by Jim Navary
In order to keep your canine pal safe at home it is important to become familiar with the common household substances and items that can be dangerous - even fatal - if ingested. This list is not all-inclusive but it does contain information on some of the dangers typically found in homes.
Home Cleaning Products
Although many household cleaning products can be used safely around dogs, it is important that they are properly stored and used responsibly. Product labels normally include appropriate warnings when their use presents a potential hazard. Review product labels for statements such as "keep children and pets away from area until completely dry". While cleaners containing chlorine bleach can safely disinfect household surfaces when used safely, they can also cause severe chemical burns when skin contact is made and are potentially lethal if swallowed. Diarrhea, excessive drooling, vomiting and stomach pain are typical symptoms of ingestion of these products.
To eliminate accidents with household cleaning products it is important to keep them in the original packaging if the packaging can be securely re-sealed. Containers that cannot be re-sealed should be discarded after transferring the contents to a properly labeled container that can be securely closed.
Insecticides and Herbicides
Flea and tick products that are intended only for external use should be kept safely out of your dog's reach to avoid over exposure or ingestion. Read label directions carefully before using these products as these are poisonous chemicals that can harm your pet if improperly applied.
Ingestion of mouse and rat poisons can be life-threatening. These products must be kept well sealed and out of of harm's way.
Gardening chemicals (herbicides, fertilizers, insecticides, etc.) must also be used safely in order to ensure your dog's health. When applied to lawns, keep all pets away from the treated area until it is considered safe according to the manufacturers directions. Lawn and garden chemicals that stick to your dog's paws may cause severe skin reactions. If the dog later licks his paws the chemicals may be ingested.
Human Foods Dogs Should Avoid
Some foods that are perfectly fine for human consumption can be dangerous - even deadly - to dogs. No matter how much he begs, these foods should never be given to your pooch:
Chocolate, Yeast Dough, Chewing Gum, Persimmons, Grapes/Raisins, Alcohol, Onions, Coffee & Grounds, Tea, Potato Peelings, Nutmeg, Mushrooms, Garlic, Avocados, Nuts, Salt, Raw Eggs or Fish, Most Bones, Baking Soda/Powder, and Sugar Free Foods Containing Xylitol.
Rotting food found in garbage may contain bacteria that could produce food poisoning. Be sure to keep garbage in securely closed trash cans. Dogs find garbage in plastic trash bags particularly tempting and they can easily tear open the bags looking for "goodies".
Health & Beauty Products
Drugs intended to treat human medical conditions can make pets very sick. Never give your dog any medications unless your veterinarian specifically instruct you to do so. Keep all meds in tightly closed, secured containers well above the counter and away from dogs. Particularly dangerous common over-the-counter medications include aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, antihistamines, cold medicines, vitamins, diet pills, and topical creams/ointments.
Other health and beauty products such as skin lotions, toothpaste, nail care products and even some soaps can cause vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain so keep them secured and out of reach. Also remember to keep toilet lids closed. Dogs seem to love drinking from toilet bowls but if they do so it can be risky due to chemicals in toilet bowl cleaning products.
Toxic Plants
Some plants typically found in homes and in the yard can be hazardous to a dog's health. A few of the common plants that may be dangerous include:
Rhododendron, English Ivy, Sago Palm, Cyclamen, Yew, Amaryllis, Autumn Crocus, Pothos, Chrysanthemum, Schefflera, Lilies, Tulip and Narcissus Bulbs, Oleander, Azalea, Hydrangea and Hibiscus
The ASPCA provides a very useful data base of plants, both toxic and non-toxic, on their website. As it is searchable, it is easy to use and will help to identify plants in your home than can be dangerous. The data base can be found at http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/
Other Household Hazards
-- Ethylene glycol antifreeze and coolants can be fatal, even is very small quantities. Although less toxic, propylene glycol antifreeze can still be dangerous.
-- Mothballs can be toxic to dogs particularly those containing naphthalene. They can result in blood cell damage, swelling of brain tissue, seizures, coma, and even death.
-- Tobacco products
-- Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog. Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them.
-- Small objects that fall on the floor can be easily swallowed by a curious dog. Such items as coins, small toys, jewelry, screws, nails, buttons, batteries, etc. may result in internal injuries and may require surgery to remove them.
-- Electrical cords should be covered and blocked to prevent access. Chewing on a live wire could prove deadly.
-- Strings, ribbons, and similar items can damage your dog's intestines and could be fatal if not surgically removed.
WHAT TO DO IN A POISONING EMERGENCY
Do Not Delay! Time is very critical for successful treatment of accidental poisoning. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-425-4435. Be ready to provide your dog's age, weight, breed, and any symptoms. Have the product container or a sample of the plant at hand so that the poison can be correctly identified and an appropriate treatment can be recommended. - 20511
If you are a dog fancier I would really love for you to drop in at my (http://www.dogburg.com) DogBurg website at www.dogburg.com. Once there, you will find additional canine related articles, videos, photos, humor, and anything else that might would be of interest to dog lovers. See you in (http://www.dogburg.com) DogBurg!
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New Unique Article!
Title: Protect Your Dog from These Common Household Hazards
Author: Jim Navary
Email: Articles@dogburg.com
Keywords: dog care,dog health,dog safety,dogs,sick dogs,pet safety,pet care,pet health,pets
Word Count: 939
Category: dog
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