Library: Health and Well-Being
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
