With Valentine's Day approaching (Tuesday, folks, so stop procrastinating), and the likelihood of chocolate treats lying around the house, this is a good time to remind readers that chocolate can provide a dangerous temptation to dogs.
According to the Pet Poison Hotline, foods including chocolate were the No. 1 source of pet poisoning cases in 2011.
"Certain types of chocolate are very toxic to dogs," according to a press release from the helpline. "The chemical causing toxicity in chocolate is theobromine, a relative of caffeine. The darker, more bitter, and more concentrated the chocolate is, the more dangerous it is."
Many sugarless gums and candies have a sweetener called xylitol that is also dangerous to dogs.
"When ingested, even in small amounts, it can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar or even liver failure," according to the helpline. "Raisins and grapes are often overlooked as one of the most toxic foods to dogs, and can result in kidney failure."
So keep your pet from eating those kinds of treats and stick to the dog treats, and keep the chocolates for yourself.
The other entries in the Top Ten list of poison dangers for pets, according to the hotline, are:
2. Insecticides, including sprays and bait stations. Also, keep in mind that spot-on flea and tick treatments for dogs can be very toxic to cats. Cat owners should read labels carefully, since treatments that contain pyrethrins or pyrethroids can be severely toxic to cats if directly applied or ingested.
3. Mouse and rat poisons, which can be dangerous not only when eaten directly but from "relay toxicity," which happens if an animal eats a dead rodent that was poisoned.
4. Ibuprofen and naproxen, which can cause stomach and intestinal ulcers in dogs as well as potential kidney failure.
5. Household cleaners, sprays, detergents and polishes. Acidic or alkaline cleaners pose the highest risk because of their corrosive nature. "Remember that 'natural' does not necessarily mean safe, as some natural products can cause severe reactions," according to the helpline.
6. Antidepressant drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, Celexa and Effexor. Of all prescription medications, antidepressants account for the highest number of calls to the helpline. They can cause neurological problems in dogs such as sedation, lack of coordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.
7. Fertilizers, including bone meal, blood meal and iron-based products, which can seem especially tasty to dogs. Large ingestions can cause pancreatitis or obstruct the gastrointestinal tract.
8. Drugs with acetaminophen, such as Tylenol and cold or cough medications, which can lead to severe liver failure. These are a more significant threat to cats, and a single Tylenol tablet can be fatal to them, according to the helpline.
9. Amphetamine drugs, such as Adderall and Concerta. Even small ingestions can cause tremors, seizures, elevated body temperatures and heart problems.
10. Veterinary pain relievers, specifically COX-2 inhibitors, can be dangerous if taken in large amounts.
If you're worried about something your pet has eaten, you can call the helpline at (800) 213-6680. You can find out more information at www.petpoisonhelpline.com.
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