Site Accessibility Features: Skip to page menus
Site Menus Section Skip to page content
Veterinarians Hampshire | Brunswick Place Veterinary Clinic
Phone: 01256 473 371 brunswickplacevets@gmail.com
Site Content: Skip to page footer
Mar 20 2025
Safeguarding Your Furry Friends Against Potential Poisons
Home » News » Safeguarding Your Furry Friends Against Potential Poisons
As a devoted pet owner, you’re likely vigilant about your pet’s health. Yet, despite our best efforts, our homes can harbor hidden dangers that pose serious risks to our beloved dogs and cats. Recognizing these hazards is the first step toward prevention. Let’s explore the most common poisons that threaten our pets and learn how to keep them safe.
Chocolate
Chocolate is a well-known poison for dogs, containing theobromine and caffeine, which are harmful to them. Even small amounts can cause vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are particularly dangerous due to their higher theobromine content.
Grapes and Raisins
Grapes and raisins can lead to acute kidney failure in dogs. The exact substance causing this reaction remains unidentified, making any amount potentially hazardous. Symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
Xylitol
Xylitol, a sugar substitute found in sugar-free products like gum and candies, is extremely poisonous to dogs. Ingestion can result in a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), seizures, and even liver failure. Be aware: Xylitol is also known as birch sugar, wood sugar, and birch bark extract.
Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen are common household items that can be harmful to pets. Dogs and cats are particularly sensitive to these drugs, and ingestion can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure.
Rodenticides
Rodenticides, or rat poisons, contain various active ingredients that are poisonous to pets. Ingestion can lead to uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, or kidney failure, depending on the type of rodenticide. It’s crucial to keep these products out of reach and use pet-safe alternatives when possible.
Certain Plants
Many common household and garden plants are poisonous to pets. For example, lilies are extremely dangerous for cats and can cause kidney failure. Other poisonous plants include sago palms (king sago, sago cycad, Japanese sago palm), oleander (rosebay, rose. laurel), and azaleas (rhododendrons).
Onions and Garlic
Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks belong to the Allium genus and are poisonous to both dogs and cats. They can cause gastrointestinal irritation and lead to red blood cell damage, resulting in anemia.
Preventive Measures
By staying informed and vigilant, you can create a safe environment that allows your furry companions to thrive, free from the dangers of common poisons.
LifeLearn News
Note: This article, written by LifeLearn Animal Health (LifeLearn Inc.) is licensed to this practice for the personal use of our clients. Any copying, printing or further distribution is prohibited without the express written permission of Lifelearn. Please note that the news information presented here is NOT a substitute for a proper consultation and/or clinical examination of your pet by a veterinarian.
Site Sidebar: Skip to end of sidebar
Who are we?
Established in 1947, Brunswick Place Veterinary Clinic boasts more than 70 years' experience within the veterinary care field. All of our vets are registered with the British Veterinary Association and are members of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.
About UsIn the News
May 15, 2025
Your pet has cancer. …
May 8, 2025
So, you’re peacefully sipping your coffee when you hear the sound. You know the…
May 1, 2025
You felt a tiny bump on your dog’s ear. Or maybe you spotted something on your…
Brunswick Place Veterinary Clinic is a trading name of CVS (UK) Limited; a company which owns over 500 veterinary practices and is registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 03777473. Registered office: CVS House, Owen Road, Diss, Norfolk IP22 4ER.
Location Hours Monday 8:00am – 7:00pm Tuesday 8:00am – 7:00pm Wednesday 8:00am – 7:00pm Thursday 8:00am – 7:00pm Friday 8:00am – 7:00pm Saturday 9:00am – 12:00pm Sunday Closed*Consulting Times: 9am-6:50pm M-F From 7pm for any out of hour emergency please contact our out of hours provider: Vets Now Winchester, SO24 9BH Telephone: 01962 807565
May 15, 2025
Your pet has cancer. …
Site Footer: Skip to top of page
© Copyright 2025 Provided by Vetsolutions | Powered by LifeLearn