Our Westside Animal Emergency Clinic vets know that dogs love to chomp on things they shouldn't. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to be able to spot the early signs that your dog has been poisoned and know what to do if your dog is showing poisoning symptoms.
Dog Poisoning
The most common cases of dogs being poisoned are unintentional accidents. Frequently, our family pets get into things they shouldn't have, and loving dog owners are left panicked and wondering what to do.
In other cases, dogs have been exposed to toxic substances or eaten treats that are unsuitable for their metabolisms.
Common Household Items Toxic to Dogs
Your home and garden are filled with potentially toxic or poisonous items for your dog. That's why it's important to know where your dog is and keep potentially harmful substances beyond the reach of your curious dog's mouth.
Some of the most common household substances that are poisonous to dogs are:
- Chocolate
- Raisins
- Xylitol (low-calorie sweetener)
- Bleach
- Oven cleaner
- Laundry detergent
- Tylenol
- Alcohol
- Gasoline
- Tobacco
- Furniture polish
- Drain cleaners
- Antidepressants
- Snail, slug, or rodent poisons
- Fungi
- Yew trees
- Acorns
- Spring bulbs
How to tell if your dog has been poisoned?
It's important to recognize the signs of poisoning in dogs, as it can be crucial for getting prompt treatment and saving your pet's life. Dogs are naturally curious and can accidentally ingest or come into contact with toxic substances.
What are the signs & symptoms of poisoning in dogs?
Depending on the type of poison, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs vary tremendously but fall into a few categories:
- Symptoms caused by swallowed poisons can include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, and heart issues.
- Inhaled toxins may cause breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness in dogs.
- If your dog's skin comes in contact with a poisonous substance, typical symptoms include irritation and pain.
It's important to note that the symptoms of poisoning typically take several days to appear, and in some cases, they may not manifest for months.
Long-Term Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
If you know that your dog has eaten something poisonous, it is essential to get treatment immediately. Just because your dog doesn't display any symptoms right away does not mean that it is safe from the effects of the poisonous substance!
Some of the long-term symptoms of your dog coming in contact with poisonous substances include irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, liver damage, loss of blood, and neurological symptoms such as seizures.
What to do if your dog has been poisoned?
If your dog has been poisoned, stay calm and immediately call your Lithia Springs emergency vet.
If your dog has ingested a poisonous substance, move it away to prevent further exposure. Dogs may be tempted to return to the substance, so keeping it out of their reach is important.
Do not attempt to administer any first aid to your dog. Different poisons require different actions. While inducing vomiting may be necessary in some cases, it could make your dog sicker in others. It is crucial to get your dog to the vet as soon as possible and let the veterinary professionals handle the appropriate treatment.
If you know what substance has poisoned your dog, bring any packaging or a sample to the vet's office. This will help the vet fully understand the situation and determine the best course of treatment for your dog.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.