Dog Poison Prevention Overview

Danger

A veterinarian will treat many cases of poisoning in dogs over the course of a year. While some cases will be, unfortunately, malicious, the vast majority of cases are accidental. In most cases, the effects of any particular poison are dose dependent. In other words, the more poison a dog is exposed to, the worse [...]

Dog Poison Prevention: Rodenticides

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If you have a rat or mouse problem in your home, you may be tempted to use baits to control them. Please try alternative methods, as these are directly responsible for the deaths of many animals every year. If you decide you must use baits, please keep this information in mind: There are two types [...]

Holiday Dangers to Dogs

Christmas Dog

There are a number of dangers the Holiday season can bring to your dog.  All though it’s a busy time for most, it’s important to watch out for the following – Pancreatitis It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop pancreatitis after a hearty Holiday meal. The pancreas is part of the digestive system, and produces [...]

Pet Poison Hotline Information

Sick Dog

Let’s face it.  Our homes are filled with items that can poison our dogs.  Food, medicines, cleaners, and various chemicals are likely lurking in cabinets, on shelves and perhaps even counters, all posing a very real danger to your dog.  Many items are common household products, such as laundry detergents, cleaners and disinfectants.  Even some [...]

Foods dogs should avoid

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Below is a list of foods you should avoid giving to your dog.  Please note this is a reference list based on articles from DVMs and a personal conversation with my own DVM.  This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.  Please consult your DVM if you have any questions regarding a food on or [...]

Dog Poison Prevention: Alcohol

Alcohol and dogs do not mix

For those who drink,  the effects of alcohol on the body is well-known. However, the effects on our dogs can be more significant, due to their lower body weight. Dog alcohol poisoning occurs if a dog drinks between 5 and 8 ml of alcohol per kilo bodyweight. That’s not ml of whiskey or wine, it’s [...]

Dog Poison Prevention: Tick Killer Medicines

Itchy Puppy

Amitraz is an insecticide that is incorporated in pour-on formulations to control ticks, mites and lice in many species. There are a number of brand names for this product.  (You can do an Internet search for more information.)  Amitraz is very effective, but it is also very toxic. Poisoning can occur when a dog chews [...]

Dogs Poison Prevention: Lead

Dr Dog

Dogs of any age can be affected by lead poisoning; however it’s more common in puppies and adolescents. These dogs are more likely to chew things they find around the house, and they are usually poisoned by eating lead containing items. Lead sinkers from the fishing tackle box are a regular cause of lead poisoning, [...]

Dog Poison Prevention: Chocolate

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Most people know not to give their dog chocolate, but not many people are aware of just how dangerous chocolate is, nor what to look for if their dog is poisoned. Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which contribute to poisoning. There is also theobromine in some garden mulches made from cocoa-bean hulls; some [...]

Dog Poison Prevention: Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide kills

Many people make a comfortable bed for their dog in the garage, where it’s warm and dry, and safe. However, if at any time you leave your car running with your dog in the garage and the door closed, you put your dog at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. A more likely cause of carbon [...]