Boiseans really love their dogs, and will do pretty much anything to keep them safe. Most dog owners have at least one story of their pup eating something suspicious and spending the day worried about their wellbeing. While things like chocolate are known toxins, here are a few other things that are bad for your pooch.
🌵 Plants
There’s a long list of plants that are toxic to dogs, so err on the side of caution.
- Algal Blooms: Pay attention to public announcements about toxic algae blooms in popular swimming holes around Southwest Idaho, especially in the hotter summer months when blooms are more likely to pop up.
- Hemlock: It blooms prolifically in the summer and is also toxic to humans.
- Cheatgrass: Not toxic on its own, but if your pup is running through the foothills this summer, they may get a cheat stuck in their paw or ear. It can be extremely painful for your dog and expensive to remove, so best to avoid cheatgrass.
- Goatheads: Similar to cheatgrass, this invasive species can be painful for our pup’s paws! Try to keep your dogs away from goathead plants where possible.
- Chamomile: Either as a flower or tea.
- Mushrooms: There are a select few that are safe, but why take a chance?
- Marijuana: Puff but don’t pass.
Your dog's ears are a coveted destination for ticks, so check them after walks, and keep an eye out for signs of itching from your dog. (Getty)
🐍 Other Creatures
Boise may be a city, but there are plenty of critters to be aware of as a pet parent.
- Snakes: This one’s particularly important during hikes in the Boise foothills. There are lots of local dog trainers who can help with serpent-related issues like rattlesnake deterrence.
- Wildlife: It might look cute on TikTok, but avoid a harmful situation or passage of disease by keeping your pets away from wild animals. Coyotes have been known to have occasional conflicts with pets around Boise so consider keeping your dog on a leash during hikes, especially during denning season.
- Ticks: They’re out in bigger numbers than usual this year.
🍇 Food
Just because you like it doesn’t mean they will.
- Avocado: Great for tacos, terrible for dogs.
- Grapes: Even in their raisin form and especially in their wine form. Find a different drinking partner.
- Milk: They can’t process lactose and will likely cause diarrhea.
What to Do When a Dog Comes Into Contact with One of These
Firstly, do not panic. Make sure to bookmark the ASPCA’s website and use it as a reference if you believe your dog has ingested or come into contact with something toxic. The next best thing to do is to call your veterinarian and ask questions — they will be the best resource for useful information and will help you decide if your pup needs medical assistance.
If your vet is unavailable, look for an animal urgent care facility nearby. These can be expensive, so it’s best utilized as a last resort.
Did you know of one that we missed? Help out your fellow dog-lovers and share it with us.
