Common Poisons for Dogs: Plants, Foods and More

Every year there are almost 214,000 cases of pet poisoning in the US, and many of these are caused by things found in the home. Perhaps the most dangerous common poisons for dogs are medications and foods present in our homes and depending on how a substance affects your dog, and how much was eaten, symptoms of poisoning in dogs include gastrointestinal, cardiac, neurological respiratory problems as well as coma and even death.

Top 12 Common Poisons for Dogs

Several substances are particularly harmful to your dog, and can be life-threatening. Some of the most common poisons for dogs include, but aren’t limited to:

Over-the-Counter Medications

Perhaps the number one cause of dog poisonings is over-the-counter (OTC) medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Advil), or ibuprofen. These popular pain relievers for humans are particularly toxic to dogs and can cause liver and kidney failure.

Xylitol

This non-sugar sweetener is found in many products such as sugar-free gum and candy. It is particularly deadly for dogs as it causes a rapid drop in blood sugar, causing lethargy, weakness and seizures, and potential liver failure.

Prescription Medications for People

Prescription medications are also considered to be common poisons for dogs. Some of these medications include:

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory and Pain Medications

These can cause stomach ulcers and potential organ failure.

Blood Pressure Medications

These medications can also lower your dog’s blood pressure to dangerously low levels.

Common Antidepressant Medications

Some antidepressant medications can cause nausea, vomiting, and something called “serotonin syndrome,” which can cause hyperthermia, increased blood pressure, heart rate, and seizures.

Table Scraps/Human Food

Dogs can be consummate beggars, and it’s hard to resist the look your best friend gives you when you’re enjoying a pizza or barbeque chicken wings. Although dogs love people food,  some foods such as onions, garlic, raisins, chocolate, and avocados can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal, for dogs.

Some foods that are considered common poisons for dogs include:

• Avocados (they contain a substance called persin, which can acts as a poison to dogs, causing vomiting and diarrhea)
• Alcohol (symptoms of alcohol poisoning in dogs may include vomiting, respiratory issues, coma, and death)
• Macadamia nuts (they can cause hyperthermia, weakness, and vomiting)
• Grapes and raisins (these can cause kidney failure in some dogs)
• Mushrooms
• Tomatoes
• Most seeds and nuts
• Apple seeds
• Apricot pits
• Cherry pits
• Garlic
• Onions
• Hops (used in home beer brewing)
• Moldy foods
• Mustard seeds
• Peach pits
• Potato leaves and stems (green parts)
• Rhubarb leaves
• Salt
• Tea (because it contains caffeine)
• Walnuts
• Xylitol (an artificial sweetener that is toxic to pets)
• Yeast dough

Chocolate

Chocolate is toxic to dogs because it contains a substance called methylxanthine, as well as theobromine, that cause vomiting and death if ingested in larger quantities. Dark chocolate is particularly toxic as it contains a higher concentration of methylxanthine and theobromine. The amount of chocolate ingested can result in liver shutdown and death, but this depends on the type of chocolate and the size of the dog.

For small dogs, just half an ounce of dark baking chocolate can be fatal, while a larger dog might be OK after eating four ounces.

Caffeine

Although chances are your dog won’t want a taste of your morning coffee, it is important to know that caffeine (coffee, coffee grounds, tea, used tea bags, soda, energy drinks, and diet pills) is toxic to dogs because it contains the substance theobromine, the chemical also found in chocolate.

Symptoms of caffeine poisoning include hyperthermia, tachycardia, vomiting, seizures, and collapse.

Veterinary Products and Medications (When Not Given Properly)

Veterinary products that are given inappropriately to dogs, or are accidentally ingested, such as painkillers and de-wormers, can be toxic. Potential kidney problems can occur if dogs accidentally ingest a whole bottle of an NSAID, such as Rimadyl, or get an overdose of a de-wormer such as Ivermectin.

It’s very important to follow the instructions your veterinarian gives you when administering medications for your pet.

Household Products

Cleaners such as bleach are just as toxic to dogs as they are to people, and cleaning product ingestion is the leading cause of pet poisoning in the US, causing stomach and respiratory tract problems. Also, chemicals in antifreeze, paint thinner, and chemicals for pools are also toxic and potentially deadly to dogs.

Symptoms of poisoning from these substances can cause vomiting, lethargy, chemical burns, renal failure, and death.

Rodenticides

Many baits used to eliminate rodents can be deadly, and if ingested by dogs, they can cause anti-clotting, which causes internal hemorrhaging and death. The symptoms depend on the nature of the poison, and signs may not start for several days after consumption.

However, if you suspect that your dog has ingested a rodenticide, call your veterinarian immediately.

Insecticides

Bug sprays and ant baits are also considered to be common poisons for dogs. These are very dangerous for your dog and can cause vomiting, lethargy, seizures, and even death.

Toxic levels of carbamate insecticides such as carbofuran and methomyl can cause seizures and respiratory arrest. Organophosphates can cause anorexia, muscle weakness, and tremors.

Lawn Products

Some substances like fertilizers can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Plants

Plants can be wonderful to have in and around the house, but they aren’t necessarily pet friendly. Some plants that are toxic to dogs are:

• Rhododendrons and azaleas (they can cause diarrhea, vomiting, coma, and even death)
• Sago palms (these plans can cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure)
• Tulips and daffodils (the bulbs of these plants can cause serious stomach issues, respiratory issues, and tachycardia)

What to Do if Your Dog Consumes One of the Common Poisons

If you think your dog has been poisoned, it’s as important to act quickly, but try to stay as calm as possible.

First, call your veterinarian, clean up any of the potential poison that is left and save it to show to your veterinarian. If your dog has vomited, you may want to collect the sample in case your veterinarian wants to see it.

You should also call the 24/7 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) hotline at (888) 426-4435, or the Pet Poison Hotline at (800)-213-6680. There is a consultation fee for both services.

If your dog has consumed any of the common poisons mentioned above, or any other poisonous substance, it’s important to get them help immediately. When it comes to recovery and treating your dog, time is truly of the essence.