Toxins

There are many things that can be toxic to dogs, including some common household items!  Check your home carefully to make sure that your dog does not have access to any of the following:
 

	Chocolate
	Onions and Garlic
	Raisins and Grapes
	Nuts (Walnuts, Macadamia nuts, etc.)
	Turkey skin (can cause acute pancreatis)
	Mushrooms (some types)
	Potatoes (especially ones with green skins)
	Yeast dough
	Alcohol
	Caffeine (Coffee, Coffee beans, Tea, etc.)
	Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, etc.)
	Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)
	Many medications (Aspirin, Laxatives, Sleeping pills, Prescription medications, etc.)
	Cigarettes, Cigars, Tobacco, and Stop-smoking aids (gum, etc.)
	Rat poison, Snail bait, Insecticides
	Dead animals (if the rat eats the poison and dies in your backyard, your dog could get a hold of the rat's body and ingest the poison too!)
	Antifreeze, Brake fluid, other automotive and petroleum-based products
	Bleach and household cleaners
	Mothballs
	Lead
	Mistletoe, Holly berries
	Cocoa mulch gardening fertilizer http://www.aspca.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=12729
	Many common plants are poisonous -- check these links for lists http://www.uexplore.com/health/poisonplants.htm
	There are many more things that can be harmful or fatal to your dog if ingested.  This list is not comprehensive, but is provided to help you to "puppy-proof" your home.

If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian or emergency vet right away!  Other useful numbers are:

ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435) - There is a charge for this service that can be billed to your credit card only!!!

Here are some links to web pages with more information:

	http://www.petalia.com.au
	http://www.germanshepherds.com/health/poisoncontrol
	http://www.uexplore.com/health/poisonplants.htm