Dogs – especially puppies – can be like toddlers: they like to sniff out trouble and stick things they shouldn’t eat in their mouth. Mouth feel is one of the ways they explore the world, after all. Because of this, it’s important to dog-proof your house and ensure hazardous items are out of reach.
Below is a list of some of the common household toxins to be aware of and what issues they can cause for your furry friend.
If you are ever concerned your dog has had access to any of the following, please reach out to your local Greencross Vets, WebVet, or veterinary emergency centre for advice.
Contents:
- Common backyard toxins
- Common toxic foods
- Common toxic human medications
- Common toxic household items
- Common toxic pesticides
Backyard items that are toxic to dogs
Sago palms and other toxic plants
There are many plants that are toxic to dogs that are commonly found in the average household. For an extensive list of plants pet owners should avoid, read Greencross Vets’ A to Z list of toxic plants.
One common highly toxic plant is the Sago palm, also known as Cycads. They look like a small, bush, sized palm tree and are popular plants for gardens. Cycads contain a toxin called cycasin, which is broken down in the gut into a toxic component methylazoxymethanol.
The seed is the most dangerous part, but all parts of the Sago palm are toxic. Ingestion of even small quantities can result in severe poisoning and death.
Signs of sago palm toxicity in dogs include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Seizures
- Coma
- Death
Fertilisers
In general, if dogs only eat a small amount of fertiliser they will experience mild to moderate gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhoea. Ingestion can cause more severe gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration. If they eat a large amount, bowel obstruction/blockage is a risk.
Fertilisers containing blood and bone also run the risk of causing pancreatitis.
Lung inflammation can result from inhaling fertiliser particles, particularly when dogs get into the fertiliser bag itself.
Signs your dog may be experiencing toxicity from fertiliser include:
- Abdominal pain or bloating
- Pale gum colour
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Inappetence (not interested in food)
- Constipation
- Black or very bloody stools
- Difficulty breathing if they inhaled dust from fertiliser bags
Cane Toads
Cane toads excrete toxins through their skin which dogs can ingest when they make direct contact, usually when they lick or try to bite a toad.
Signs of cane toad toxicity in dogs usually present within 30-60minutes of contact and include:
- Foaming at the mouth /excess salivation
- Red (not pink) gum colour
- Vomiting/retching
- Increased breathing rat
- Unsteadiness
- Rapid eye movement from side to side
- Increased anxiety
- Shaking
- Vocalising
- Disorientation
- Large pupils and/or a blank stare
- Collapse
- Seizures
Human foods that are toxic to dogs
There are many human foods and drinks that are toxic to pets. Some of the key ones to be aware of include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Chives
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
- Grapes
- Raisins/sultanas
- Alcohol
As an additional risk with food, large fruit seeds or “stones” and corn cobs can cause intestinal blockages if ingested.
Toxic foods can affect a range of body systems and cause a variety of symptoms depending on the toxin. Common outcomes include including gastrointestinal upset, kidney and liver failure and neurological signs, such as seizures.
Xylitol poisoning in dogs
Xylitol is a common artificial sweetener found in human foods that is particularly toxic to dogs. It causes dangerously low blood sugar levels and can cause liver failure.
Signs of xylitol toxicity include:
- Unsteadiness
- Disorientation
- Weakness
- Vomiting
Mushroom poisoning in dogs
Mushroom species are very difficult to identify, as they vary in appearance and colour throughout their different stages of growth. Many toxic mushrooms are no different in appearance from your average store-bought mushroom. This is why it is NEVER recommended to eat wild picked mushrooms. Poisonous mushroom species are toxic to dogs AND people, so you must take great care with them.
The effects of eating poisonous mushrooms varies greatly depending on the species. Signs of mushroom poisoning can present anywhere from 15 minutes to many days later.
Neurological toxins
Toxins affecting the neurological system often present the quickest, usually within 15 – 90 minutes, but can be several hours later.
Neurological signs of mushroom poisoning may include:
- Weakness
- Unsteadiness
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Disorientation
- Vocalisation
- Lethargy
- Agitation
Gastrointestinal toxins
Many species of mushrooms will cause gastrointestinal signs, potentially in additional to other effects.
Gastrointestinal signs of mushroom toxicity in dogs include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Inappetence
- Excessive drooling
Liver toxins
Generally, mushrooms that cause liver disease (including the Death Cap Mushroom) will cause gastrointestinal signs 6-12 hours after ingestion and then progress to liver failure soon after. Severely poisonous mushroom cases may result in death after one to two days.
Kidney toxins
There are fewer mushroom species that directly affect the kidneys, though some do exist. Like mushrooms that affect the liver, gastrointestinal signs generally start to present within 6-12 hours of consumption, then more serious effects within the week.
Signs of kidney toxicity from mushrooms in dog include:
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Dehydration
Human medications that are toxic for dogs
There are many human medications that can be toxic to dogs if ingested, so keeping all medications secure and out of reach of your pets is very important.
Some common household medications that are toxic to dogs include paracetamol, anti-inflammatories, and anti-depressants.
Paracetamol/ Acetaminophen (E.g. Panadol)
Though vets are more routinely prescribing paracetamol to dogs for pain, dogs have different dose rates to humans. Some medical conditions, especially liver disease, make them more at risk of experiencing a toxicity. Paracetamol toxicity can also result in liver failure in dogs and gastrointestinal upset. Never give paracetamol to your dog without consulting your vet.
Signs of paracetamol toxicity in dogs include:
- Weakness
- Lethargy
- Abdominal pain or distention
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Inappetence
- Jaundice (yellow discolouration to the gums or whites of the eyes)
- Weight loss
Anti-inflammatories (E.g. Nurofen (Ibuprofen), Aspirin, Meloxicam)
An overdose of prescribed veterinary medication or ingestion of human anti-inflammatory medications runs a high risk for toxicity.
Toxicity with these medications can affect multiple body systems depending on the drug and level of overdose. It commonly affects the gastrointestinal system, causing inflammation and potentially gastric ulcerations; kidneys, potentially causing kidney failure; and the central nervous system.
Signs of anti-inflammatory toxicity in dogs include:
- Vomiting – may include blood
- Diarrhoea
- Black-tarry stools
- Inappetence
- Respiratory difficulties
- Weakness
- Excessive drinking and urination
- Muscle tremors
- Seizures
- Collapse
Anti-depressants
With the increase in mental health awareness, pets are having more potential access to human anti-depressant medications. Anti-depressants are one of the most common accidental poisonings in dogs. These medications affect the brain and central nervous system.
Signs of anti-depressant toxicity in dogs include:
- Sedation
- Hyper excitation/agitation
- Vomiting
- Tremoring
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Dilated pupils
Household items that are toxic to dogs
Essential oils
Essential oils are found in house-hold products like diffusing oils, candles, shampoos, ointments, cleaning products, and air fresheners. Cats are much more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, but there are many that are still toxic to dogs.
In very small amounts, such as in hand lotions or shampoos, the risk of toxicity is generally low if a small amount is licked up. However, if a large volume is ingested or if pets are exposed to concentrated products like diffuser bottles and cleaning products, even a small amount is enough to cause serious issues.
Essential oils can cause toxicity when ingested or when the fumes are inhaled. Common toxic essential oils include:
- Tea tree
- Citrus
- Eucalyptus
- Wintergreen
Common clinical signs associated with essential oils toxicity include:
- Excessive salivation
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Depression
- Disorientation
- Unsteadiness
- Seizures
- Weakness
- Collapse
Cleaning products (e.g. bleach, detergent, drain cleaner, disinfectants)
Aerosolised sprays and fumes from cleaning products can irritate a dog’s sensitive nasal passages and airways. Products can also be licked or ingested if left in open containers which the pet has access too, or the pet chews the product packaging.
Clinical signs of toxicity will vary depending on product exposure. If they inhale an irritating substance, they may experience respiratory difficulties or coughing.
If your dog ingests or licks cleaning products, you may see symptoms such as:
- Drooling
- Ulcers in the mouth
- Oral pain
- Vomiting
- Inappetence
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
Batteries
Dogs commonly chew up toys and remote controls and this can run the risk of ingesting batteries. Not only can the metal cause inflammation and has the risk of causing a blockage, but the battery fluid can be extremely caustic and cause severe gastrointestinal inflammation and ulceration.
Gastric ulceration can be seen as early as 1-2 hours post ingestion but may take up to 24hrs to see the damage in full.
Signs of battery ingestion in dogs include:
- Hypersalivation
- Gagging
- Excessive swallowing
- Vomiting
- Oral inflammation, ulcers and pain
- Abdominal pain
- Inappetence
- Lethargy
- Depression
- Difficulty breathing
Pesticides that are toxic to dogs
Snail bait
Snail pellets are highly toxic to dogs even in small amounts. They affect the neurotransmitters within the body, little molecules that carry nerve signals through the body. The result is central nervous system excitation rapidly after ingestion.
Signs of snail bait ingestion in dogs include:
- Excessive drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea (may be coloured green/blue depending on the pellet type ingested)
- Panting
- Fever
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Dilated pupils
- Lethargy
- Collapse
- Death
Muscle tremors and seizures resulting from this toxicity occur within 30 minutes to three hours of ingestion. Pets need rapid intervention by emergency vets to have a chance at survival.
Rat Bait
Rodenticides most commonly work by depleting the body’s Vitamin K reserves, which are needed for normal blood clotting. If dogs eat the bait itself or rodents that have been killed by a rodenticide, they too can experience the effects.
Dogs that ingest rat bait become anaemic and experience signs such as:
- Pale to white gum colour
- Very small blood spots on the gums)
- Bruised skin
- Urinating blood
- Nose bleeds
- Weakness
- Inappetence
- Breathing difficulties
Some other rodenticide types can affect the brain, kidneys, liver and gastrointestinal tract significantly, resulting in signs such as:
- Abdominal pain
- Seizures
- Collapse
- Excessive thirst and urination
- Jaundice (yellow colour to the gums and whites of the eyes)
There are many common household products that are toxic to dogs. If you suspect your pet has ingested or come into contact with something they shouldn’t please contact your nearest vet clinic, emergency veterinary centre, or the Animal Poisons Helpline as soon as possible for advice.