Poisoning in dogs

Overview

Toxic substances, or poisons, can cause your dog to become ill and can be fatal in some instances. Unfortunately, many substances you are most likely to keep in your home are poisonous to dogs. These may include household chemicals, household plants, food, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter medications.

Immediate attention

If you suspect your dog is poisoned, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms

Dogs that have come in contact with a poisonous substance may become:

• Agitated
• Excited
• Aggressive
• Depressed
• Comatose

Animals may also show the following signs:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drunken appearance when walking
• Yellowish color to the eyes and mucous membranes (jaundice)
• Tremoring and seizures
• Inability to urinate or complete lack of urine production
• Bleeding from the nose
• Increased bruising
• Black, tarry stool
• Elevated temperature

This is especially likely to occur if your dog has swallowed a potentially poisonous substance, such as a pesticide, herbicide, drugs (especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs ilke ibuprofen or naproxen), rat bait, anti-freeze, or chocolate.

Prevention

Many common medications that are beneficial to you can be of significant danger to your dog. Be sure to keep all medication, including vitamins, securely stored. In addition to swallowing a poisonous substance, your dog may come in physical contact or inhale a poison. Just as with humans, fumes, vapors, or gases in the air may result in an accidental poisoning.

Items you should consider dangerous to your dog include:

• Certain foods such as chocolate, avocado, raisins, onions, and some nuts
• Spoiled food
• Alcoholic beverages
• Pesticides, rodenticides, herbicides, and fertilizers
• Antifreeze and deicing salt
• Mothballs
• Cleaning products such as bleach and toilet bowl cleaner
• Oil and gasoline
• Household plants

Treatment

If you think your dog has been poisoned, try to determine the source of the poison and how long it has been since your dog encountered the potentially dangerous substance. This information will be valuable in allowing your veterinarian to determine the proper treatment as it will vary according to the type of poison and length of time that has elapsed. Call your vet immediately for instructions if you suspect your dog has been poisoned. Do not give your dog medication or attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by your vet.