Laundry Detergent Pods

Wanted to pass on some interesting info about those new laundry detergent pods.  They can be toxic to kids and pets.  The pods are attractive to kids and dogs because they are brightly colored and can look like candy.  I find it funny how similar little kids are to dogs...  They both put things in their mouth they shouldn't, they cry when upset, and both have to be potty trained! 

I guess laundry detergent has always been irritating if ingested, causing self-limiting stomach and intestinal upset but its the way the pod is designed that causes the problem.  The detergent is highly concentrated and under pressure in the pods.  When the dog bites into the pod the contents are forcefully expelled and are easily aspirated into the lungs and/or swallowed.  Dogs can have symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, lethargy to wheezing and trouble breathing.  

If exposure occurs the owner, please contact your veterinarian immediately for instructions for decontamination.