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Poisonings are among the most common veterinary emergencies. Your dog is frequently exposed to potentially harmful household products and drugs. However, sometimes well-meaning pet parents unwittingly feed their dogs dangerous items.
A dog can be poisoned by ingesting a poisonous substance, being exposed to toxic substances in the environment, or being treated with certain medications. If the dog has ingested a poison, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. Indications of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive drooling. Symptoms of other types of poisoning are not always clear-cut. The best way to prevent accidental ingestion is to keep your home free from any products that could be harmful if ingested by your pet.
Anyone who owns a dog should be familiar with the proper procedures to follow if their pet has come into contact with the poison. Dogs can get into touch with a wide variety of harmful chemicals. As soon as you suspect your dog has come into contact with poison or toxin, take immediate action. If possible, understand what to do if your pet is poisoned before the situation becomes an emergency.
Poisoning with Household Products
There are many household products we commonly use that could result in accidental poisoning. This may include toilet cleaner, dishwasher granules, laundry soaps/detergents, kerosene, gasoline, or paint thinner. As a precautionary measure, try to keep your dog in a separate area from possible toxins if at all feasible.
If ingested, always monitor your dog’s respiration. CPR should be performed if necessary. Take your pet to a secure spot if they start twitching or convulsing.
Call your veterinarian and let them know you’re coming so they can get ready. Your vet may need to perform “gastric lavage” (pump your dog’s stomach) or provide activated charcoal to bind up whatever poisons in the stomach, so always transport your dog to the vet immediately.
Poisoning with Acids, Alkalis, and Petroleum Products
Do not provide home remedies to your pet if they’ve ingested anything toxic. The process of neutralizing the chemical intake might induce a chemical reaction, aggravating the dog’s ailments. Consult a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline first.
You may need to use a showerhead or a spray hose to flush your pet’s mouth for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid pointing the hose at the back of the mouth, as the water may enter the lungs, complicating matters. Inducing vomiting without first visiting a veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline might sometimes worsen your pet’s condition. Oral burns often take hours to manifest. Lack of visible damage does not indicate a lack of harm!
If your pet is unconscious, call your vet right away! Do not induce vomiting if your pet has ingested petroleum. It can worsen your pet’s condition because these toxins are easily inhaled, causing aspiration pneumonia.
Toxic Conditions of Poisoning in Dogs
Dog poisoning symptoms can vary greatly depending on the type of toxin involved and the amount ingested. It’s important to note that certain signs of canine poisoning manifest immediately after consumption, while others may not present for many hours.
If you suspect your dog has eaten anything toxic or poisonous, don’t wait until signs of poisoning develop before acting. The following are some indications and symptoms that your dog may be poisoned:
- Breathlessness
- Gums that are light in color
- Diarrhea
- Lethargy or exhaustion
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Nausea and vomiting
- Seizures
- Heart problems
- Kidney failure
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long do poisons stay in a dog?
It is difficult to put an exact time on how long a poison stays in a dog’s system. Various factors play into this, such as the type of poison, how much of it was ingested, and the presence of other substances. However, it is generally believed that most poison will stay in a dog’s system for at least 24 hours before being fully extracted from its body.