COMMON DOG POISONS
Chemicals & household nasties:

Antifreeze
This causes the formation of oxalate crystals in the kidneys, resulting in kidney failure

Drugs (e.g. prescription medications, illicit drugs, panadol and nurofen)
These can damage the nervous system, heart muscle, red blood cells, stomach lining
Signs include seizures, muscle tremors, pale gums, vomiting, diarrhoea, wobbly gait

Rat bait (e.g. ratsack, bromakil) - can even poison pets if they eat poisoned rats/mice
These baits cause problems with blood clotting so signs include bleeding from gums,
lethargy, pale gums. Signs usually appear a few days after ingestion

Rabbit bait (1080) - can even poison pets if they eat poisoned rabbits
Rapidly causes vomiting, loss of bladder and bowel control, seizures and death

Lead (including lead paint if eaten)
Damages the red blood cells, gut, and nervous system
Signs include pale gums, blindness, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea

Other chemicals e.g. (petrol, oil, grease, detergents)
These can cause irritation and ulcers on contact with the gums, tongue or skin.
They can also cause vomiting if ingested
Garden Nasties:

Pesticides (including pyrethrin products)
These can cause muscle tremors, seizures, loss of bladder and bowel control, small
pupils, trouble breathing

Snail Bait (e.g. Defender, Baysol, Multigard)
These rapidly cause damage the nervous system causing tremors and seizures
Multigard claims to be dog-safe but can cause vomiting and diarrhoea

Garbage, compost, & fertilisers
Toxins in these can cause stomach upsets (vomiting and diarrhoea), muscle
tremors, & seizures

Toadstools
Toxins in these can damage the liver and kidneys if ingested, and this may take
several days to become apparent. Gut upsets can also occur

Blue-green algae
Algal blooms can cause liver failure and severe intestinal wall damage if ingested
Foods and Drinks:

Alcohol
This can affect animals in the same way it does with humans, causing wobbly gait,
vomiting, & lethargy

Nuts - especially macadamias (which cause wobbly legs and abdominal pain)

Chocolate & coffee
The caffeine (and other chemicals) in these can cause muscle tremors and seizures like us after 15 cups of coffee!

Some fruits e.g. grapes, raisins, avocado, tomato stalks and leaves, rhubarb leaves
These can damage the heart, kidneys, and gut

Some vegetables e.g. onions, green potatoes

Uncooked yeast dough - this can expand in the stomach creating abdominal pain,
and can also ferment to create alcohol which is in itself toxic
If you suspect that your pet has come into contact with any toxin, or is showing signs of toxicity,
please contact the clinic immediately. Prompt treatment is the key to a quick recovery in many
cases.