SNAKE BITE

Due to the relative size of dogs and the amount of venom injected even a small snake may give a fatal bite. The venomous snakes of the elapine class ( snakes which 'chew' the venom into their victims) include the cobra, mamba and coral snake. Their venom is neurotoxic and paralyzes the respiratory center. Viperine snakes ( those that have fangs ) include the true vipers - puff adder, russels viper and common european adder,  while the pit vipers include the rattlesnake, cottonmouth moccasin or water moccasin and copperhead. Viperine venom is normally hemotoxic, necrotizing and anticoagulant. The pit vipers and coral snake inhabit  North America.

This is a true emergency - waste no time in getting to your vet. Keep the animal as calm as possible. If possible bring the DEAD snake for identification.

SPIDER BITES

All spider bites may cause pain and potential swelling and infection. The spiders to be concerned about however are the widow spiders - black widow noted by the red hourglass on her belly, the western black widow, brown widow of the south and the red widow common to Florida.  Widow spiders inject a venom (Latrodectus venom ) that is a most potent biological toxin.  The resultant painful cramping of all major muscles groups account for most of the clinical signs. Recovery may be prolonged with weakness and even partial paralysis persisting for several days.

Brown spiders, of which the most noted is the brown recluse, have  a violin shaped marking on the cephalothorax. This mark may be indistinguishable or nonexistent in some species of brown spiders.

Within 4 to 8 hours a bulls eye look appears around the bite with the center appearing pale. This may degenerate into and ulcer that may enlarge and spread to underlying tissue.  The final tissue damage may takes months to heal.

TOAD POISONING

Dogs may be poisoned by oral exposure to many types of toads. All toads produce venom but toxicity varies greatly by species. The most important species of concern in the United States is the giant or marine toad Bufo marinus,  ( a.k.a. bufo toad ) an introduced species that has established itself in Hawaii, Florida and Texas. Local effects include shaking of the head, pawing at the mouth, retching and frothy salivation. Severe intoxication  as from the Bufo toad may include life threatening cardiac and CNS involvement.
 

ALGAE POISONING

A usually fatal result of drinking water that contains high levels of toxic blue green algae. Poisoning does not usually occurs unless there is a dense bloom. Wind concentrating the algae against the shore contributes to the problem as animals drink from the shore.  Clinical signs for acute cases may include rapid prostration, convulsions, and death.

ARSENIC POISONING

This has become much less of a problem that in the past due to the diminished use of these compounds. Rodenticides, weed killers, wood preservatives, insecticides, baits, and some tick dips are sources of arsenic compounds.

COAL TAR POISONING

Sources of coal tar poisoning may include the dogs chewing on tar paper, clay pigeons, creosote treated wood, bitumen-based flooring, and road asphalt.  Other avenues of poisoning  may include absorption through the skin from disinfectants.
 

LEAD POISONING

Lead poisoning is more likely in puppies than adults due to a pup's proclivity to chew on things.  Lead is more common in the home environment than you may think.  Linoleum, caulk,  lead based paints  ( esp. prior to 1977), bullets, golf balls,  solder,  batteries, lead putty,  fishing weights, and other items around the home that a pup may encounter can contain lead.

Lead poisoning can be a possibility in a dog that has signs of weight loss, abdominal pain, diarrhea, seizures, tremors, anemia.

It can be detected through blood test and is treatable although recovery could take some time with a lot of supportive therapy.
 

CHOCOLATE TOXICITY

Chocolate is derived from the roasted shells of theobroma cacao. These shells have bees used in landscaping  which is an unexpected source of chocolate poisoning yet nonetheless a deadly one.  The toxic dose of theobromine is about 100 mg/kg .  With milk chocolate at 6mg/oz  with baking chocolate up to 45mg/oz.  ( One ounce of bakers chocolate per 9 lbs of dog. could be fatal ) while clinical signs can occur at significantly lower levels.

Clinical signs may not occur for some time after ingestion due to delayed absorption. In acute cases signs usually appear about 8 hours later and death typically occurs 12 to 24 hours after ingestion. Rarely symptoms do not evidence themselves until the dog dies of abrupt cardiac failure. More commonly signs of thirst, diarrhea, vomiting, incontinence, seizures and coma.
 

ORGANOPHOSPHATE POISONING

Organophosphates have been used in many insect killers, some flea remedies, and some fertilizer all in one lawn remedies. While it is not likely your dog would consume enough to do harm it is something to remember.

Some signs are excessive salivation, diarrhea, reduced heart rate, and pinpoint pupils. A blood test for cholinesterase levels can help determine if organophosphte poisoning had occurred.

CYANIDE POISONING

Cyanides are found in fumigants, soil sterilizers, rodenticides and fertilizers, also naturally occurring in certain plants,  arrow grass, johnson grass, sudan grass, common sorghum, pits of apricots, peaches,  apple seeds, the houseplant eucalyptus, flax, chokeberry, pinchberry, and wild black cherry.

Clinical signs can occur with in 15 minutes to a few hours, excitement, accompanied by rapid breathing, followed shortly by staggering and collapse. Animals that live more than 2 hours have a good chance of recovery.
 

ANTIFREEZE POISONING

The most common component of antifreeze is ethylene glycol, which is toxic to dogs and cats. An undiluted teaspoonful could kill a 30lb dog. While antifreeze is normally diluted for use in the radiators of cars it does have a sweet taste that dogs like, so a leaky radiator or overboiled one could leave enough on the ground to cause serious harm. Some summer cottages or other places that are not used in the winter may have antifreeze placed in the plumbing system as part of winterizing. It is  extremely important to be aware of this come spring in flushing the system. Dogs have also been exposed to antifreeze through malicious acts.

Antifreeze acts upon the animals system in a manner similar to alcohol - however - the liver breaks it down  into different compounds and it is these that cause the problem in the animals kidney,  causing kidney failure and other nervous system disorders.

Treatment can be very successful if caught early ( chances diminish greatly after 8 hours ). If you think your dog has been exposed get him to a vet immediately as symptoms may occur in 30 minutes or be delayed 12 hours depending on amount ingested.
 

FEBREEZE ( brand name )

There have been many rumors concerning febreeze and its ingredient zinc chloride.  The National Animal Poison Control Center notes they have not been able to establish a link with febreeze and deliturious effects on animals. (www.napcc.aspca.org ;   800 - 548 - 2423)

HAZARDOUS PLANTS

Tomato leaves and stems - members of the nightshade family ( belladonna family ); Potato leaves and stems as well as green skin - member of the nightshade family; Lily bulbs , onions, onion powder, rhubarb leaves, hops, macadamia nuts, mistletoe berries (  a couple could be  fatal to a small dog ), poinsettia ( more of an irritant.), azalea, castor bean, oleander, sago palm, yews  ( very dangerous )  philodendron, azalea, rhododendron, sansevieria, snake plant. mother - in - laws tongue, schefflera,  umbrella tree, jerusalem cherry, water hemlock, dogbanes, horse nettle, buffalo bur, rattle box, purple sesbane, coffee bean, corn cockle, milkweeds, poison hemlock, yellow jessamine, evening trumpet, carolina  jessamine, ivy bush, lambskill, caladium, angel wings, spider plant, bernards lily, airplane plant,  cyclamen, snowbread, shooting star, dumbcane, foxglove, dragon tree, english holly, european holly, kalanchoe, cathedral bells, daffodils, hyacinths

SALT POISONING

Can occur when excessive amounts of salt are ingested and potable water intake is limited.  Not a likely occurrence in dogs as most do not like salt and have a ready source of water..

IBUPROFEN

One 200mb tablet could cause stomach ulcers in a small dog while 6 could cause kidney failure. Cold medicines, pain killers, anti depressants, vitamins, diet pills, anti cancer drugs, coffee and tea ( caffeine) coffee beans, grounds, expresso beans can all have adverse affects on the canine.

COMMON HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

potpourri oils, incense sticks and oils, fabric softeners, detergents, soaps, household cleaning chemicals, cigarettes, batteries, hand warmer packs, mothballs, homemade playdough, alcoholic beverages, house plants, gasoline, oil, snuff, chewing tobacco,  medications, ant traps, roach bait stations, snail baits, fertilizers, herbicides and many other things could harm your dog. Think of your pup as you would your child in keeping things out of reach.

METALDEHYDE POISONING

A snail and slug bait usually combined with bran as flakes or pellets is palatable to dogs. Some formulations also contain arsenic or carbamate insecticides.  Clinical signs may include nervousness, muscle tremors, incoordination. .

NICOTINE POISONING

Nicotine in the form of nicotine sulfate as found in some insecticides that are made from plants. plant derived insecticides are normally considered safe for use around animals

MERCURY POISONING

Sources of mercurial poisoning include ingestion of old seeds that where preserved with mercurial fungicides, or ingestion of mercuric chloride or its solutions in disinfectants and  some diuretic drugs.