Top 10 Dog Poisons

Here's the list of the most dangerous, common dog poisons. The ASPCA has published the TOP 10 Pet Toxins for 2009.

1 - Human Medications ( drugs )

2 - Insecticides

3 - People Food

4 - Plants

5 - Veterinary Medications ( drugs )

6 - Rodenticides

7 - Household Cleaning Products

8 - Heavy Metals

9 - Garden Products

10 - Chemical Hazards

Read more about each of these potential dog poisons below.

Substances Potentially Poisonous to Dogs

This has been number one on the ASPCA's list of common health hazards for pets for several years. Last year, the ASPCA was in receipt of 45,816 calls that involved prescription drugs and over the counter drugs, including painkillers, cold medications, antidepressants and dietary supplements.

Our counter cruising pets will often steal pill bottles from counters, bed side tables, or better yet, scarf down medications that accidentally fall on the floor. It is so important to keep human medications stored away in hard to reach cabinets.

2. Insecticides

Our fight to rid our homes of unwanted pests seriously puts our pets at risk. In 2009 ASPCA toxicologists received 29,020 calls relating to insecticides. The misuse of flea and tick products ( applying the wrong topical flea and tick treatment to the wrong species ) being among the most common.

If you are using these chemical insecticides for pets, please talk to your vet first, so that you understand the CORRECT usage of these products.

Alternatively, there are terrific natural methods for flea and tick prevention. These are the methods I use for our pets. Instead of chemicals that are potential dog poisons and toxic to animals, the natural way keeps me from worrying.

3. People Food

Food such as grapes, raisins, avocados and products containing xylitol, a sweetening agent ( sugar free gum and candy ), can be dog poisons, and make our pets seriously ill.

There were more than 17,453 cases in 2009. Chocolate being one of the worst dog poisons. Chocolate contains large amounts of methylxanthines. If these substances are ingested in large amounts, they can cause vomiting, diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst, urination, hyperactivity, and in very severe cases, can cause abnormal heart rhythm, tremors and even seizures.

4. Plants

Yes, even common houseplants were the subject of 7,858 calls to ASPCA in 2009. Some common varieties of plants that are potentially pet poisons include azalea, rhododendron, sago palm, lilies, kalanchoe and schefflera.

These plants are often found in homes and can be toxic to dogs. Lilies are VERY toxic to cats, and can cause life-threatening kidney failure even in small amounts.

5. Veterinary Medications

Veterinary prescription medications are intended for pets, but they are often misused or improperly dispensed by well meaning pet owners.

The ASPCA managed 7,680 cases involving animal related preparations such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ( NSAIDS ) heartworm preventatives, deworming medication, antibiotics, vaccines and nutritional supplements.

There are many natural alternatives to all of these medications. For more info please Contact Me.

6. Rodenticides

6,639 calls were received about pets who had accidentally eaten rat and mouse poisons.

Many baits that are used to attract rodents contain active ingredients that are attractive to pets as well. Ingestion of these substances is extremely toxic to dogs, and can lead to potentially life-threatening health problems for pets. These pet poisons can cause bleeding, seizures or kidney damage.

7. Household Cleaning Products

Household cleaning supplies can be toxic to adults and children... but precautions to protect our pets are rarely taken. Common cleaning agents such as bleach, detergents and disinfectants are among the worst dog poisons.

The ASPCA received 4,143 calls related to household cleaners. These products, when inhaled by our small animals, or licked from paws, can cause serious gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the respiratory tract.

There are natural alternatives to chemical cleaning agents.

8. Heavy Metals

...and I don't mean Rock Bands.

Heavy metals include lead, zinc and mercury. These accounted for 3,304 cases of pet poisonings in 2009. Lead is the worst, and our pets are exposed to it in many ways. This includes consumer products such as paint chips, linoleum, and lead dust that is produced when surfaces in older homes are scraped or sanded of old paint.

If you think your pet has been exposed to heavy metal toxins, or just to make sure, you can use Heavy Metal Detox to rid your pet of heavy metals from the inside out.

9. Garden Products

Certain types of fertilizer and garden products used to make grass green and plants grow bigger, can cause problems for outdoor cats and dogs.

2,329 calls were received related to fertilizer exposure. This can cause severe gastric upset and possibly gastrointestinal obstruction.

10. Chemical Hazards

The ASPCA handled approximately 2,175 cases of pet exposure to chemical hazards. This is a category that is becoming more prevalent all the time.

Chemical hazards such as ethylene glycol antifreeze, paint thinner, drain cleaners and chemicals to clean outdoor pools and hot tubs are a danger to pets and extremely toxic dog poisons.

These substances can cause gastrointestinal upset, depression, respiratory difficulties and chemical burns.

Prevention is the Only Answer

If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, please contact your veterinarian.

Here is the number for the Animal Poison Control Center - 24-hour hotline - (888) 426-4435.

Remember that there are natural alternative herbal remedies available for prevention and also for dog first aid. It is always good to keep some herbal supplies in case of an emergency.

There are eight main causes of disease Toxins and poisonous substances are just one of the eight.

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