Where toxic substances and poisoning are concerned, timely emergency veterinary care may save your pet's life. In this post, our Lacey vets share the signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs, and what you should do if you believe your dog has been poisoned.
What should I do if my dog has been poisoned?
Stay calm and set the source of the poison out of your dog's reach before taking your dog in for emergency veterinary care as soon as possible.
What substances are poisonous to dogs?
Most of the cases of poisoning that our vets see are the results of dogs getting into household substances that are not good for them. Certain medications, foods, or household substances that are safe for humans can be dangerous if ingested by your dog.
Here are the most common dog poisons we see at Olympia Pet Emergency.
Household Products
Household cleaning products frequently cause poisoning in pets, which can lead to problems in the stomach and respiratory tract. Chemicals such as paint thinner, antifreeze, pool cleaners and other chemicals, can act as dog poison.
Lawn & Garden Products
While lawn and garden products keep your grass and soil growing, they can be poisonous to pets that infest them.
Medications
Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen, Advil, Aleve, and Tylenol, in addition to herbal and nutraceutical products, can be poisonous to dogs.
People Food
Animal metabolisms are different from our metabolisms. Some foods, such as garlic, onion, and chocolate, are perfectly safe for people but dangerous, and sometimes fatal, for dogs.
Plants
Azaleas, daffodils, sago palms, rhododendrons, and tulips are some plants that are most toxic to dogs.
Rodenticides & Insecticides
Rat poison and insecticides can be as dangerous for your dog as they are for the creatures they are designed to kill.
Veterinary Products
Medications such as flea and tick treatments, dewormers, and painkillers can be poisonous to dogs if incorrectly used or consumed.
Always follow your vet's instructions when administering any type of treatment at home, and follow post-operative care instructions closely. Contact your veterinarian if there are any instructions you don't understand.
Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Depending on which type of poison is involved, the signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary widely. Here are some common signs and symptoms that your dog has been poisoned:
- Agitation
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea
- Heart problems
- Kidney failure
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Seizures
- Tremors
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Drooling
- Excessive bruising or bleeding
- Inability to urinate
- Nosebleeds
- Oral irritation
- Pale gums
- Unsteady on feet
Symptoms of poisoning typically take several days to appear, and in some cases may even take months.
Long-Term Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
If you're aware that your dog has eaten something poisonous, it's imperative to seek emergency veterinary care immediately. Even if your dog doesn't display any symptoms right away, this does not mean they are safe from the effects of the poisonous substance they've ingested.
Long-term signs that your dog has come into contact with poisonous substances include liver damage, kidney failure, irregular heartbeat, neurological symptoms such as seizures, and loss of blood.
What to Do If Your Dog Has Been Poisoned
If your dog has been poisoned it is important to stay calm and call your emergency vet immediately.
Make sure to get your dog well away from the poisonous substance. If your dog got into it once, it may head right back to it while you are on the phone. Safely move the substance well out of your dog's reach.
Do not try to administer doggy first aid. Different poisonous substances require different actions. While some cases may call for inducing vomiting, in other cases inducing vomiting could make your dog even sicker. Get your dog to an animal emergency hospital as quickly as possible and let veterinary professionals administer appropriate treatment.
If you know what has poisoned your dog, bring any packaging or a sample of the poison safely to your vet's office. The packaging will help your vet to get a full understanding of the situation, and how best to treat your dog.
Emergency Veterinarian Services at Olympia Pet Emergency
If your dog has been poisoned or is suffering from sudden illness, you'll want to get them to a 24-hour emergency vet clinic in or near Lacey as fast as possible.
You can rest assured that our team of experienced veterinary professionals is always prepared to deliver critical medical attention with skill and compassion on evenings, weekends, and holidays. We are here to serve you and your pet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
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.