Shar Pei Dangers

Dogs are very curious animals and as omnivores and natural scavengers, can get into and eat just about anything. However, there are many toxic substances found in your home that could potentially kill your dog. The following is a list of ten common household substances that you should make sure to keep out of your dog’s reach.

1) Household Plants: Some of the most common household plants are highly toxic to your dog.  Some of those plants include poinsettias, lilies, ferns, devil’s ivy, aloe, and ivy.  Symptoms of poisoning due to ingestion of toxic plants include vomiting and central nervous system excitement.  Many of these plants are fatal if ingested. Contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten a toxic houseplant.

2) Mouthwash: Mouthwash can contain boric acid which is highly toxic to your dog.  Symptoms of poisoning by mouthwash include vomiting, drooling, seizures, and coma. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect poisoning by mouthwash or other household item containing boric acid like contact lens solution or denture cleaner.

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3) Antifreeze: Each year antifreeze kills many pets.  It smells and tastes sweet so your dog is attracted to it. Ethylene glycol is toxic however, and each winter, many animals are killed by it. Symptoms of toxicity include seizures, vomiting, stumbling and lethargy leading to kidney failure.  If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, take your dog to the veterinarian immediately.

4) Peach Pits: Peach pits are not alone almost all fruit pits and seeds are toxic to dogs.  Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and lethargy.  If you suspect your dog has eaten a pit take your dog to the veterinarian immediately. 5) Chocolate: Chocolate contains obromine a substance which is toxic to dogs.  Dark and baking chocolate is especially dangerous.  While it generally takes a larger amount of chocolate to actually kill a dog, poisoning and death does occasionaly occur with smaller amounts ingested. Signs of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, increased urination, and increased activity followed by seizures and unusual heart rhythms. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

6) Bleach:  Household bleach is toxic to dogs so be sure to keep all products containing bleach out of your dog’s reach.  Symptoms of bleach poisoning include drooling, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Do NOT induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested bleach and contact your veterinarian immediately.

7) Tylenol: As little as two regular strength Tylenol tablets can kill a small dog becase your dog does not have the liver enzymes needed to break down acetaminophen.  Signs of toxicity include drooling, lethargy, and abdominal pain. Call your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten chocolate.

8) Watch Batteries:  If your dog was to ingest a watch battery within 12 hour it could cause a potentially fatal ulceration in the stomach.  Symptoms of toxicity include drooling, lack of appetite, vomiting, and lethargy. If you suspect your dog has ingested a watch battery, contact your vet immediately.

9) Moth Balls: Moth balls are very dangerous to dogs because they have an insecticide that causes central nervous system excitement and seizures leading to liver failure. Symptoms of poisoning by moth balls include vomiting and seizures. If your dog has consumed moth balls, do NOT induce vomiting. Seek veterinary care immediately.

10) Fabric Softeners and other detergents:  Many different household detergents are toxic to your dog and fabric softeners fall into the highly toxic category.  Signs of toxicity include vomiting, lethargy, burns to the mouth, drooling, muscle weakness, and even coma.  Do NOT induce vomiting if your dog has ingested any detergent. Contact your veterinarian immediately.

With diligence you can prevent your dog from getting into substances that are toxic to them.  Take care!

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