Anyone who owns a Cane Corso (or any other dog) knows how curious these animals can be. They love to explore the world with their nose and mouth, but unfortunately not everything they find is safe for them. There are frequent cases of poisoning of dogs that may have accidentally ingested plants, food and various unsuitable substances. In short, the risk is just around the corner and, as with small children, it is good to prevent, thinking about how home and garden, but also all outdoor activities, can conceal potential dangerous situations.
Here is a guide to recognising and preventing these dangers (because prevention really is better than cure!).
Poisonous plants: a danger in the garden and home
Many ornamental or wild plants can be dangerous for dogs, causing symptoms ranging from simple discomfort to death. Let's see which ones are the most common.
Highly toxic plants (potentially lethal)
🔴 Cycas (Cycas Revoluta): This plant, very common in gardens, is extremely dangerous for dogs. It contains cycasin, a substance that causes very serious liver damage. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, acute liver failure and death.
🔴 Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia): Often confused with the more common kitchen laurel, this plant is highly toxic. Ingestion causes neurological symptoms, difficulty breathing and in the most serious cases cardiac arrest.
🔴 Oleander (Nerium oleander): Beautiful but lethal: every part of it (leaves, flowers, sap) contains cardiotoxic glycosides. A few ingested leaves can be fatal. It causes vomiting, arrhythmias and heart failure.
Other toxic plants
- Hydrangea: Contains cyanogenic glycosides that can cause vomiting, lethargy and difficulty breathing.
- Cyclamen: Its bulb is particularly toxic and can cause serious gastrointestinal disorders and heart problems.
- Rhododendron - Azalea: Contains grayanotoxins, substances that act on the central nervous system causing weakness, convulsions and collapse.
- Lilac: Toxic if ingested in large quantities, causes digestive problems and excessive salivation.
- Narcissus: The bulb is particularly poisonous and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and tremors.
- Jasmine: Although the common garden jasmine is only mildly toxic, some varieties can cause neurological disorders.
- Wisteria: The seeds and pods are the most toxic and can cause digestive problems and central nervous system depression.
Toxic foods: What a Cane Corso should never eat
In addition to plants, there are some common foods that dogs should absolutely not eat. Here are the most dangerous ones.
- 🍫 Chocolate: Contains theobromine, a substance that is highly toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it is. It causes tachycardia, tremors, convulsions and in severe cases can lead to death.
- 🍇 Grapes and raisins: Even in small quantities, they can cause acute kidney failure in dogs, with vomiting, lethargy and dehydration.
- 🥑 Avocado: Contains persin, a toxin that can cause digestive problems and heart damage.
- ☕ Coffee and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol are extremely harmful to dogs. Coffee causes hyperactivity, tremors and cardiac arrhythmia. Alcohol can cause neurological damage, coma and death.
- 🥜 Nuts (all types): Macadamia nuts are among the most dangerous and can cause weakness, tremors and hyperthermia. Other nuts (such as regular nuts or pecans) can also contain dangerous toxins or cause intestinal obstructions.
- 🧂 Salt and bones: Excess salt can cause sodium poisoning, with symptoms such as excessive thirst, vomiting, and seizures. Bones, especially cooked ones, are dangerous because they can splinter and cause intestinal obstructions or perforations.
Hidden dangers in the home
In addition to food and plants, there are other dangerous substances that are often underestimated. In fact, you have to think a bit like you would if you had a child at home, who, driven by curiosity, could get into trouble by taking and tasting things that he shouldn't even touch.
- Detergents and cleaning products: many contain caustic substances that can cause internal burns if ingested.
- Car antifreeze: contains ethylene glycol, a sweet substance but lethal even in small quantities.
- Mothballs: very toxic if ingested, they can cause neurological and kidney damage.
What to do in case of poisoning?
If you suspect that your Cane Corso has ingested a toxic plant or food, act immediately and do not wait for symptoms: many toxins take hours to show the most serious effects; call the vet and explain what the dog has ingested and follow the instructions. Do not induce vomiting without the doctor's advice, since some substances, if regurgitated, can cause even more damage. Finally, bring a sample of the ingested substance: this will help him in the diagnosis and in identifying the right therapy for your dog.
Safe Alternatives: Dog-Friendly Plants and Snacks
For those who want a safe garden or are looking for healthy snacks for their Cane Corso, here are some alternatives.
Safe Plants for the Garden
- Lavender
- Chamomile
- Catnip (non-toxic to dogs)
- African Violets
Safe Snacks for Dogs
- Carrots
- Apples (seedless)
- Cooked Pumpkin
- Natural, Sugar-Free Yogurt
Conclusion
Protecting your Cane Corso also means knowing the hidden dangers in the environment and in food. With this guide, you can prevent emergency situations and ensure your four-legged friend a long and healthy life.
As already said… Prevention is always better than cure!
