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Some Potentially Dangerous items to your pet:

• Aluminum Foil
  • if ingested, can cut a dog's intestines.
• Anti-Freeze (ethylene glycol)
  • can be lethal even in small quantities.  Anti-freeze must be treated by a qualified veterinarian immediately.
  • The Sierra Company offers a less toxic form of anti-freeze and they can be reached at (888) 88-SIERRA or check with your local Tractor Supply Company store.
• Bloat (gastric torsion & stomach distension)
  • is a serious life-threatening emergency which must be treated by a qualified veterinarian immediately.
  • Bloat is relatively common among large and deep-chested breeds, such as Basset Hounds, Dobermans, German Shepherds and Great Danes.
  • Many experts believe that feeding a large meal within 2 hours of exercise or severe stress may trigger this emergency.  Eating quickly, changes in diet, and gas-producing foods may also contribute to this serious condition.
  • Symptoms of Bloat include: unsuccessful retching, pacing, panting, drooling, an enlarged stomach/torso, and/or signs of distress.
• Chocolate
  • contains an element which is toxic to dogs, called Theobromine.
• Corn Cobs
  • can cause partial or complete intestinal obstruction.  Never allow your dog access to corn cobs.
• Electrocution
  • Electrical cords can be fatal if chewed on by a dog. Whenever possible, keep electrical cords out of reach.
• Fireworks
  • Never unnecessarily expose your pet to firecracker noises as they can cause companion animals tremendous fear, and in many cases, long-term phobias.
  • You can try masking loud firecracker noises with music or other familiar sounds (radio or television).  If possible, take a brief vacation with your pet in a quiet rural area, until the fireworks are over.
• Garbage
  • Always keep garbage out of your pet's reach, as rotting food contains molds or bacteria that could produce food poisoning.
• Heartworms
  • Heartworm is transmitted to your dog through a bite from a mosquito containing the infected larval form of the heartworm.  When an animal is infected, the heartworm larva can grow and develop into worms.  These worms live inside blood vessels within and surrounding the heart and lungs.  The adult worms mate inside the blood vessels, and their offspring—which are called microfilaria—circulate in the bloodstream.  These microfilaria can be picked up by another biting mosquito, and then passed to another animal.
  • The disease can be easily prevented, but it does require a visit to a veterinarian.
• Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion
  • The normal body temperature of a healthy dog may range from 99 °F to 102.5 °F (37.2 °C - 39.2 °C).
  • Leaving a dog in a parked car in the summer (even with the window a few inches open), can cause heatstroke within minutes.  Heat exhaustion is usually caused by over-exercising a dog during hot weather.
  • Both heatstroke and heat exhaustion can result in brain damage, heart failure or even death in a short period of time.
  • To cool off an overheated dog, wet the dog's body and paws with cool water, then fan.  If the dog experiences heatstroke or heat exhaustion, he should receive veterinary attention as soon as possible.
  • If your dog's temperature goes above 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit (39.2°C), be sure to consult with your local veterinarian.
    • A dog's internal temperature above 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40°C) is considered extremely serious and your dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
• Household Hazards
  • Bath and hand soaps
  • Batteries
  • Fabric softener sheets
  • Fly baits containing methomyl
  • Human medications
  • Human toothpaste
  • Liquid potpourri
  • Mothballs
  • Post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)
  • Rat and mouse bait
  • Slug and snail baits containing metaldehyde
  • Swimming-pool treatment supplies
• Hypothermia
  • The normal body temperature of a healthy dog may range from 99 °F to 102.5 °F (37.2 °C - 39.2 °C).
  • Small and short-haired dogs should wear sweaters when taken for walks during cold winter weather.
  • Any sign that a dog is very cold (such as shivering) should signal the owner to bring the dog indoors immediately.
  • If your dog's temperature drops below 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2°C), be sure to consult with your local veterinarian.
    • A dog’s internal temperature below 96 degrees Fahrenheit (35.5°C) is considered extremely serious and your dog should be taken to a veterinarian immediately.
• Ice-Melting Chemicals and Salt
  • Ice-melting chemicals and salt placed across sidewalks and roads can cause severe burning to your dog's footpads.
  • Whenever possible, avoid walking your dog through these substances, and wash off his footpads when you return home.
  • There are also products available such as Musher's Secret which can be applied to your dog's footpads prior to going outside, that may help reduce the pain that is often caused by road salt and chemicals.
• Poisonous Plants
  • Dogs can become extremely ill or even die from eating poisonous plants.
  • Keep all unknown types of plants and any plants suspected of being poisonous out of reach of your pet, and/or spray with Bitter Apple (for plants).
  • Veterinary treatment should be immediate if poisoning is suspected.
• Plastic Food Wrap
  • Plastic food wrap can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Some dogs will eat the plastic wrapping when there are food remnants left coating its surface.
• Toilets
  • Keep toilet lids closed to prevent your pet from consuming treated toilet bowl water that could irritate their digestive tract.
• Training Collars
  • Remove your dog's training collars whenever left unsupervised or crated.
  • Never tie your dog by attaching a leash or tether to your dog's training collar.
  • Always use a flat buckle collar when tying your dog, and then only when supervised.
  • Never leave your dog tied unsupervised in front of stores, restaurants or supermarkets, as they can be harassed, poisoned or stolen.

What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned:

• Pick up the phone immediately and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435; a consultation fee may apply).
• Be prepared to state your pet's breed, age, weight and any symptoms.
• Keep the product container or plant sample with you to assist in identification so the appropriate treatment recommendations can be made.