Poinsettias are widely recognized as a festive holiday plant adorned with vibrant crimson leaves that exude the Christmas spirit. Yet, as a pet owner, you may have hesitated to bring them into your home, concerned that your furry companions might nibble on their leaves and succumb to their alleged deadly toxicity.
While many pet owners may believe that fruits and vegetables make ideal snacks for their furry friends, the truth is that some can be harmful, and even toxic, to dogs.
Surprisingly, the most dangerous poisons are human medications intentionally administered to pets by their owners. Below is a list of the most common household toxins, claim counts, and prevention guidelines for each.
Xylitol is a natural sugar substitute frequently found in toothpaste, mouthwash, sugarless gum, certain cough medicines, children's chewable multivitamins, and a range of nut butter (including peanut butter and sunflower butter; it's essential to check the brand's ingredients before feeding these to pets).
Avocado, a fruit rich in potassium, fiber, and healthy fats, has roots in Central Mexico but thrives in tropical and Mediterranean climates. A single avocado tree can bear more than 500 avocados in a year.
The question of how toxic wild mushrooms can be to your wandering dog doesn't have a straightforward answer. While most mushrooms may merely induce mild, self-limiting symptoms like nausea and diarrhea, they can closely resemble those mushrooms that could potentially lead to life-threatening consequences.