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A guide to common dog poisons and their symptoms

Ensuring the safety of your furry friend involves more than just regular vet visits and high-quality food. It’s crucial to know which common household items and foods can be toxic to dogs to prevent accidents and keep them healthy.

With our extensive experience and heritage in caring for Guide Dogs and pups in training, we are dedicated to their wellbeing from birth to retirement. However, we want to ensure that you, too, are equipped with the knowledge to identify potential canine poisons, recognise their symptoms, and implement preventive measures to keep your own dogs safe. 

Common dog poisons and their symptoms

Ant baits

Ant baits often attract dogs due to their sweet smell. They typically contain boric acid, which is toxic to dogs when eaten in large amounts. Symptoms of dog poisoning from ant baits include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

People food 

Avocado

This breakfast staple contains persin, which can cause cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. In severe cases, it may lead to respiratory problems or even more serious health issues.

Chocolate for dogs

One of the most well-known common dog poisons, chocolate contains a chemical called theobromine, which can make dogs feel restless, anxious, or sick. Eating too much can lead to seizures or heart problems. White chocolate is less harmful, but can still cause stomach upset and pancreatitis in dogs. If your dog has gotten into your chocolate stash, monitor their behaviour and symptoms, and consult your vet if you suspect they’ve consumed a harmful amount.

Fat or fat trimmings 

Fat from meat, whether cooked or raw, can upset your dog’s stomach, causing vomiting and diarrhea. Too much fat can also lead to pancreatitis, so it’s best to avoid giving your dog fatty scraps. 

Garlic and onions

Garlic and onions can make your dog’s stomach upset and harm their red blood cells, leading to anemia. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness.

Grapes, currants, raisins and sultanas

Even small amounts of these fruits can cause serious kidney problems in dogs, regardless of whether they are cooked or baked. Symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can appear quickly, and kidney failure may develop over several days without treatment.

Potatoes and tomatoes

Raw potatoes and the green parts of tomatoes contain solanine, which can cause intense digestive disruption and discomfort for dogs like vomiting and diarrhea. 

Xylitol

This commonly used artificial sweetener is found in products from toothpaste to lollies and baked goods. When consumed by dogs, Xylitol can cause your dog’s blood sugar to drop quickly, leading to vomiting, tiredness, and coordination problems. It can also cause liver failure if left untreated. Always check labels and keep xylitol-containing products away from pets. 

Human medications 

Medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol are very dangerous for dogs. Never give your dog any human medicine without talking to a vet. Symptoms of dog poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, and tiredness. Seek veterinary help immediately. 

Plants

• Aloe vera is renowned for its medicinal properties treating human ailments, but when consumed by dogs it can cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

• Australian wattle contains toxins that cause tremors, seizures, and sometimes death in dogs. 

• Daffodil (the whole plant, but particularly the bulb) is toxic to dogs causing vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, heart arrhythmias or seizures. 

• Foxglove has a toxin that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and digestive issues in dogs. 

• Popular indoor plants including Fiddle-leaf fig, Devil’s ivy and Monstera can irritate your dog’s mouth, causing drooling, vomiting, or breathing problems. Get your dog to stop immediately if you notice them chewing on any of these plants. 

• Lillies can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs if they eat any part of this plant.

For a more detailed list of toxic plants for dogs, visit Agriculture Victoria’s article: Toxic plants for dogs. 

Rat or mouse bait

Rat and mouse baits can cause dangerous bleeding in dogs because they often contain chemicals that prevent blood clotting. If your dog eats any bait, note the active ingredient and get your dog to the vet immediately. 

What to do if you think your dog is poisoned

If you suspect your dog has eaten something harmful, take them to the vet right away. Bring the suspected poison or any materials your dog might have chewed or vomited in a sealed container. This will help the vet diagnose and treat your dog more effectively.

How to keep your dog safe from toxins

Use these tips to help prevent poisoning:

• Store dangerous items: Keep medications, chemicals, and rodent baits in high, secure places where your dog can’t reach them. 

• Choose safe plants: Pick non-toxic plants for your home and garden. 

• Keep your dog busy: Provide enrichment toys and treats to keep your dog entertained and less likely to chew on dangerous items. 

• Use barriers: Set up barriers or fencing to keep your dog away from areas with hazardous substances or toxic plants, especially in outdoor areas. 

By knowing the risks and taking these safety steps, you can help keep your dog healthy and safe.