Common Household Toxic Substances
You may have some or all of these products in your home and not
even be aware they could cause problems for your family pet. Symptoms could be
just a skin or eye irritation or a possible fatal reaction if taken internally.
Usually if the product label has a warning on it, then it is probably in some
way also toxic to your dog.
The following list will name the household product, include possible symptoms if
exposed and basic first aid. Always contact your veterinarian if you suspect
your dog has come in contact with one of these products.
Acetone: (Vomiting, diarrhea, depression,
weak pulse, shock) Induce vomiting give baking soda in water orally.
Ammonia: (Vomiting blood, abdominal pain, skin blisters and
burns) Wash skin with water and vinegar, give diluted water and vinegar
orally or 3 egg whites.
Antifreeze: (Vomiting, coma, kidney failure, death) Induce
vomiting, administer 1 oz of vodka orally followed by water (can be repeated).
Bleach: (Burns of skin and mouth, vomiting) Induce
vomiting, give 3 egg whites
Charcoal Lighter: (Vomiting, breathing distress, shock, coma
or seizures) Induce vomiting, give laxatives
Chocolate (all varieties): (Vomiting, diarrhea, depression,
heart arrhythmia, muscle twitching, seizures, coma from high levels of caffeine
and theobromine)
Induce vomiting, give laxatives. Lethal does of 1/3 oz per pound. for dark
chocolate, and 1 oz per pound for milk chocolate.
Deodorants: (Vomiting) Induce vomiting
Detergents/Soap: (Vomiting) Induce vomiting, give 3
egg whites or milk orally, watch breathing.
Furniture Polish: (Vomiting, breathing distress, shock, coma
or seizures) Induce vomiting, give laxatives.
Gasoline: (Skin irritation, weakness, dementia, dilated
pupils, vomiting, twitching) Induce vomiting, give vegetable oil orally to
block absorption, get into fresh air.
Ibuprofen: (Vomiting, stomach ulceration, kidney failure)
Induce vomiting, give laxatives, many need IV fluids
Kerosene/Fuel Oil: (Vomiting, breathing distress, shock,
coma or seizures)
Induce vomiting, give laxatives, give vegetable oil orally to block absorption.
Lead: (Vomiting, diarrhea, anemia, neurologic symptoms,
blindness, seizures, coma.)
Induce vomiting, give laxatives, remove source of lead.
Lime: (Skin irritant, burns) Wash skin with copious
soap and water.
Lye: (Vomiting blood, abdominal pain, skin blisters and
burns)
Wash skin with water and vinegar, give diluted water and vinegar orally or 3 egg
whites
Organophosphate Insecticides: (Excess drooling, weakness,
seizures, vomiting, dilated pupils) Wash off insecticide, administer
atropine sulfate as the antidote
Paint Thinner: (Vomiting, breathing distress, shock, coma or
seizures.) Induce vomiting, Give laxatives.
Phenol Cleaners: (Nausea, vomiting, shock, liver or kidney
failure) Wash off skin, induce vomiting, give 3 egg whites or milk orally.
Rat Poison: (Excess bleeding, anemia, cyanosis) Induce
vomiting, requires vitamin K injections
Rubbing Alcohol: (Weakness, in coordination, blindness,
coma, dilated pupils, vomiting and diarrhea) Induce vomiting, give baking
soda in water to neutralize acidosis.
Strychnine: (Dilated pupils, respiratory distress, rigid
muscles, seizures and spasms with loud noises or stimulus, brown urine.)
Induce vomiting, keep dog in a dark quiet room until taking him to the
veterinarian.
Turpentine: (Vomiting, diarrhea, bloody urine, neurologic
disorientation, coma, breathing distress.) Induce vomiting, give vegetable
oil by mouth to block absorption, give laxatives.
Tylenol: (Depression, fast heart rate, brown urine, anemia.)
Induce vomiting, give 500 mg vitamin C per 25 pounds, followed by baking soda in
water.
HOW TO INDUCE VOMITING
Give several teaspoons (for small and medium size
dogs) or several tablespoons (for large and giant size dogs) of hydrogen
peroxide orally. Repeat as needed to stimulate vomiting. Another remedy 1
teaspoon (for small and medium dogs) or 1 table spoon (for large and giant dogs)
of Ipecac syrup. Allow the dog to drink 1 cup of water as this will hasten the
vomiting. Repeat as needed.
HOW TO GIVE A LAXATIVE:
Laxatives are used to quickly expel the plant
material from the intestines. Mineral oil is safe and effective. Give 1 teaspoon
for small dogs under 25 lbs., 1 tablespoon to medium size dogs, 25 - 50 lbs.,.
And 2 tablespoons to large or giant dogs, 50 - 100 lbs.
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