Acetaminophen (Tylenol) – this is an extremely common pain medication for humans.  This drug can cause liver failure, a decrease of tear production for dogs.  This drug can be fatal to dogs. N-acetylcysteine is an antidote.  Ongoing treatment for the liver and dry eyes is recommended.  Your dog will have to be hospitalized and put on IV fluids to flush the kidneys and liver.

Pseudoephedrine – can be found in cold medications. For dogs, this drug causes panting, excitement, increased heart rate. Sedation and possible anesthesia may be necessary to calm the dog down, while fluid therapy will help flush the system of the drug.

Thyroid hormones – are used to treat humans and dogs with low functioning thyroids. Signs of ingestion are increased heart rate and a hyperactive dog that is bouncing off the walls. A dog that does not have a thyroid problem and ingests this medication can destroy the thyroid resulting in the dog having to be on the medication for the rest of its life. 

Ibuprofen – is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug. This medication can cause stomach and kidney problems, nervous system problems and depression and seizures. If the dog gets this drug, make it vomit by giving a little 3% hydrogen peroxide immediately after ingestion and get it to a vet. Never give this drug to a dog for pain.

Rodenticides – these contain anticoagulants meant to cause mice and rats to bleed to death internally. They will also cause bleeding in dogs. As well, they can cause liver or kidney failure.  Vitamin K shots and /or a blood transfusion may be necessary to save the dog’s life. 

Bleach – these products can cause severe irritation to your dog’s skin and coat. Ingestion of fumes are just as serious, especially if mixed with ammonia products. It can lead to a deadly chemical pneumonitis. Get the dog out into fresh air immediately and get to a vet.

Hydrocarbons – such as is found in paints, polishes, and fuel oils, including kerosene, acetone.  If swallowed the dog will have gastrointestinal problems, depression, hyperexcitability, secondary pneumonia, liver or kidney damage or failure.  Do not induce vomiting. By inducing vomiting, you take the risk of the dog aspirating or inhaling the stuff into the lungs. They will need IV fluids to flush their system out, baths to remove any residue and saline flushing of the eyes.

Let’s keep our pets safe and keep drugs and everything else under lock and key.