Household pantries and cupboards are full of food staples, cooking supplies, snacks and other edibles. But they can also be full of potential dog poisons. Recently, the toxicology experts at Pet Poison Helpline reviewed their case data and developed a list of the top ten potential poisons commonly found in your pantry.
1) ALCOHOL
Dogs are at a high risk for developing alcohol poisoning, even after ingesting small amounts. Low blood sugar, lethargy and seizures can occur.
2) CHOCOLATE
The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains, increasing the risk of poisoning. Keep chocolate away from dogs to avoid vomiting, diarrhea, and agitation. Large amounts can result in heart rhythm changes and even seizures.
3) COFFEE BEANS & GROUNDS
Caffeine is a stimulant for everyone— too much can cause tremors and a racing heart. Keep your dog off the ceiling and out of the hospital.
4) ONIONS
Onions can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs, as well as anemia and other red blood cell changes due to their sulfur-containing oxidants.
5) MACADAMIA NUTS
In dogs, these nuts can cause difficulty walking. Additional risks include joint pain and pancreatitis.
6) RAISINS
Ingesting only a few raisins can result in kidney injury for your furry friend. Early signs include vomiting and lethargy.
7) SALT
Dogs should never be given salt. Salt is a poison for them and can cause vomiting, tremors and seizures.
8) TEA
Small dogs may ingest too much caffeine from a bag of tea — and all dogs might have trouble passing a teabag with a string.
9) XYLITOL/BIRCH SUGAR
Found in sugar-free gum, mints, protein bars, specialty peanut butters and more, xylitol/birch sugar is not good for dogs. Beware of seizures from low blood sugar as well as possible liver failure.
10) YEAST
When mixed into dough, yeast organisms make alcohol and lots of gas through fermentation. If a dog eats raw dough, it can expand in the stomach, blocking its ability to pass through. Additionally, the alcohol produced by the yeast may result in alcohol poisoning.
