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Writer's pictureJessica Sims

Toxic substances/foods to your dog

Today, I thought I’d bring to attention some of the toxins that your fur baby can face when it comes to foods, plants, herbs, and essential oils.


Some of the things are common knowledge for the seasoned pet owner, but reiteration is key to preventing exposure and letting new owners in on the dangers. Some of these surprised me as well, especially eucalyptus oil in a diffuser - something I used to turn to for a cold ridden chest. Luckily, my diffuser is a tiny little little thing and barely gave off any of the aroma. However, Vaporub is safe to use as long as your fur baby doesn’t consume the product, because the amount of eucalyptus is quite minimal. Another surprise to me was the Bird of Paradise, which is quite prevalent throughout New Mexico. Much of the data I used for this article comes directly from the ASPCA, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a nonprofit dedicated to stopping animal cruelty in the U.S. Here is the link. They also help re-home the abused so they can have a safe and happy life. If you have room in your home as well as your heart, please adopt these little souls, they’ll be the best companion you could ask for. I saved my two and they are loyal, loving, and so thankful.

Bulk onions

Foods


Chocolate/coffee/caffeine - Can cause heart arrhythmias, excessive thirst/urination,

agitation, make them hyper, can lead to seizures/tremors, or

death.

Coconut Water - High in potassium, which in large quantities can lead to blood in the

stool, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and collapse

Grapes/raisins - Kidney failure

Garlic/leeks/onions - Vomiting, breaks down red blood cells, causes blood in the urine,

weakness, increased heart rate/breathing

Macadamia Nuts - Depression, weakness in the rear limbs, tremors, and vomiting

Undercooked/Raw Meat/fish - Raw eggs have a enzyme that blocks the absorption of

biotin which is essential for healthy skin/coat. And raw meats/fish

can have salmonella.

Rhubarb - Kidney failure, tremors, salivation

Salty foods/snacks - Too much sodium leads to increased thirst/urination, diarrhea,

tremors, increased body temperatures, and can lead to death

Xylitol - A substance found in toothpaste, chewing gum, and some baking recipes can

lead to liver failure, low blood sugar, lethargy, vomiting, loss of

coordination, and seizures.

Yeast Dough - Can cause the stomach to bloat, twist and cramp. Ouch.


Plants: Indoor and Outdoor


All 4 Pawz, LLC is in Rio Rancho, NM and there is a long list of toxic plants from the ASPCA, so I’ve narrowed it down to more common local plants that pose more of a threat than nausea and diarrhea. Please check out the link for a complete list. Unless your fur baby makes a habit of eating plants and flowers, most of these are a minimal risk, but it’s still better to be cautious.


Aloe - The gel is fine, but the outer casing is toxic and can lead to vomiting, lethargy,

and diarrhea

Bird of Paradise - Can cause irritation in the mouth and throat leading to excessive

drooling/vomiting/and or diarrhea, along with difficulty swallowing.

Daffodil bulbs - Vomiting, cardiac arrhythmias, diarrhea, and convulsions if a large

amount is consumed.

Dieffenbachia (Dumb Cane) - Oral irritation that can lead to difficulty swallowing,

excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea.

Foxglove (Digitalis) - Cardiac arrhythmias/failure, vomiting, diarrhea, death

Jade - Vomiting, incoordination, and depression

Marijuana - Depression, vomiting, increased salivation, low blood pressure/body

temperature, dilated pupils, seizures, death. Please stick with CBD only for

anxiety/pain/etc.

Milkweed - Weakness, depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, seizures, difficulty

breathing, rapid/weak heart rate, kidney/liver failure, paralysis, death.

Night Shade - Found everywhere in NM and is deadly to humans as well as pets. The

black berries contain solanine and saponins, both of which are like atropine,

which is an involuntary nervous system blocker. It causes behavior changes,

weakness, stomach upset, decreased heart rate, and dilated pupils.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) - Oral irritation and difficulty swallowing, vomiting, and

excessive drooling

Portulaca - Weakness, depression, and diarrhea

Pothos - Can cause oral irritation, burning in the mouth, lips, and tongue, leading to

increased salivation and difficulty swallowing

Running Myrtle/vinca - Low blood pressure, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors/

seizures, coma, and death

Shamrock - Tremors, excessive salivation, and very rarely kidney failure.

Split Leaf Philodendron - Oral irritation and difficulty swallowing,

Sago Palm - Increased thirst, diarrhea, liver failure, jaundice, dark stools and possibly

bloody vomit.

Wisteria - Diarrhea, sometimes bloody vomiting, depression


Herbs


Chamomile - Vomiting, diarrhea, and contact dermatitis

Chives - Causes hemolytic anemia, which breaks down red blood cells, increases the

heart rate, and can lead to blood in the urine

Parsley - In large amounts it can cause the skin to become sensitive to the sun


Essential Oils


Can cause vomiting, excessive drooling, lethargy, red tint to the lips/gums/skin, difficulty breathing, tremors, low heart rate and body temperature, and lung inflammation.


• Tea Tree • Wintergreen • Pennyroyal • Citrus • Peppermint

• Cinnamon • Sweet Birch • Yang Yang • Eucalyptus • Pine


If your fur baby is exposed to essential oils and showing symptoms, get them into fresh air and wash off the oil with soap and water if it gets in their fur. If they eat the oil, it is best to get them to the vet as soon as possible, rather than inducing vomiting at home, because the oil can cause swelling in the airways.


I recommend sticking with lavender, myrrh, frankincense, cedar wood, chamomile, rosemary, and bergamot. For the essential oil blends - Forest, English Garden, Ocean Breeze, etc, find the ingredients list just to be safe. If they don’t say what oils are used, don’t use the product, just to be on the safe side.


Plant Therapy is made in America and they are cruelty free, environmentally friendly, and organic. This one is particularly good - Plant Therapy Organic Lavender oil. They sell sets as well, but the ones I found contain at least one oil that is toxic to dogs, but the prices are unbeatable and the product is “Climate Pledge Friendly”.


I hope you find this list helpful.




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