Most dog owners know to keep our pups away from scary things like rattlesnakes and black widow spiders — but there are other critters and substances that we never imagined could be harmful to our dogs, things that could very well be lurking in or around our homes.
For instance, what about that raw bread dough you’ve left to rise on your kitchen countertop? Harmless, right? Not to your inquisitive pup who may decide to do a little counter-surfing. Once your dog devours that dough, the yeast in it — which thrives in the stomach’s warm, moist environment — continues to expand. Eventually, it can rise enough to completely fill the dog’s stomach, causing a potentially fatal condition called gastric-dilatation volvulus, in which the stomach bloats, twists around itself, and can eventually rupture. Without immediate veterinary intervention, the dog will likely die.
Another highly-toxic substance for dogs is ibuprofen, an over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug used to treat fever, pain and inflammation in humans. While veterinarians may prescribe very small amounts of ibuprofen, it has an extremely narrow margin of safety for dogs. If your dog gets into a bottle of ibuprofen, or you decide on your own to treat your dog with it, its toxic effects can begin rapidly, causing bleeding stomach ulcers followed by kidney failure and, if left untreated, death.
Dogs, being habitually curious, can also get into other human medications that could be lethal if ingested. You don’t even need to accidentally leave the cap off a medication: dogs can chew through pill or liquid medicine bottles, open cabinets and drawers, get into weekly pill sorters, and rip through plastic bags containing human medication. Some of the most common human drugs that can prove fatal to dogs include antidepressants, medications used to treat heart disease, and sleeping aids.
Aside from drugs, other common substances you may have in your home can be potential poisons to your dog. Some houseplants, for instance, can cause very serious effects: Dieffenbachia (also known as philodendron) and Caladium can result in burning and swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as difficulty swallowing; and certain types of lily contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause intense oral irritation, excessive drooling, and difficulty breathing.
You may have heard that some sugar-free candies and gums can be deadly for dogs, but didn’t know why. The reason is because these items often contain the chemical xylitol, which can lower a dog’s blood sugar to unsafe and even lethal levels, depending upon the size of the dog and and the amount of gum or candy consumed. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, xylitol is 100 times more toxic to dogs than chocolate.
Now, let’s step outside for a moment. Hear that croaking? We all know the sound of a frog or toad, but did you know that most toads secrete toxic fluids from their glands to ward off predators? These substances can range from lethal to merely irritating, depending upon the species. Among our local variety is the California toad, a subspecies of the western toad, which fortunately is only mildly toxic.
However, its secretions can cause some dramatic signs when they come into contact with your dog’s mouth: gagging, retching, excessive drooling and foaming at the mouth are common signs. If your dog actually eats the toad, which is highly unlikely, vomiting can occur as well.
None of this is meant to drive you into panic, but to simply remind you that there are everyday things that could potentially harm your dog. As your dog’s caretaker, it’s up to you to keep your furry companion safe.
Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Maine coon cat Indy, the infinite spirit of her beloved golden retriever Joey, and the abiding presence of her dog Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach Joan at joan@joanmerriam.com.
