Dog lovers nationwide were sharing a sad story last week.
According to a new report from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, five dogs died after ingesting Fluorouracil Cream, a topical medication meant to treat skin cancer in humans.
Pharmacists are instructed to alert people using the medication about its toxicity to dogs, but even if dog owners know, there is very little room for error. Even the briefest contact with the cream can cause severe problems, despite immediate medical attention. In one instance, a dog was found playing with the medication after having punctured a hole in the tube. The owner removed the medicine, but the pet died approximately 12 hours later following health complications. A second case detailed in the briefing showed that a dog found his owner’s tube of Fluorourcil and ingested it. The owner rushed his pet to the veterinarian for treatment, but the animal became even more sick in the following three days, until he was ultimately euthanized.
Unfortunately, medication isn’t the only danger to your dog. While it’s easy to leave items haphazardly around your home ― especially if you’re rushing out the door ― you should take extra precaution with certain things.
Take a look below at some of the most toxic items that could harm your pet:
Dark chocolate contains higher levels of the compound than white chocolate, however dogs should avoid white, milk, semisweet, dark and baking chocolates, as well as cocoa nibs and coffee beans, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Once ingested, methylxanthines may cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and possibly death, they noted.
Research shows that alcohol poisoning can also occur for dogs who consume brewer's yeast or baker's yeast, a main ingredient in beer. If you make your own brew, keep these ingredients locked up.
"We just don’t realize how determined our pets are to eat the things they shouldn’t," Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, said in 2013.
Take extra precaution when serving certain foods in your home and lock up the items which are toxic. And if your dog does eat something dangerous by accident, contact your veterinarian or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. Watch over those furry friends!
