Most Common Outdoor Dog Poisons

Insecticides

• Lawn, Rose, and Agricultural pesticides can be harmful in their concentrated form
• Exposure to liquids or bags of granulated materials can be extremely dangerous, affecting the nervous system, often displayed in seizures

Antifreeze

• Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and is deadly in small quantities
• There are some products that contain propylene glycol and are more pet-friendly

Gas/Kerosene

• Gas and Kerosene containers offer 'fun' challenges to open
• Once opened, however, ingestion could lead to nervous disorders

Windshield washer fluid

• This contains methanol - again a deadly poison that can cause sever depression
• Color and taste do not deter dogs

Paint

• Paint can be messy to clean off a dog, cans can be opened or tipped over, but generally paint is not very toxic
• Paint stripper, on the other hand, is very toxic and can harm a dog quickly

Snail & Slug bait

• Pets must be kept away from locations where this is spread and stored
• Can cause seizures in pets almost instantly

De-Icing Salts

• Salts can harm dog's paws, can be caustic to the pads of the feet
• Certain de-icing compounds can be harmful if eaten

Plants

• Dogs generally won't eat outdoor plants, however the Japanese Yew and Oleander can be toxic
• Cycad or Sago Palm nuts if eaten by dogs will cause liver failure

Over-the-counter pet pest control

• Follow directions exactly for OTC flea and tick control
• 'Spot' treatments should be used only on the size dog noted on the package (don't use same treatment on a St. Bernard and a tea-cup Poodle) also, don't mix dog & cat spot controls

In case of an emergency get to your vet, the local animal hospital or call 1-888-4 ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). For more information visit: www.napcc.aspca.org

Source:  Special thanks to Dr. Steven Hanson, Senior Vice President of the National Animal Poison Control Center for his contributions to this piece.