Dogs like to bite and chew everything that they come across. Some of these items could be swallowed and pose a real threat to the dogs especially if they are poisonous or if they get stuck in the dog’s throat. Since dogs tend to explore the environment through sniffing and biting objects, all dogs have the potential to eat something that could be dangerous for them although some dogs are more susceptible to this than others. In this article, we introduce you to some of the most common objects that a dog could ingest that pose a threat to them.
- Veterinary Products
Some medications meant for dogs or other pets could be very poisonous for the dog especially if they are meant for external use only. For instance, flea and tick treatments and other treatments for external use like disinfectants are potentially hazardous for pets and could lead to death. Problems can occur if dogs accidentally ingest these products or if small dogs receive excessive amounts. We recommend proper storage of these products in order to keep your pet safe
- Poisonous Plants
Although dogs do not feed exclusively on plants, some plants are very toxic to dogs and could lead to a fatal ending. Some toxic plants include azaleas, tulips, and other flower garden plants. We recommend keeping the dog out of the flower garden in order to guarantee their safety.
- Some Human Food
Dogs may come across our own food, some of which is poisonous to their system. Some foods like chocolate and alcohol are very toxic to the dog’s digestive system and could lead to death if immediate action is not taken. We recommend checking with the vet officer on what you can or cannot feed your dog to prevent accidents.
- Household Cleaners and Detergents
Most cleaners are chemical-based, with few being organic. These chemicals could be toxic to the dog if ingested in whatever amounts. We recommend taking your dog to the emergency vet immediately upon ingestion.
- Metallic or Plastic Objects
Dogs may bite on, and try to swallow metallic or plastic objects as they interact with the environment. Some of these objects are hard to swallow and could choke the dog requiring emergency action. We recommend putting all small metallic and plastic objects that the dog plays with away from the dog in order to avoid accidents.
Conclusion
Dogs are just as playful as cats and may interact with various objects in a dangerous manner. We recommend taking note of the above items that could pose a threat to your dog’s safety and consult your vet.
References: PetWebMD, SouthWindSets, VeterinaryEmergencyGroup
