Avoid Danger from:
Cigarettes and Grapes and Raisins

The effects of cigarette smoking on humans have been well-documented, but did you know that tobacco products can be fatal to domestic canines, felines and birds if ingested? Signs of nicotine poisoning often develop within 15 to 45 minutes and can include excitation, salivation, panting, vomiting and diarrhea. More advanced signs include muscle weakness, twitching, depression, collapse, coma, increased heart rate and cardiac arrest; death can occur secondary to respiratory paralysis. It's more common for a dog than a cat to eat cigarettes, but amazingly, pet birds often chew on them, too. If you or any of your family members smoke, please be sure to keep cigarettes and cigars out of your pet's reach; the same applies to the nicotine patches and gum often prescribed to stop smoking. And keep in mind that butts contain about 25 percent of the total nicotine content of a cigarette, so dump those ashtrays frequently.

Second hand smoke presents another hazard. Studies at Colorado State University linked it to cancer of the lungs and nasal passages of dogs.

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Grapes and Raisins

Around 1989, the Animal Poison Control Center began noticing a trend in dogs who had eaten grapes or raisins: Nearly all developed acute renal (kidney) failure. In all of the cases, the ingredients for potential acute renal failure were the same. Whether the ingested grapes were purchased fresh from grocery stores or grown in private yards didn't seem to matter, nor did the variety eaten. And the ingested amounts varied considerably, from over a pound of grapes to as little as a single serving of raisins. The cases weren't from any specific region, but instead came from across the United States.

Dogs who ate grapes and raisins typically vomited within a few hours of ingestion and, most of the time, partially digested grapes and raisins could be seen in the vomit. The dogs then stopped eating and had diarrhea. They became lethargic and quiet and showed signs of abdominal pain. These signs lasted for several days -- sometimes even weeks before the owners sought medical attention.

When medical care was sought, blood chemistry panels showed elevated levels of substances that reflect kidney function. As the kidney damage developed, the dogs would produce little urine and when they could no longer produce urine, the dogs died. In some cases, dogs who had received timely veterinary care still had to be euthanized.

The exact cause of grape or raisin induced renal failure is unknown. If
you know or suspect that your dog has ingested them, take him to the veterinarian immediately. Better yet, make sure that your dog does not have access to them. This is particularly important for dog-owning families with children who may have grapes or raisins as snacks. Children should not be given responsibility for keeping the family dog away from foods that are okay for kids but dangerous for dogs.