June 12, 2005
Last time we cover foods that are poisonous to your boxer and this time we want to cover plants and other substances that can kill or harm your boxer.
We only only going plants and substances that are commonly found in and around you house. The list is very extensive and you can find a more extensive list of plants at http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/plants/.
This truly hits home to us as our new baby Arnold has been diagnosed with kidney failure, due to probably drinking a small amount of antifreeze while he was a stray. We don't know how long he has, but we are going to do all we can for him to keep him happy and comfortable. Right now he seems comfortable and is playing a lot with Lilly, but he drinks a lot of water and urinates very often.
Please keep antifreeze (ethylene glycol) stored in a safe place and way from all pets.
Common Toxic Plants
Trees and Vines
| Apple stems and leaves | shock, mouth inflammation, rapid increase in breathing |
| Yew American English and Western | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Apricot | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Almond | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Peach | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Wild Cherry | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Japanese Plum | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Cherry | Rapid breathing, shock, mouth inflammation, heart rate increase |
| Balsam Pear | Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain |
| Fiddle Leaf | Stomach upset, irritated skin |
| Oak | Varied Effects |
| Philodendron (Devil's Ivy | Upset stomach, convulsions, asphyxiation, death |
| English Ivy | Stomach upset, hyperactivity, labored breathing, drooling, fever, thirst increase, pupil dilation staggering |
| Jasmine | convulsions, death |
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Houseplants
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| Asparagus Fern | Vomiting, respiratory problems, kidney failure, tremors, abdominal pain |
| Caladium | Mouth irritation, stomach upset, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, death |
| Elephant's Ear | Mouth irritation, stomach upset, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, death |
| Dumb Cane | Mouth irritation, stomach upset, asphyxiation, tremors, seizures, death |
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Other Common Plants
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| Amaryllis | Stomach upset, lethargy, shock, death |
| Crocus | Stomach upset, liver failure, lethargy, shock death |
| Buttercup | Stomach upset |
| Calla Lily | Stomach upset, mouth irritation, asphyxiation, seizures, death |
| Christmas Rose | Stomach upset, diarrhea, convulsions |
| Chrysanthemum | Skin Irritation |
| Daffodil bulb | stomach upset, tremors, seizures, lethargy, heart failure, death |
| Easter Lily | stomach upset, kidney failure |
| Foxglove | stomach upset, tremors, seizures, lethargy, heart failure, death |
| Hyacinth bulb | Varied effects |
| Iris root | Stomach upset |
| Morning Glory | Stomach upset, hallucinations |
| Narcissus | Stomach upset, staggering, tremors, seizures, heart failure, death |
| Peony | Stomach upset, staggering, tremors, seizures, heart failure, death |
| Periwinkle | Hallucinogen |
| Poinsettia | Stomach upset, mouth irritation |
| Primrose | Stomach upset |
| Tulip bulb | varied effects |
This is a list of common household chemicals that are toxic to your boxer. We are going to start with the caustic chemical. If you believe your boxer has ingested a caustic substance DO NOT induce vomiting.
Caustic Chemicals
- Battery Acid
- Bleach
- Carbolic Acid
- Motor Oil
- Drain Cleaner
- Fertilizer
- Glue
- Household Cleaners
- Kerosene
- Laundry Detergent
- Turpentine
- Plaster
- Sidewalk Salt
- Putty
- Pine Cleaners
- Paintbrush cleaners
- Nail polish
- Nail polish remover
- Paint Thinner
Other Chemicals
- Antifreeze
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
- Flea Products
- Insecticides
Please remember this is not an all inclusive list, but only a partial list of chemical and plants that can poison your boxer.
One other thing, if your boxer must have a surgical procedure and needs to be tranquilized, make sure the vet does not use the drug Acepromazine as the anesthetic. This drug tends to cause a problem called first degree heart block, a potentially serious arrhythmia of the heart. It also causes a profound hypotension (severe lowering of the blood pressure) in many boxers that are given the drug.
If your vet needs more than your word that you do not want your boxer treated with this drug, tell your vet to refer to their "Handbook of Veterinary Drugs". Tell them to go to the section on ACEPROMAZINE. In this section (1993ed) they will find this information:
"Prolonged effects of the drug may be seen in older animals. Giant breeds, as we as greyhounds, appear quite sensitive to the clinical effects of the drug, yet terrier breeds appear more resistant. Boxer Dogs, on the other hand, are predisposed to hypotinsive and bradycardic effects of the drug.
If your vet refuses your request, find a new vet.... and be firm.