Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in Dogs and Puppies

Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in Dogs and Puppies

Dogs will eat anything and poisoning is common.  Owners may accidentally poison their pets.  It is important that any potential poisoning be treated immediately.

By J. E. Davidson

Dogs are curious animals who will chew or eat anything that catches their interest. Their indiscriminate eating habits often lead to poisoning. Well-meaning owners may inadvertently poison their pets by giving them unsuitable food snacks, leaving various chemical products where the pet may get into them, or using medications and topical applications of flea killers inappropriately.

How To Tell If Your Dog May Have Ingested A Poison

Some poisons are inhaled or absorbed into the body but most are ingested. The effect of the poison is not always immediately apparent. Although most signs of poisoning appear within three days, the toxic substance may not cause illness for days, months, or even years. The prognosis depends upon what the poisonous substance is, how much of the poison the dog has been exposed to and how long it remains in the body before treatment is begun. Immediate treatment may prevent significant illness, but some poisonings may cause permanent damage or death even if treatment is begun right away. If your pet ingests a potentially poisonous substance but does not appear ill at the moment, don’t assume he’s okay. Call the veterinarian immediately.

Unless the owner or another person has witnessed the ingestion of or exposure to the poison, diagnosis may be difficult. The symptoms are varied and may mimic other illnesses. The most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, staggering, and difficulty breathing. Some poisons may cause hyper-excitability, muscle rigidity or tremors, bleeding disorders, heart, kidney or liver disorders, sensitivity to touch, light, or sound which may trigger seizures, and lead to coma and death.

Specific tests are not available for all poisons. The best treatment is determined by the suspected substance. The veterinarian may be able to make an educated guess by the symptoms or physical behavior the pet is displaying if the owner isn’t sure what the poison is. Routine blood and urine tests may indicate some poisons. Samples may be sent to the lab but it may take several days for results and it is important to begin treatment right away.

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Substances That Are Poisonous To Dogs

Lead Poisoning | Antifreeze | Snail Bait | Foods That Are Poisonous To Dogs
Pesticides and Insect Repellants | Prescription Medications | Household Cleaners
Garden Plants

Lead Poisoning

Lead poisoning is a common problem. Many cases of lead poisoning in dogs are a result of exposure to pesticides which often contain lead. Renovating an older house that has lead-based paint can result in dust contaminating the dog’s food, being inhaled, or settling in his coat where he may ingest the lead when he grooms himself. Exposure to lead paint can take years to reach a poisonous level and is more common in older dogs. Other sources of lead poisoning include ceramic food and water dishes which are covered with a lead glaze, or chewing on items containing lead such as batteries, linoleum, golf balls, fishing sinkers, solder, bullets, or toys covered with lead-based paint.

Antifreeze

Antifreeze, which is 95% ethylene glycol, has a sweet smell and taste that are very inviting to dogs and cats. Only a few licks are enough to poison a small animal. A few tablespoons can be toxic to a medium size dog. This type of poisoning in common when owners replace the antifreeze in their cars, when the car boils over, or a hose leaks. Pets who are allowed to roam freely are at high risk of antifreeze poisoning. Never leave antifreeze unattended, even for a minute, where a pet can get to it. A greenish spot beneath your car will signal leaking antifreeze. Hose the spot down with plenty of water as soon as you notice it and have the leak repaired quickly. Use newer formulations that contain propylene glycol which may still be toxic but much less so than ethylene glycol.

Snow globes also contain a small amount of antifreeze. Keep such decorative objects away from pets and if they break clean the spill up immediately.

Snail Bait

Foods That Are Poisonous To Dogs

Some human foods can be toxic to dogs. Chocolate, cola and tea contain theobromine, a stimulant that affects the central nervous system and may cause cardiac arrhythmia and seizures that can lead to death. Forms of chocolate closest to pure cocoa have the highest levels of theobromine. Unsweetened baking chocolate is the most hazardous; two one-ounce squares can be toxic to a 20-pound dog. Two snack size bars of milk chocolate are poisonous to small dogs.

The pits and seeds of many fruits, including apples, cherries, apricots, plums and pears contain cyanide. Never feed your dog raisins or grapes, onions, garlic, alcoholic beverages, yeast dough, macadamia nuts, avocados, or any foods containing caffeine or the artificial sweetener Xylitol. Keep trash cans tightly covered to prevent him from rummaging in them and possibly ingesting harmful foods, or spoiled or moldy garbage.

Pesticides and Insect Repellants

Organophosphates and pyrethrin are chemicals used to kill insects. Many flea shampoos, powders and spray contain these chemicals, and they are also used in lawn and garden pesticides. Improper application of flea killing products can result in the chemicals being absorbed through the skin or licked off the coat. Always use such products exactly as instructed on the container and watch your dog for any signs of adverse reactions such as drooling, vomiting, or staggering. Wash the product off the skin immediately with lukewarm water and mild dish soap if your dog has a reaction to the application. Poisoning by lawn and garden pesticides most often occur when the pet ingests the concentrated substance. Pesticides properly applied to the lawn are fairly safe but keep your pet off the lawn until it has dried.

Prescription Medications

Keep prescription and OTC medications in closed cabinets. Even in small doses diet pills, pain killers, vitamins and cold medicines can be lethal to pets.

Household Cleaners

Household cleaners have a variety of properties. Some may only cause stomach upset, but corrosive products such as drain cleaners may cause chemical burns in the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Keep household cleaners stored in a closed cabinet on a high shelf and take extreme care when using them.

Garden Plants

Most grasses are safe for dogs to chew on, but many ornamental or garden plants can be toxic to dogs, with varied effects. Spinach, tomato vines, philodendron, chrysanthemum, poinsettia, amaryllis, azalea, rhubarb, and periwinkle are just a few of the commonly grown plants that may have toxic effects.

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What To Do If You Suspect Your Dog Or Puppy Has Ingested a Poison

All poisonings should be considered an emergency and the vet should be called immediately. Treatment should begin with delaying additional absorption of the toxin. Induce vomiting if it has been less than two hours since the animal ingested the substance, unless it is a corrosive or petroleum-based product which may do more damage to the lining of the mouth and throat when it comes back up. Always check with your veterinarian before inducing vomiting. Never induce vomiting in an animal who is already vomiting, is unable to swallow, unconscious, or is having seizures.

It is safe to give one teaspoon of 3 percent hydrogen peroxide per ten pounds of body weight to induce vomiting, but be sure to use 3 percent and not hair coloring strength hydrogen peroxide. Walk the dog around to mix the peroxide with the stomach contents. The dog should vomit within 20 minutes. You may repeat the process one time if the dog does not vomit. Consult your vet for a stronger emetic if the hydrogen peroxide does not work. Never give syrup of ipecac to your dog. It is safe to give to children but can be toxic to dogs.

Antidotes are available for some poisonous substances but are often only effective if they are used early in the treatment. Some may not be effective if diagnosis and treatment are delayed, and some antidotes are not readily available or may be rather expensive. A veterinarian may try a specific antidote if there is a strong suspicion of the ingested substance, and a positive response may indicate the suspicion is correct.

Even with an available antidote supportive care may be necessary if the poison has already begun affecting the dog’s body. Activated charcoal will bind the toxin and delay absorption of the toxin as it passes through the intestinal tract. IV fluids or medications to stimulate the kidneys to produce more urine may help the body rid itself of the toxin more quickly. Oxygen therapy, pain medications, anti nausea medications, blood or plasma transfusions, sedatives, or medications to control muscle rigidity, tremors, or seizures may be required.

Keep your pet safe and healthy by keeping all household cleaners, lawn and garden chemicals, automotive fluids, medications, toxic plants and any other potentially poisonous substances out of your pet’s reach. Don’t allow your pet to roam freely where he may encounter toxic substances. Anytime your suspect your pet may be poisoned, call the veterinarian immediately. Be ready to tell the vet what kind of poison the pet has been exposed to (if you are reasonably certain), how much was ingested, absorbed, or inhaled, and how long ago. Report any symptoms of poisoning, and follow your vet’s instructions for inducing vomiting or other treatment. Acting quickly may save your dog’s life.

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