Winter plants toxic to dogs
In winter, danger is sometimes where we least expect it and can reside in a plant left within reach of our four-legged friends.
There are many toxic plants for dogs.
This is particularly the case with mistletoe, holly, hyacinths and poinsettia, all these decorative plants that adorn our interiors during the winter period. They are all very dangerous for our animals if they ingest them.
Mistletoe, holly and hyacinths are generally the cause of moderate digestive disorders but mistletoe can cause severe heart and nervous disorders in the event of massive ingestion of its berries or chewing of its stems or of its leaves.
The poinsettia, or Christmas star, can cause eye, digestive or skin irritation.
In winter, you must also beware of toxic plants that your dog could swallow in the garden or during his walks outside. In particular, make sure that he does not bite into chestnuts or acorns. These fruits, which are found in large numbers on the ground in autumn and throughout the winter, are also toxic for your animal.
Cold
Although dogs have the reputation of being much less chilly than us humans, the winter cold can also harm the he alth of our dear furballs.
Small dogs, short-haired dogs, skinny dogs, old or very young dogs can be much more sensitive to the cold than you might think. The risk is that the cold weakens their organism and makes them much more vulnerable to winter viruses.
Think about protecting them from the cold by equipping them with a coat for walks and filling their bedding with a very warm blanket at home.
To read also: are dogs resistant to the cold?Darkness
In winter, the days are shorter and the brightness decreases at the risk of sometimes making your dog less visible to cyclists and motorists. The risk of a traffic accident is therefore increased in winter, especially if your dog is used to walking off-leash in places where vehicles may circulate.
More than ever in winter, remember to keep your dog on a leash in high-risk areas and consider equipping your dog with a fluorescent collar or a flashing light that you can attach directly to his collar. You can also equip it with fluorescent headband clothing. Doing so will make it much more visible and prevent the risk of an accident.
Anti-freeze
Poisoning by ingestion of ethylene glycol, an anti-freeze additive found in particular in the coolant used for automobiles, still claims many canine victims every winter. This intoxication, in addition to digestive and nervous disorders, can lead to kidney damage which can prove fatal for the dog. You have been warned: never leave this kind of chemical product within reach of your dog's muzzle!
My dog got poisoned: what to do?
When a dog has ingested a toxic substance, the 3T rule applies:
- T for Time: don't wait to act. In general, the faster we act after ingestion, the more likely we are to limit the consequences of poisoning.
- T for Telephone: Call your veterinarian as soon as possible or a veterinary poison control centre. To do this, do not wait for your dog to show symptoms of intoxication and do not try anything without the advice of a veterinarian." Grandma's remedies" which consist of making the dog vomit or giving him milk can make the situation worse!
- T for Toxic. Collect all the information necessary for the veterinarian to qualify the poisoning: the precise nature of the product, the quantity ingested and the time of ingestion if you know them.
De-icing s alt
In winter, frost and the use of road s alt on the streets can irritate your dog's pads. Protecting them is therefore essential! Take care to rinse and dry them each time you return from a walk. You can also strengthen the horn of its pads by applying a tanning solution.