- Heavy metals: Lead, which may be in paint, linoleum, and batteries, can be poisonous if eaten by your dog, causing gastrointestinal and neurological problems. Zinc poisoning may occur in dogs that swallow pennies produced after 1982, producing symptoms of weakness from severe anemia.
- Pet medications: cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Often reported problem medicationss include painkillers, flea & tick preventatives and de-wormers.
- Chemical hazards: Not surprisingly, chemicals contained in antifreeze, paint thinner, and chemicals for pools can act as pet poison. The pet poisoning symptoms they may produce include stomach upset, depression, and chemical burns.
- Household cleaners: Just as cleaners like bleach can poison people, they are also a leading cause of pet poisoning, resulting in stomach and respiratory tract problems.
- People food: Animals have different metabolisms than people. Some foods and beverages that are perfectly safe for people can be dangerous, and sometimes fatal, for dogs/
- Human Medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, acetomenophen, naproxen), antidepressants, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, vitamins, diet pills.
- Rat/mouse poison: Rodenticides, if ingested by dogs, can cause severe problems and possibly death if not treated immediately.
- Toxic Household plants: They may be pretty, but plants aren't necessarily pet friendly. Hyacinth, Lantana, Philodendrons and Mistletoe are among the many plants that are potentially poisonous to pets.
- Garden products: Products for your lawn and garden (such as fertilizer, pesticides or mole bait) may be poisonous to pets that ingest them.
- Marijuana: Animal Emergency Center treats many toxicity cases each year where pets have inadvertently found themselves suffering after having ingested or been exposed to marijuana (weed, pot, grass, hashish, etc.). We treat approximately 3 to 5 dogs per week with suspected and confirmed marijuana toxicity.