All dogs beg. It’s part of being a dog. If you eat/drink/take it, it must-be-good-can-I-have-some-please?
There are ten things you should never, ever give your dog or let them get into.
Number One:
Human medications
That sounds like common sense, but you’d be surprised. A number of pet owners read something online, and figure they can give “what the other person recommended” to their pet.
Give your dog medications only under the supervision and orders of a licensed Vet. Yes, certain “people medications” can be given to dogs. Your Vet knows which ones, how much and why. Never guess for yourself.
If your medication spills, whether in liquid or pill form, clean it up immediately. Some medications will kill a dog in minutes or less.
Number Two:
Flea and tick remedies
Before purchasing, read the entire label. If you have a puppy, adult products will overdose the poor thing. “A little works, but more is better,” doesn’t work with these substances.
Use them ONLY as directed on the package, and wait the recommended time period before re-treating, even if you see fleas.
When in doubt, pass the product by and ask your Vet for recommendations.
Number Three:
People food
Everyone knows about chocolate and caffeine, but raisins, avocado, grapes, macadamia nuts, xylitol (a sweetener found in candy), and alcohol are also deadly.
Some animals can survive a few ounces, while others die quickly. The best rule of thumb- buy Fido his own treats, and make it clear to everyone that he gets only those.
Number Four:
Poisons
Rat, mouse, ant and other poisons are meant to rid the home of pests. Unfortunately, what attracts them can also attract a dog to think it’s edible.
Place these products where dogs cannot get to them. For example, inside the back of a cabinet with a child-latch.
Number Five:
Pet medications
Dogs can be poisoned by using old, expired medications or overdosing a prescribed medication.
Overdosing a dog with deworming medications is a common occurrence. More is NOT better.
Keeping antibiotics past the use date is just as dangerous. Toss it out when the course is finished. Do not use it on another dog.
Number Six:
Household plants
Poinsettias, azaleas, tulips, daffodils, azaleas, rhododendrons and sago palms are deadly to dogs. If these plants are grown outside, monitor the dog’s activities and keep them away.
Inside, it doesn’t hurt to have silk or plastic flowers. Keep Fido from chewing these, too.
Number Seven:
Household and automotive chemicals
We’re all aware of antifreeze. It’s sweet, so it attracts dogs. Unfortunately, it’s deadly. Household bleach and other cleaners are just as dangerous.
Keep all of these substances away from dogs.
Number Eight:
Heavy metals
Lead paint, batteries, pennies and more can cause heavy metal poisoning in dogs. Cell phones contain batteries, too.
Number Nine:
Fertilizer
It may seem funny that Fido may be attracted to lawn fertilizer, but it can cause organophosphate poisoning. That damages the nervous system, causing convulsions and death.
Number Ten:
Foreign objects
Dogs have eaten the strangest things. My friend’s Doberman ate her Grandaughter’s “Smurf” doll. Why, I don’t know. He needed surgery to remove it.
If Fido is suspected of ingesting any foreign object, don’t “wait for it to pass.” If it’s too big to pass out of the stomach, it needs to be surgically removed. If left alone, infection, damage to the stomach, intestines can result, killing the dog.
It sounds like anything and everything has the potential to kill a dog. A great rule of thumb in my house is this- If I’d keep “it” away from a two-year old child, I need to keep it away from the dog.
Somehow, that’s always worked.
Source: Staff Article, “Top 10 Dog Poisons,” Web MD Website, 6 August, 2009