POISON ALERT!

Please be aware that there is a person actively attempting to poison dogs—both owned pets and street dogs—in the Lakeside area.

There is a suspected area of concern in San Antonio, but all of Lakeside, including Chapala and Ajijic, should remain on high alert.

Multiple poisoning methods may be involved. While cases in this region most commonly involve substances such as arsenic or rat poison—often hidden in food like hot dogs to attract dogs—there is now concern about a newer method involving cloves, which are toxic to dogs and may also be concealed inside highly attractive food items.

Safety precautions:

• Keep dogs on a leash at all times

• Monitor closely for anything your dog may try to eat on the ground

• Use a basket muzzle if available

• Stay alert for street dogs showing signs of distress

• Report any suspicious activity immediately to authorities

If your dog shows any signs of poisoning, or if you find a dog in distress, seek veterinary care immediately. Be sure to tell the vet that exposure to cloves is a possible factor, along with more common toxins such as rat poison.

Please help share this post so the warning reaches both the English and Spanish-speaking communities.

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Cloves contain eugenol, a compound that is generally safe for humans in the small amounts used in cooking but can be toxic to dogs if enough is ingested.

Potential effects of toxicity:

• Gastrointestinal upset – Vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and abdominal pain are the most commonly reported signs after ingestion.

• Systemic effects (with larger ingestion) – In higher amounts, dogs may develop lethargy, weakness, tremors, or other signs of poisoning. Severe cases are possible, but depend on the amount consumed.

• Liver involvement – Eugenol is processed by the liver, so large ingestions may place stress on the liver, particularly in smaller or more sensitive dogs.

• Why it can be risky:

  • Cloves can sometimes be hidden in food that dogs find attractive, increasing the chance of accidental ingestion.

  • Risk depends strongly on how much is eaten relative to body weight.

  • Early symptoms may be mild, which can delay treatment.

Bottom line:

Cloves are not among the most common or highly potent dog poisons, but they can cause toxicity if enough is ingested. Any suspected ingestion should be taken seriously. If a dog shows symptoms after possible exposure, veterinary attention is recommended, and it is helpful to mention possible exposure to cloves.