How to Protect a Dog From Poisons

Although March 18 to 24 is designated as National Poison Prevention Week, there are a variety of precautions that should be taken by pet parents year 'round. What might seem like a harmless item in your household, could potentially be toxic to your dog. Here are some things to look out for.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Never give human medications to your dog without the consent of a veterinarian. This includes over the counter, as well as prescription medications. Sometimes a vet might suggest an over the counter remedy such as an allergy medicine, but never administer without checking first. A medication that is harmless to a human might be deadly to a dog. And keep all medications locked away in the medicine cabinet.
2. Follow instructions for flea and tick products exactly and only use those specifically formulated for dogs.
3. Follow exact label instructions on your dog’s medication and always give the prescribed dosage.
4. Keep your dog from nibbling on plants. There are various types that can be highly toxic and even ones that aren’t might cause stomach upset.
5. Make sure rat and mouse poisons are kept in areas not accessible to your dog.
6. Keep cleaning products out of your dog's reach. When cleaning his food and water bowls, use a mild dish detergent rather than a harsher cleaning product.
7. Make sure you never give chocolate or candy to your dog and that she can't help herself. Chocolate can potentially cause vomiting, diarrhea and other disorders, and can even be fatal. Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in candy and gum, could quickly cause dogs to have low blood sugar, impaired muscle coordination and seizures.
8. Make sure alcohol is out of your dog's reach. Alcohol can be toxic to dogs.
9. Keep your dog away from chemicals such as antifreeze, drain cleaners, lawn and pool/spa chemicals. For instance, dogs seem to have a penchant for laps in the pool…with their tongue, that is. Unfortunately, pools are treated with chemicals that are not FDA approved.
10. Keep paint, solvents, expanding glues and other home improvement products stored away. Although water-based paints are normally low in toxic potential, it can cause stomach upset.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep phone numbers for your veterinarian, the closest emergency veterinary clinic and the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center hotline [phone]) handy at all times.
• If you think your dog ingested something toxic, call a vet or the animal poison control hotline immediately.