Protect Your Dog from 5 Lethal Household Items

5 Household Items Lethal to Dogs

Your dog is at risk for injury from hundreds of commonly-used home medicines and chemicals. Many home owners are unaware of these potential home hazards, and thousands of dogs are injured or die each year due to exposure to these substances. In this article, we consider five common household items that may pose a risk to your dog.

Aspirin, Ibuprofen (Advil®), and Naproxen (Aleve®)

all belong to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID’s). These drugs are commonly used to treat people for fever, arthritis, and other inflammatory conditions. Cats are unable to metabolize these drugs, and even one low (81 mg) dose given daily to a cat can be lethal after several days. Ultra-low doses can be safe, but should be guided by a veterinarian. While dogs better tolerate some NSAIDs, other drugs in this group carry a high risk of toxicity. NSAID toxicity in dogs causes gastrointestinal ulcerations, enhanced bleeding tendencies and kidney failure. Exposure occurs when dogs ingest unsupervised medication or receive doses by well-intentioned but misinformed owners. Initial symptoms of toxicity may include vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, and dark stools. There are several NSAID’s on the market licensed to treat arthritis and pain in pets including Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, EtoGesic®, and Metacam®. These medications (and low-dose aspirin in dogs) are generally safe if used as directed by your veterinarian. Never give any NSAID to your dog unless instructed by your veterinarian, and be aware that pre-existent diseases (kidney failure) and drug interactions (including commonly-used prednisone and furosemide) can potentiate the adverse effects of these drugs.

Gorilla Glue®

is among the most prominent of the water-activated, expanding adhesives sold in hardware and home improvement stores. If ingested, this glue product can be fatal. Gorilla GlueÒ exposure most commonly occurs when a dogs chews on the bottle and ingests the glue. The glue expands and hardens within the stomach, a process that prevents vomiting of the ingested product. The lodged “foreign body” and associated ulceration of the stomach lining causes a loss of appetite, lethargy, and vomiting. Treatment requires surgical removal of the glue ball from the stomach. If your dog ingests this or any adhesive, read the package insert, call the 1-800 contact number on the package, monitor closely for symptoms, and contact your veterinarian.

To sum it up: there are many items in your home or garage that are potentially dangerous to your dogs. Help keep your dog safe by following these suggestions:

• Never give your dog prescription or nonprescription medications without the advice of your veterinarian.
• Keep antifreeze, glues, and other chemicals safely stored and out of the reach of your dog.
• Keep paper shredders unplugged (or at least fully turned “off”) when not in use.
• Don’t let your dog roam around the basement or garage.
• Don’t wait! Call for help if you have a concern about your dog. Some toxins and substances can be treated effectively with prompt therapy; some toxins are fatal if treatment is delayed.
• If you think your dog has been exposed to a toxic substance, contact your veterinarian, local emergency clinic, search for information on www.PetPlace.com and/or call the Animal Poison Control Center (ASPCA) at 1.888.426.4435 (There is a $55.00 fee for this service).