Today, our Raritan, Somerset County veterinarians go over the warning signs and symptoms of canine poisoning, how to determine if your dog has been poisoned, and what to do if you think this may have happened.
What to Do in an Emergency
Obviously, every dog with diarrhea or vomiting hasn’t been poisoned. Various factors can cause some of these symptoms. But if you have any reason to believe your dog may have consumed poison, you notice multiple symptoms, or you discover your dog interacting with something hazardous, act right away. Your dog’s prospects are better the quicker you act. Here are the steps you should take:
There are a few emergency hotlines available in the unfortunate event that you are unable to reach a veterinary clinic. For situations involving poison, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is open twenty-four hours a day, 365 days a year. They can be reached at (888) 426-4435; a consultation fee will be charged. There is also the Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661. They charge a $59 fee per call. However, AKC Reunite offers lifetime access to the Pet Poison Helpline for just $15. Last but not least, there is the AKC Vetline, which gives you access to licensed veterinarians and trained pet care specialists around-the-clock, seven days a week. You can access it for as long as your pet lives for just $99!
Your dog’s treatment will be decided by your veterinarian based on the substance they found. That’s why samples are so important. If at all possible, take a smartphone photo of the substance or label. Be aware that your veterinarian may not be able to test for every possibility if you don’t know what poisoned your dog, but blood tests may be able to help identify the cause. When a poison has an antidote, such as some antifreezes and certain rat poisons, your veterinarian will administer it as soon as possible.
The main objective of your veterinarian will be to stop your pet’s body from absorbing the substance in any further amounts. An enema, which involves injecting fluid into the lower bowel to flush the digestive system, or gastric lavage, which involves inserting a tube into the dog’s stomach and introducing water to wash out the stomach’s interior, may be used to remove the poison from the stomach. Additionally, your veterinarian may administer drugs to induce emesis in your dog, a medical term for encouraging vomiting.
To help the poison be secreted, your veterinarian may administer diuretic medications (drugs that stimulate urination).
What should I do if my dog has been poisoned?
Maintain your composure and make sure your dog can’t access the source of the poison. then visit a veterinarian as soon as you can with your dog.
Sores or Burns
Caustic substances can lead to mouth burns or sores on the skin. Inhaling many dangerous chemicals can cause a dog’s skin and mouth to become irritated. The skin can also be hurt or irritated by some plants, especially when they are chewed. Rinsing the irritated area can lessen discomfort, but it’s still a good idea to talk to your veterinarian for more guidance.
FAQ
What are the symptoms of poisoning in dogs?
- Agitation.
- Tremors.
- Convulsions.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Seizures.
- Heart problems.
- Diarrhoea.
- Kidney failure.
How quickly do dogs react to poison?
The type of toxin involved and how much was ingested by the dog determine the severity of the symptoms of dog poisoning. It is important to note that some poisoning symptoms in dogs will appear immediately, while others may take a few hours to manifest after ingestion.
How long can a dog survive being poisoned?
Due to these factors, adopting a “wait and watch” strategy is not recommended because, typically, the outcome is organ failure within 72 hours. The most obvious indication that your pet may have ingested something toxic is the discovery of an open container, damaged packaging, or an empty wrapper.
Can dogs tell if something is poisoned?
Signs Dogs Can Smell Poisons. A dog can be taught to detect almost anything, including poisons. People who work with dogs for odor detection need to be knowledgeable about their dog’s behavior, which requires a lot of skill and persistence.