Puppy Poison Control: Keeping Plants and Chemicals from Harming Your Dog
Posted on February 27, 2023 by Pinnacle Vet Clinic
As dog owners, we probably want nothing more than to keep our playful pup happy and healthy. To do that, it’s important to be aware of substances that are harmful to dogs. These can take the form of artificial chemicals, drugs, and many plants.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe from Dangerous Chemicals
Toxic Artificial Chemicals
When it comes to keeping your dog safe from dangerous medicines, household cleaners, and similarly toxic substances, it’s relatively straightforward. Store your medications, household cleaners, or garage items like antifreeze on a high shelf or cabinet. Be sure not to leave things like pill sorters on low-lying surfaces where your dog can quickly get ahold of them. If a spill occurs, confine your dog to a safe area before cleaning up the mess. If your dog ingests cleaners or pharmaceuticals, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Chemicals that can harm your dog include:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Naproxen
- Antidepressants
- ADD/ADHD medications
- Prescription pain medications
- Bleach
- Ammonia
- Disinfectants
- Drain cleaners
- Oven cleaners
- Rat poison
- Antifreeze
- Insecticides
- Fertilizers
It is safe to assume that ingesting any artificial chemicals not prescribed to your dog by a veterinarian can harm your dog.
Poisonous Plants
Keeping your dog safe from toxic plants can be a little more challenging. Because dogs are prone to chewing on plants (especially grass), stopping poisonous plants from your dog will require knowledge about which plants are harmful. Once you know what’s bad for your dog, you can remove or refrain from planting those plants in your yard or areas of your house that your dog can access. However, in spaces like public parks, it will always take a keen eye to differentiate harmful pants from nonthreatening grasses.
Here are some common plants that are harmful to your dog:
- Sago Palm
- Lily
- Oleander
- Azalea
- Daffodil
- Tulip
- Castor Bean
- Cyclamen
- English Ivy
- Aloe Vera
- Chrysanthemum
- Cannabis (marijuana)
- Rhododendron
- Morning Glory
Many more plants can be toxic to your dog, so it’s best to err on the side of caution if your dog is trying to eat a plant you don’t recognize.
Poisonous Substance Response from Pinnacle Vet Clinic
Emergency care may be required if your dog has ingested a toxic substance. Please contact us for information on how to respond or to make an appointment.
