´Tis the Season: What Can Poison Your Dog
Darlene Corning
November 21, 2009
The holidays are upon us. Lots of food, drink, decorations, friends and family visiting and fun for all, including your dog.
You may wonder "What has that got to do with poison?" Well, there are quite a few things out there that can poison your dog that you probably haven´t even thought about.
For instance, the food you serve at holiday parties are intended for human consumption, not canine. Alcohol, chocolate, turkey and ham bones, some cheeses, most fruits, some veggies, the list goes on.
If you or your guests can´t resist those big, begging eyes, then have your dog´s favorite treats handy to give him so he won´t feel left out.
On to decorations. Christmas trees need water so they won´t dry out. The additive you mix in the water can be toxic to pets if they drink it. If you just use water by itself, make sure you change it out so it doesn´t become stagnant. Stagnant water breeds bacteria and if your dog drinks it, it can make him very sick.
We found that putting small gauge chicken wire over the tree stand so the dog can´t get into it works great. Also there is a tree preservation product on the market you can add to the water that is non toxic to pets and children.
Exposed wires for lights can be an invitation for disaster. If a dog chews them, he can be electrocuted. Cover all exposed wires within reach of your pet with plastic coil tubing that snakes around the wire protecting it from pets and kids. You can pick this up in any electronics department.
Holiday plants are another temptation for dogs to eat. Make sure they are placed high enough out of reach of your pet. I´ve also heard about children chewing the plants as well and becoming ill. So keep everybody out of danger.
Cold weather forces us to get our vehicles ready for winter. This includes putting antifreeze in the radiator. If your dog spends time in the garage, make sure you clean up all drippings from under the car. Antifreeze has a sweet taste to dogs and just a small amount ingested will kill your pet.
Ice melt is another toxic substance that can be fatal to your dog. However, there are "green" products on the market that are non toxic and work just as well as the old standby.
If you think you dog has ingested something toxic or has been poisoned, he must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, phone the Animal Poison Control Center funded by the ASPCA at 1-800-426-4435. Give them all the information you have available such as what was eaten, how much, how long ago, etc. They will tell you what to do to help your dog before you arrive at the emergency vet hospital.
Hopefully, this article has made you aware of some of the dangers your pet may come into contact with during this time of celebration and how to keep him safe.
We hope everyone, whether two or four legged, have a happy and healthy holiday season.
You may wonder "What has that got to do with poison?" Well, there are quite a few things out there that can poison your dog that you probably haven´t even thought about.
For instance, the food you serve at holiday parties are intended for human consumption, not canine. Alcohol, chocolate, turkey and ham bones, some cheeses, most fruits, some veggies, the list goes on.
If you or your guests can´t resist those big, begging eyes, then have your dog´s favorite treats handy to give him so he won´t feel left out.
On to decorations. Christmas trees need water so they won´t dry out. The additive you mix in the water can be toxic to pets if they drink it. If you just use water by itself, make sure you change it out so it doesn´t become stagnant. Stagnant water breeds bacteria and if your dog drinks it, it can make him very sick.
We found that putting small gauge chicken wire over the tree stand so the dog can´t get into it works great. Also there is a tree preservation product on the market you can add to the water that is non toxic to pets and children.
Exposed wires for lights can be an invitation for disaster. If a dog chews them, he can be electrocuted. Cover all exposed wires within reach of your pet with plastic coil tubing that snakes around the wire protecting it from pets and kids. You can pick this up in any electronics department.
Holiday plants are another temptation for dogs to eat. Make sure they are placed high enough out of reach of your pet. I´ve also heard about children chewing the plants as well and becoming ill. So keep everybody out of danger.
Cold weather forces us to get our vehicles ready for winter. This includes putting antifreeze in the radiator. If your dog spends time in the garage, make sure you clean up all drippings from under the car. Antifreeze has a sweet taste to dogs and just a small amount ingested will kill your pet.
Ice melt is another toxic substance that can be fatal to your dog. However, there are "green" products on the market that are non toxic and work just as well as the old standby.
If you think you dog has ingested something toxic or has been poisoned, he must be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In the meantime, phone the Animal Poison Control Center funded by the ASPCA at 1-800-426-4435. Give them all the information you have available such as what was eaten, how much, how long ago, etc. They will tell you what to do to help your dog before you arrive at the emergency vet hospital.
Hopefully, this article has made you aware of some of the dangers your pet may come into contact with during this time of celebration and how to keep him safe.
We hope everyone, whether two or four legged, have a happy and healthy holiday season.
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