These Household Items Are Poisonous/Toxic To Dogs

This article contains information on the following canine poisons/toxins:

chocolate
grapes, raisins, & currants
arsenic
essential oils & liquid potpourri
aspirin
acetaminophen

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs

Is chocolate toxic to dogs?

Yes, chocolate is toxic to dogs. While rarely fatal, chocolate ingestion can result in significant illness. Chocolate is toxic because it contains a chemical called theobromine, as well as caffeine. Theobromine is the main toxin in chocolate and is very similar to caffeine. Both chemicals are used medicinally as a diuretic, heart stimulant, blood vessel dilator, and a smooth muscle relaxant. Dogs cannot metabolize theobromine and caffeine as well as people can. That is why dogs are more sensitive to the chemicals’ effects.

How much chocolate is poisonous to a dog?

The amount of toxic theobromine varies with the type of chocolate. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to dogs. Baking chocolate and gourmet dark chocolate are highly concentrated and contain 130-450 mg of theobromine per ounce. Common milk chocolate only contains about 44-58 mg/ounce. White chocolate rarely poses any threat of chocolate poisoning with only 0.25 mg of theobromine per ounce of chocolate.

Even if the amount ingested is not a toxicity concern, dogs can still become ill from the fat and sugar in chocolate. These can cause pancreatitis in severe cases or in dogs that have more sensitive stomachs. To put this in perspective, a medium-sized dog weighing 50 pounds would only need to eat 1 ounce of baker’s chocolate, or 9 ounces of milk chocolate, to potentially show signs of poisoning. For many dogs, ingesting small amounts of milk chocolate is not harmful.

What are the clinical signs of chocolate poisoning?

Clinical signs depend on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. For many dogs, the most common clinical signs are vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, panting or restlessness, excessive urination, and racing heart rate. In severe cases, symptoms can include muscle tremors, seizures, and heart failure. Complications such as developing aspiration pneumonia from vomiting, can make the prognosis for chocolate poisoning worse. When in doubt, immediate treatment by your veterinarian is recommended if a poisonous amount of chocolate is ingested.

Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning can take several hours to develop. Signs due to large exposures can last for days due to the long half-life of theobromine. This means that it remains in the bloodstream for a longer period. Theobromine may be reabsorbed from the bladder, so intravenous fluids and frequent walks to encourage urination may be necessary. It is important to seek medical attention by calling your veterinarian as soon as you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate.

What should I do if my dog eats chocolate?

Contact your veterinarian to see if a poisonous amount of chocolate was ingested. If a toxic amount is ingested, you should have your dog examined by a veterinarian immediately. The sooner treatment begins, the better your dog’s prognosis.

What is the treatment for chocolate poisoning?

Treatment depends on the amount and type of chocolate eaten. If treated early, decontamination including inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal to prevent absorption of theobromine into the body may be all that is necessary. Treatments of activated charcoal may be repeated to reduce the continued resorption and recirculation of theobromine.

It is very common to provide supportive treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy to help stabilize a dog and promote theobromine excretion. All dogs ingesting a toxic amount of chocolate should be closely monitored for any signs of agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, irregular heart rhythm, and high blood pressure. Medication to treat restlessness and other signs may also be necessary.

I saw a treat made for dogs that contains chocolate. Isn’t this dangerous?

Many gourmet dog treats use carob as a chocolate substitute. Carob looks similar to chocolate and the two are often confused. Some specialty dog bakeries will use a small amount of milk chocolate in treats. Since the amount of theobromine is typically low, this may be safe for most dogs. However, most veterinarians recommend that you avoid giving your dog chocolate in any form.

Grape, Raisin, and Currant Poisoning in Dogs

While a favorite and healthy snack for people, grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney failure in dogs. Raisins can commonly be found in combination with other foods, potentially increasing the risk of exposure as compared with grapes and currants. The toxicity concern is the same.

What types of grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs?

Poisoning has occurred in dogs following ingestion of seedless or seeded grape varieties, commercial or homegrown grapes, red or green grapes/raisins, organic or non-organic, and grape pressings from wineries. Foods containing grapes, raisins, and currants (such as raisin bran cereal, trail mix, granola mix, baked goods) are all potential sources of poison. Grape jellies, grape juice, and wine do not appear to cause a toxicity concern.

What is the toxic dose?

Unfortunately, there is no well-established toxic dose for any of these fruits, but there are two principles to keep in mind: 1) Dogs are more likely to become poisoned if they ingest large amounts of fruit and 2) there appears to be ‘individual’ sensitivity in dogs. Some dogs appear to tolerate small doses of the fruit without consequence, while other dogs may develop poisoning after eating just a few grapes or raisins. At this time, there is no way to predict which dogs may be more sensitive.

Why are raisins, grapes, and currants toxic?

Currently, it is not known why these fruits are toxic. Over the years, there has been speculation as to whether the toxicity may be due to a mycotoxin (a toxic substance produced by a fungus or mold) or a salicylate (aspirin-like) drug that may be naturally found in the grape, resulting in decreased blood flow to the kidneys. More recently, it has been considered that tartaric acid may be the cause. However, to date, no specific toxic agent has been clearly identified. Since it is currently unknown why these fruits are toxic, any exposure should be a cause for potential concern.

What should I do if my dog eats grapes or raisins?

If you suspect that your pet has eaten any of these fruits, contact your veterinarian, Pet Poison Helpline, or an animal poison control service immediately. Since there are still many unknowns associated with this poisoning, it is better not to take any risks when it comes to your dog’s health. As with any toxin, the sooner the poisoning is diagnosed and treated, the less dangerous it will be for your pet, and the less expensive therapy will be for you.

What are the symptoms of grape or raisin toxicity?

The most common early symptom of grape or raisin toxicity is vomiting. which is generally seen within 24 hours following ingestion. Lack of appetite, lethargy, and possibly diarrhea can be also seen within the next 12-24 hours. More severe signs are not seen for 24-48 hours after ingestion – often after acute kidney damage has already begun. Signs of acute kidney failure include nausea, lack of appetite, vomiting, uremic (ammonia odor) breath, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive thirst, and excessive urination. As poisoning progresses, the kidneys will stop functioning and the dog may not be able to produce urine. Following this, the dog’s blood pressure often increases dramatically. The dog may lapse into a coma due to a buildup of substances which the kidneys usually eliminate from the body through urine. Once the kidneys have shut down and urine output has dropped, the prognosis is poor.

How is grape/raisin poisoning diagnosed?

Unfortunately, the symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning are non-specific and early signs are similar to a variety of things including simple dietary indiscretion (eating foods that should not be eaten). More severe signs are similar to kidney failure from other causes. Your veterinarian will base a diagnosis of this poisoning on a history of eating grapes, raisins, currants, or the presence of pieces of grapes or raisins in the dog’s vomit.

Your veterinarian may also recommend diagnostic tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), a serum biochemistry profile, and a urinalysis to assess the amount of damage to the kidneys. The test results will help determine the dog’s likelihood of recovery.

How is this poisoning treated?

The goal of treatment is to block absorption of the toxins and prevent or minimize damage to the kidneys. The best treatment is to decontaminate the dog right away by inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal. This helps to prevent absorption of the toxin from the stomach or intestines. As grapes and raisins stay in the stomach for a prolonged period of time, inducing vomiting is very important (even up to 4-6 hours after ingestion). Following decontamination, more treatment might be necessary including aggressive intravenous fluids to help support/protect the kidneys in hopes of minimizing damage to them. Drugs used to control nausea or vomiting, to help maintain blood flow to the kidneys, and to control blood pressure may also be administered.

Ideally, dogs should be hospitalized on intravenous fluids for 48 hours following ingestion. Affected animals may need to be hospitalized for several days. During treatment, your veterinarian will monitor the dog’s kidney function levels daily to assess the response to treatment and determine whether the treatment needs to become more aggressive. Bloodwork may also be repeated 1-2 days after going home. This is to make sure kidney function levels have not increased.

What is the prognosis following poisoning from grapes or raisins?

Prognosis depends on many factors, including how significant the ingestion is, how soon the patient was decontaminated, whether or not the patient has already developed kidney failure, how soon treatment was initiated, and whether the clinical signs and kidney function levels have improved since treatment began. If a dog only ate a few grapes or raisins (depending on the size of the dog) and received immediate treatment, the prognosis is excellent. If the kidneys are damaged and no urine is produced, the prognosis is poor and death is likely. The kidneys have very little ability to regenerate or repair themselves. Once they are damaged, they will not function as well as they did before the episode. When in doubt, seek treatment right away by contacting your veterinarian for advice. Your veterinarian will estimate the prognosis for your dog based on symptoms, individual situation, and response to treatment.

How can I prevent this problem?

Keep all grapes, raisins, currants, or foods containing these fruits, out of reach of your pets. Do not share any food that may contain grapes or raisins with your dog, and especially do not use grapes as treats for your dog. While one grape may not cause a problem for most dogs, it is a good idea to avoid this habit instead of risking potential poisoning.

What other common foods are toxic to dogs?

Onions, garlic, alcohol, chocolate, cocoa, macadamia nuts, fattening foods, and foods containing the sugar alcohol sweetener xylitol (birch sugar) can also be fatal.

Are other animals at risk?

Grape and raisin poisoning has only been identified as a problem in dogs. Since there are still many unknowns associated with this poisoning, it would be a good idea to avoid giving any grapes and raisins to your dog or any other pet.

Arsenic Poisoning in Dogs

What is arsenic poisoning?

Arsenic poisoning is the development of clinical signs after ingestion, skin contact, or inhalation of products containing a toxic dose of arsenic. Arsenic is a metal-like substance found naturally in rocks, soil, and water, but usually in very small, harmless amounts.

Arsenic is used in commercial products and practices, such as wood preservation, pesticides, and fuels. It is also in medicinal treatments for some parasites and cancers. Since the 1960s, using arsenic in commercial products and practices has declined, but it has not been eliminated. Today, the most common cause of arsenic poisoning in dogs is from exposure to homemade pesticide concoctions. Fortunately, that is very rare.

What causes arsenic poisoning?

The toxic dose of arsenic can vary greatly depending on the form of arsenic, the animal species, and the health status of the animal. Cats and humans are the most susceptible to arsenic poisoning. Weak, debilitated, and dehydrated animals are more susceptible than normal, healthy animals.

Once absorbed by the body, arsenic travels to all the organs, such as the liver, spleen, kidneys, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. Once there, it mainly affects the vascular system (blood vessels), leading to swelling and bleeding in the organs.

What are the clinical signs of arsenic poisoning?

The clinical signs of sudden arsenic poisoning can vary depending on the dose. Clinical signs can include abdominal pain, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, weakness, rapid and weak pulse, lethargy, low body temperature, collapse, and death. If arsenic exposure occurs on the skin, effects such as blisters, swelling, cracking, bleeding, and infections can occur.

Long-term or chronic exposure to lower amounts of arsenic can cause weight loss, due to decreased appetite, and nerve damage.

How is arsenic poisoning diagnosed?

Arsenic poisoning is diagnosed through history and clinical signs consistent with arsenic poisoning. Chemical analysis of the urine and gastrointestinal contents as well as liver or kidney biopsies, may also be performed. Blood is not as useful for arsenic exposure because arsenic is cleared from the blood quickly. Hair samples may be helpful in testing for long-term exposure.

How is arsenic poisoning treated?

Arsenic poisoning treatment may vary depending on the type and time of poisoning. If your dog is not showing symptoms and the arsenic was ingested recently, inducing vomiting may be effective. Gastric lavage (removing contents of the stomach) may be considered by the veterinarian. Activated charcoal is not helpful in cases of metal poisonings.

Chelation therapy (chemical binding) can also be useful in arsenic poisoning cases. Two types of chelating compounds are commonly used: dimercaprol (BAL) and succimer (DMSA). Dimercaprol (BAL) itself is toxic, but if dosed appropriately, it can treat arsenic poisoning with few toxic effects. Succimer (DMSA) is less toxic, more effective, and currently considered the preferred chelator.

Call your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline, a 24/7 animal poison control center, at 1-800-213-6680 as soon as exposure is recognized to ensure that your dog receives the most appropriate recommendations for their exposure.

Supportive therapy is a crucial part of treating arsenic poisoning. Aggressive fluid therapy and rehydration is necessary and helps to remove arsenic from the body. Other supportive therapy includes antibiotics for secondary infections, anti-vomiting and anti-diarrheal medications, and a bland diet.

What care will my dog require after treatment for arsenic poisoning?

Your veterinarian should monitor the kidneys, the liver, and electrolytes during and after treatment. If your dog makes a full recovery, no further aftercare is needed.

Essential Oil and Liquid Potpourri Poisoning in Dogs

Essential oils are the concentrated liquids (volatile organic compounds) of plants. Essential oils have become popular for their use in aromatherapy and alternative medicine; they are also used in cleaning products, food and drink flavorings, herbal remedies, perfumes, personal care products, and liquid potpourris used as home air fresheners and fragrances.

Many liquid potpourri products and essential oils, including oil of cinnamon, citrus, pennyroyal, peppermint, pine, sweet birch, tea tree (melaleuca), wintergreen, and ylang ylang, are poisonous to dogs. Both ingestion and skin exposure can be toxic.

How hazardous are essential oils and liquid potpourri to dogs?

Essential oils and liquid potpourris contain chemicals that are rapidly absorbed orally or through the skin. Many of these chemicals are metabolized through the liver. Puppies and dogs with liver disease are more sensitive to their effects. While exposure to low amounts of essential oils and liquid potpourri often only result in gastrointestinal upset, certain concentrated oils can have effects on the liver, such as pennyroyal oil, and on the nervous system, such as tea tree oil. Liquid potpourri and some essential oils can also irritate or burn the skin and mouth.

Only a couple of licks or a small amount on the skin could be harmful to a dog, depending on the ingredients in a specific product and how the pet is exposed.

What are the signs of essential oil or liquid potpourri poisoning?

Signs may include:

fragrance or scent on hair coat, skin, or breath
difficulty breathing
difficulty walking or uncoordinated gait
drooling
lethargy or weakness
muscle tremors
pawing at the mouth or face
redness or burns on the lips, gums, tongue, or skin
vomiting (you may detect the smell of essential oils in the vomit)

What should I do if I suspect that my dog has been exposed to essential oils or liquid potpourri?

Rapid diagnosis and treatment are imperative. If you believe that your dog has ingested or come in contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680) immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the prognosis and outcome for your dog.

Please note:

Do not induce vomiting or give activated charcoal to your dog. This may worsen your dog’s condition.
Put the product packaging in a sealed container and take it with you to the veterinary clinic.
If any product is on the skin or fur, quickly wash it off using hand dishwashing detergent.

How are essential oil or liquid potpourri poisonings treated, and what is the prognosis?

Fast and aggressive treatment by your veterinarian will minimize the toxic effects associated with essential oil ingestion. If clinical signs have developed, treatment will be based on those symptoms.

Your veterinarian will perform bloodwork to determine if the liver and kidneys have been affected. Intravenous (IV) fluids may be used for hydration and a soft diet or feeding tube may be necessary if there are chemical burns in the mouth or esophagus. Other treatments may include anti-vomiting medication, stomach protectants, pain medication, antibiotics, and medication to protect the liver.

Some types of oils are more toxic than others, so recovery may depend on the specific oils ingested. There is no antidote for this poisoning; however, with early intervention and supportive treatment, most dogs can survive.

How can I prevent my dog from being exposed to essential oils and liquid potpourri?

Keep essential oils and liquid potpourri products out of reach of dogs at all times. Curious animals may want to investigate the sweet-smelling liquids, so never leave opened essential oils or simmering potpourri unattended. In addition, consult a veterinarian before using any essential oils or other herbal products on your pet. Never apply a concentrated essential oil on your pet!

Aspirin Poisoning in Dogs

What is aspirin?

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid or ASA) is a common over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to treat fever, pain, and inflammation. Aspirin may also be used to prevent blood clots from forming. It may be the only ingredient in a medication or be part of a combination product containing other medications such as acetaminophen, opioids, antihistamines, decongestants, and/or caffeine.

Aspirin is only one compound in a group of chemicals called salicylates. All salicylates have the potential to cause toxicity. These chemicals may occur in a wide range of products including pain medications, Pepto-Bismol, wintergreen oil, sunscreen, lip balms, hair and skin care products, toothpaste, wart removers, and pain creams. The risk for poisoning depends upon the type of salicylate and the amount to which the pet was exposed.

What is aspirin poisoning?

Aspirin and other salicylate-containing products are often found in homes with dogs. Poisoning may happen when pets accidentally get into these products and ingest too large of a dose. In some cases, owners may administer aspirin or other salicylates to treat their dog’s pain or gastrointestinal upset instead of consulting a veterinarian. Aspirin poisoning may occur from a single dose or repeated dosing.

Previously existing medical conditions such as clotting disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease may increase the risk of poisoning. Dogs that are already taking steroids or other NSAIDs also have a higher risk for poisoning.

What causes aspirin poisoning?

Aspirin and other NSAIDs act by blocking certain chemical processes in the body that cause inflammation. Unfortunately, these chemical processes are also important in maintaining normal gastrointestinal, kidney, liver, and blood clotting functions.

What are the signs of aspirin poisoning?

Dogs may initially show no signs of aspirin poisoning. Signs can vary depending upon the dose and product to which the dog was exposed. The most common side effect of aspirin/salicylate exposure is gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration (bleeding into the stomach/intestines). Additional signs related to the gastrointestinal tract such as a decreased appetite, abdominal pain, vomiting (possibly with blood), diarrhea, and dark tarry stools can occur. If bleeding into the gut occurs, pale gums, weakness, or depression may be seen. High doses of aspirin can result in damage to other organs and more serious signs such as an increased respiratory rate (due to the blood becoming too acidic), high body temperature (from cellular damage), a wobbly gait, tremors, seizures, coma, decreased blood clotting, liver or kidney damage, and even death.

If you suspect your pet ingested any form of aspirin/salicylates, it is important to contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline (1-800-213-6680) right away to help determine the risk of poisoning to your pet.

How is aspirin poisoning diagnosed?

Most cases are diagnosed in pets that have the expected signs and a known or suspected exposure to aspirin. Bloodwork is necessary to evaluate the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, and blood cell counts. Radiographs (x-rays) of the chest can identify lung disorders secondary to aspirin poisoning. Tests to assess the pet’s blood clotting ability or acidity levels may also be performed.

How is aspirin poisoning treated?

There is no antidote for aspirin poisoning but early decontamination and treatment decrease the risk for serious harm. If aspirin ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, the veterinarian may induce vomiting. Once vomiting is controlled, activated charcoal may be administered. This can decrease absorption of aspirin by the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal should only be administered by a veterinarian. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in blood sodium levels may occur. Antacids, anti-nausea medications and stomach protectants are commonly administered.

Depending upon the dose ingested, hospitalized care may be needed. Fluids may be administered under the skin or intravenously. Dogs developing more serious signs may require intensive therapy, because they have an increased risk for long-term effects or death. Blood work to monitor the liver and kidney function, as well as the red blood cell count, may be performed. Pets that develop a low red blood cell count (anemia) or difficulty breathing may require oxygen supplementation or a blood transfusion. Liver protectants, muscle relaxants, and medications to control seizures may be necessary.

What care will my dog require after treatment?

In most cases of aspirin/salicylate poisoning, stomach protectants and a bland diet will be recommended for several days following exposure. Dogs with exposure to higher doses, or with chronic exposure, may require monitoring for liver or kidney damage even after they are discharged. If kidney damage occurs, fluids under the skin may need to be continued at home. Dogs that have liver damage will often be on liver protectants. Depending on the dog’s condition, medications and monitoring may be continued for several days to months. In some cases, liver or kidney damage may compromise long-term function in dogs who have recovered from aspirin toxicity.

Acetaminophen Toxicity in Dogs

Is acetaminophen toxic to dogs?

Acetaminophen, a common human drug used to control pain and fever, is toxic in dogs. Unfortunately, this is a relatively common toxicity. Dogs may get into the owner’s medications or owners may try to treat their dog’s pain at home. Acetaminophen is occasionally recommended by veterinarians and should only be given under their direction. Young and small dogs have a higher risk for toxicity.

What are the signs of acetaminophen toxicity in dogs?

Signs of toxicity from acetaminophen may develop within 1-4 hours of ingestion. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage or decrease the red blood cell’s ability to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia).

Dogs may become depressed or weak, with rapid breathing, a high heart rate, panting, abdominal pain, vomiting, or drooling. Affected dogs may also stop eating.

Their mucous membranes, such as the gums or tissue around the globe of the eye, may develop a bluish color called cyanosis. These areas may also develop a chocolate brown color from the methemoglobin (which cannot carry oxygen to the tissues). Some dogs develop swelling in the face, paws, and forelimbs several hours after ingesting acetaminophen.

Liver damage may be delayed for up to one week. Other symptoms include: dark urine, yellow discoloration of the eyes or skin, an enlarged abdomen, increased drinking and urination, or discolored feces. If these symptoms are not recognized and treated, death may occur.

Is there any treatment for a dog who is experiencing acetaminophen toxicity?

The most important treatment for acetaminophen toxicity is to avoid it!

Early decontamination and treatment decrease the risk for serious toxicity. If acetaminophen ingestion occurred within a few hours of treatment, the veterinarian may induce vomiting. Once vomiting is controlled, activated charcoal may be administered. This can decrease absorption of acetaminophen by the gastrointestinal tract. Activated charcoal should only be given by a veterinarian. Otherwise, aspiration into the lungs and life-threatening changes in sodium levels can occur.

Depending upon the dose ingested, hospitalization may be needed. Fluids may be given under the skin or intravenously. An antidote is available for acetaminophen toxicity called N-acetylcysteine. Other medications, such as liver protectants and vitamin C, may also be given.

If liver damage occurs or methemoglobin levels in the blood rise rapidly, more intensive treatment is needed. These changes increase the risk for long-term effects or even death. Patients that develop a low red blood cell count (anemia) or a decreased ability of the red blood cells to carry oxygen (methemoglobinemia) may require oxygen supplementation or a blood transfusion. Patients with liver damage can have an increased chance of bleeding. These patients may need vitamin K or plasma transfusions. They may also need dextrose in their fluids to keep blood glucose levels stable.

Once a dog is treated for acetaminophen toxicity, is there any follow-up that must be done?

Most dogs will need to continue medications for several weeks to protect the liver while they are at home. Liver enzymes are typically monitored to assess for liver damage after the dog is sent home. Depending on the dog’s condition, medications and monitoring may be needed for several days to weeks. Liver damage and the resulting scarring can affect long-term liver function in dogs who have recovered from acetaminophen toxicity.