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Household Items That Are Dangerous To Your Dog


Many dog owners may discover that items that they normally have around their house may be dangerous or even fatal to a dog or a puppy. As with most compounds it does depend how much the dog consumes at one time, but generally eliminating these items or keeping them well away from your dog or puppy will avoid any possible concerns or problems.

Homemade play dough – this simple recipe that includes flour, water and salt can be deadly to dogs. Puppies and dogs will eat the high salt content dough and then the salt will start to cause swelling and fluid retention in the brain. With enough salt toxicity the dog will experience seizures followed by a coma and death. In mild cases the dog may recover but may have ongoing nervous disorders or seizures.

Antifreeze – often found on garage floors, antifreeze is one of the most lethal compounds to dogs. Even a small amount of one tablespoon can be fatal to a dog weighing less than twenty pounds. There is treatment available for the condition if caught within the first twenty-four hours.

Christmas plants – both mistletoe and poinsettia plants are deadly to dogs.

Christmas decorations – tinsel can actually completely block the intestines leading to death. It can also collect in the throat and cause choking. Dry retching or discomfort is usually the first indication that the dog has eaten something that is not passing through his or her system. Glass Christmas ornaments can also be a problem if the dog takes them into their mouth and either swallows them whole or breaks them in the mouth.

Advil or Tylenol – these anti-inflammitories and painkillers should never be given to dogs unless under the supervision of a veterinarian.

Prescription human medication – many dogs will eat anything they find in the house, and that may include knocking a prescription bottle off of the nightstand. Most of these medications will be fatal to dogs.

Human vitamins – any vitamins, especially those containing iron, will be very harmful if not deadly to dogs. Never give dogs any human vitamins and only give supplements to dogs when recommended by a vet.

Cleaning products – many dogs seem to enjoy the taste of cleaning products and they can be poisonous to dogs if consumed in quantities. Be sure to keep all cleaning products including sponges or brushes well away from where you dog is kept when unsupervised.

Electrical cords or outlets – plugged in electrical cords and unprotected outlets cause countless puppy and dog deaths every year. Dogs that chew through electrical wires risk being electrocuted as do those that lick wall outlets that do not have the safety plugs.

Wasp and bee stings – some dogs, just like humans, can be highly allergic to the venom of wasps and bees. Always keep hives removed from the area the dogs will be kept.

Keeping your home safe for you dog also includes removing any houseplants that may be poisonous. Your vet can provide information on the various types of houseplants that are highly toxic to dogs and puppies.

About the author:  Kelly Marshall is the featured author at Oh My Dog Supplies – an upscale pet supply store currently running specials on dog beds
 
 
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