowed antifreeze, take him immediately to the nearest veterinary clinic.

2. Chocolate

Chocolate contains obromine, a substance that is toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate is even more dangerous. Although it takes a large amount of chocolate to kill a dog, there are cases in which the ingestion of small amounts has been enough to cause death in dogs. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea and the inability to urinate. These symptoms may be responsible for the occurrence of other complications, such as heart attacks and irregular heart rhythm.

3. Bleach

As you can easily imagine, bleach and cleaning substances are toxic, both to animals and humans. Symptoms of poisoning include abundant salivation, vomiting and abdominal pain. Don't try to make your dog vomit if you suspect that he ingested bleach. Call the veterinarian immediately.

4. Tylenol

Two tablets of Tylenol are enough to kill a small sized dog. Dogs don't have enzymes in the liver, so they can't eliminate acetaminophen. Signs of toxicity include abundant salivation, lack of appetite, lethargy and abdominal pain.

5. Watch Batteries

If a dog swallows a watch battery, it may cause him a form of poisoning that lasts for more than 12 hours and that, in most cases, is fatal. Symptoms of toxicity include abundant salivation, lack of appetite, vomiting, lethargy and abdominal pain.

6. Naphthalene

Naphthalene is very dangerous for dogs. It contains an insecticide that causes the excitation of the central nervous system, resulting in heart attacks. When this substance is metabolized, the liver stops functioning. If your dog has swallowed naphthalene, take him to the doctor immediately.

7. Detergents

Almost all sorts of detergents are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include vomiting, lethargy, salivation, muscle weakness and even coma.

8. Mouthwash

Mouthwash may contain boric acid, which is extremely toxic to dogs. Symptoms of poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting and lethargy. Call the doctor if your dog has swollen mouthwash, substances for cleaning the teeth or any other detergents that contain boric acid.

9. Peach pits

Pits and seeds of most fruits are toxic to dogs. Signs of poisoning include excessive salivation, vomiting and lethargy. If you suspect that you dog has ate pits or any other kind of seeds, take him to the veterinarian immediately.

10. Household plants

Many household plants are extremely toxic to dogs. A partial list of poisonous plants include: poinsettias, ferns, aloe and ivy. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting and central nervous system excitation. Many of these plants can be fatal if they are ingested.

By being more careful, you can prevent the ingestion of toxic substances by your dog. In any case, we should not forget that only the veterinarian is able to help your dog if something bad happens.

Sources: www.horsegroomingsupplies.com/.../dangerous-substances-for-household-pets-cats-dogs-110017.html, dogslovely.blogsome.com/.../dogs-dangerous-substances, www.petsmart.in/cms/index.php?module=News&func

Published by andra picincu

I am a freelance writer/ copywriter with a background in marketing and psychology. After working for three years for well established companies, I have developed excellent editing, researching and writing sk...  View profile

9 Comments

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  • Amanda Hugenkiss10/6/2009

    Good stuff, didn't know about most of these. I will be more careful what i feed the dog now

  • Smorg9/24/2009

    I knew about the chocolate, of course, but... Man... I guess Fido isn't getting a watch battery for his desert tonight after all! (just kidding, of course!) ;o)

  • Rich Thomas9/24/2009

    Things every dog owner should know.

  • SAIKAT KUMAR DUTTA9/20/2009

    very useful informations andra, well done.

  • Rachel de Carlos9/20/2009

    Wow, mouthwash and peach pits I didn't know. Thanks!

  • Jennifer Wagner9/19/2009

    Thanks for passing this information along!

  • Nikki9/19/2009

    Very important info for dog owners.

  • Shirley Mandel9/19/2009

    Thanks for the warning. A dire warning for any pet owner.

  • Dan Reveal9/19/2009

    Thank you for this important article about dogs, Andra!

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