Our veterinarians in Mahopac understand that dogs tend to chew on things that could be harmful to them. As a responsible pet owner, it is crucial to recognize the initial signs that your dog may have been poisoned and know the necessary steps to take if your dog shows any poisoning symptoms.
Dog Poisoning
Unintentional accidents are the most common cases of dogs being poisoned. Frequently, our family pets get into things they shouldn't, leaving loving dog owners panicked and wondering what to do.
In other cases, dogs have been exposed to toxic substances, or even just eaten treats that just aren't suitable for dog metabolisms.
Everyday Household Items Toxic to Dogs
Your home and garden are filled with potentially toxic or poisonous items to your dog. That's why it's important to know where your dog is at all times, and to 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 can I tell if my dog has been poisoned?
Depending on the type of poison, the first 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 a number of days to appear and, in some cases, could even take months.
Long-Term Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic, it's crucial to seek treatment immediately. Even if your dog doesn't exhibit any symptoms at first, it doesn't mean they're not at risk of being affected by the poisonous substance.
Long-term symptoms of poisoning in dogs may include irregular heartbeat, kidney failure, liver damage, blood loss, and neurological issues like seizures.
When to seek professional emergency vet care?
If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, the first and foremost thing to do is to remain calm and immediately call your local veterinary clinic. Ensure that you move your dog well away from the poisonous substance, as they may tend to head back towards it while you are on the phone. Therefore, it is crucial to safely move the poisonous substance well out of your dog's reach.
Do not try to administer any doggie first aid, as different poisonous substances require different actions. While some cases may call for inducing vomiting, in other cases, it could make your dog even more sick. The best course of action is to get your dog to the vet as quickly as possible and allow your veterinary professionals to administer appropriate treatment.
If you know the substance that poisoned your dog bring any packaging or a sample of the poison safely to your vet's office. Providing this information will help your vet understand the situation better 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.