Poinsettias are a popular holiday plant, known for their bright red leaves that add a festive touch to any home. However, if you have pets, you might have second thoughts about bringing them inside, worrying that your furry friends could take a bite and get seriously sick.
Many pet owners think fruits and vegetables are great snacks for their dogs, but some can actually be harmful—or even toxic.
Believe it or not, some of the most dangerous poisons for pets come from medications that their owners intentionally give them. To help keep your furry friends safe, here’s a list of common household toxins, how often they cause issues, and tips on how to prevent accidental poisoning.
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in everyday products like toothpaste, mouthwash, sugar-free gum, some cough syrups, and even children’s chewable vitamins. It’s also sometimes added to nut butters, such as peanut or sunflower butter. If you give nut butter to your pets, always check the label first—xylitol is highly toxic to animals and can be dangerous if ingested.
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.