Special thanks to Dr. Steven Hanson, Senior Vice President of the National Animal Poison Control Center for his contributions to this piece.

Insecticides

Lawn, Rose, and Agricultural pesticides can be harmful in their concentrated form. Exposure to liquids or bags of granulated materials can be extremely dangerous, affecting the nervous system, often displayed in seizures.

Windshield washer fluid


This contains methanol - again a deadly poison that can cause sever depression. Color and taste do not deter dogs.

Paint


Paint can be messy to clean off a dog, cans can be opened or tipped over, but generally paint is not very toxic. Paint stripper, on the other hand, is very toxic and can harm a dog quickly.

Snail & Slug bait


Pets must be kept away from locations where this is spread and stored. It can cause seizures in pets almost instantly.

De-Icing Salts


Salts can be caustic to the pads of the feet. Certain de-icing compounds can be harmful if eaten.

Plants


Dogs generally won't eat outdoor plants, however the Japanese Yew and Oleander can be toxic; Cycad or Sago Palm nuts if eaten by dogs will cause liver failure.

Over-the-counter pet pest control


Follow directions exactly for OTC flea and tick control. 'Spot' treatments should be used only on the size dog noted on the package (don't use same treatment on a St. Bernard and a tea-cup Poodle). Also, don't mix dog & cat spot controls.

In case of an emergency get to your vet, the local animal hospital, or call 1-888-4 ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) as soon as possible. For more information visit: www.napcc.aspca.org.

Gas/Kerosene

Gas and Kerosene containers offer 'fun' challenges to open for your pets. Once opened, however, ingestion could lead to nervous disorders.


Antifreeze

Antifreeze that contains ethylene glycol has a sweet taste and is deadly in small quantities.

There are some products that contain propylene glycol and are more pet-friendly.