Dog Hazards | Dogproofing

If you are looking up hazards FROM owning a dog, please read, Dog Hazards | Allergies Q&A.

Basic Hazards

Most dogs know better, but some just don't, especially puppies. To start simple, basically all toxic hazards that you keep from your three year old kids are the same hazards for dogs.

Examples: Playdough, homemade or not, are all toxic. Your everyday detergents, bath soaps, deodorizers, and bleach, specifically bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite), are toxic. The smallest fraction of that bleach you used to clean your sink, and got accidentally mixed with your dog's drink or food is fatal.

Symptoms: The effects are quick; you would see immediate drop in your dog's performance, depression, vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, shunning away from water (in case your dog ingested it from drinking, he'd feel an intense burn in his throat) and dramatic loss of appetite. You may see some blood in excretions if internal damage is severe.

First Aid: In cases of mild ingestions, your dog would probably still be able to drink water, make him drink plenty of fluids, in particular, milk (that would be the same first aid treatment to humans.) However, if ingestion exceeds 5mL/kg of a 7% solution Sodium Hypochlorite, your dog might not drink or eat at all, and you'll see heightened symptoms. Remember that medication might as well kill your dog than cure them if handled incorrectly, so it's prudent you come to see your dog's veterinarian either way.

Other Basic Hazards

Bones, Small Toys, Paints, Perfume, Aerosol...

Chemical Hazards

1. Lawn Chemicals. Evidences revealed that most compounds found in your everyday lawn chemicals link to the development of cancer, which is one of the major causes of death for dogs.

2. Antifreeze. One tablespoon per a 20pound dog is considered lethal. Antifreeze has a sweet scent that might attract your dogs to lick it. Be sure to store it safely and that it does not drip from your car. Nontoxic antifreezes are now out in market: though they may not be as poisonous as the old one's, they still have toxic traces so you have to handle them with care.

3. Xylitol is an ingredient of most sugar-free products, candies, chewable medicines, lozenges, gums. Though it is safe for humans, it's not safe for your dogs.

4. Sodium Hypochlorite. Although it's been mentioned above. This compound may have harmful derivatives. Keep this in mind when reading labels, so you know which is toxic and not.

5. Hydrogen Peroxide and its derivatives.

6. Technically all acidic chemicals with high pH ratings.

7. Medicines and pain killers. Advil®, Motrin®, and Tylenol® can be poison to dogs. It's best to consult a specialist first before applying human medications to your dogs.

8. Chocolates contain caffeine and theobromine, a stimulant toxic to your dog, 4-10 oz of white milk chocolate is fatal to small dogs, 2-5 pounds in larger dogs.

9. Lead Poisoning. Difficult to notice, but lead could be found in a great number of our basic household amenities like; batteries, door grease, linoleum, cheap jewelry, imported children's toys, etc...

10. Alcohol. Symptoms of ingestion are vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination, depression, and may result in difficulties in breathing, tremors, acidosis, coma, and death.

Some Hazardous Plants

Jerusalem Cherry, Cherry Laurel, Tomatoes vines, Day Lilies, Larkspur stems, Black Locust Tree, Wandering Jew, Foxglove, Birds of paradise, Rhododendron, Tiger Lilies, Clematis stems and leaves, Dumb Cane leaves, English Ivy Fruit, Holly berries, Jasmine leaves, Philodendron, Chinaberry tree, Pokeweed, Castor bean seeds, Privet bush, Boxwood Bark, Rhubarb leaves, Thorn Apple...

More Related Articles;

Dog Hazards | Allergies Q&A

Ancient Dogs
Alaskan Husky | Freak Dogs or Not?
Siberian Husky Sled Dog History

Tips for Siberian Huskies