Every pet owner’s worst nightmare is coming home to find that your four-legged friend has gotten into something they shouldn’t have. Whether it’s raiding the garbage can, chewing on plants, or getting into the neighbor’s trash, dogs will put just about anything in their mouths. And while most of the time, they’ll be fine, some things can be poisonous to your dog’s body if ingested.
The good news is that there are some warning signs you can look for that may indicate your dog has ingested something poisonous. If you see any of the following signs, it’s important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Signs of Poisoning
Vomiting or Diarrhea
Vomiting and diarrhea are two of the most common signs that something may be wrong with your dog. A number of things can cause this, but if you suspect poisoning, it’s always better to be cautious and call your vet.
If your dog starts vomiting or has diarrhea, pay close attention to see if there are any other symptoms present. If so, this may indicate that your dog has ingested something poisonous and needs immediate medical attention.
Loss of Appetite
Dogs love to eat (which is why one of the best ways to train them is with treats!), so it’s not normal for them to suddenly lose their appetite. If your dog isn’t interested in their food or treats, it could signify that they’re sick and may have ingested something poisonous.
Excessive Drooling or Panting
Is your dog drooling more than usual? Or panting excessively? These are common signs of nausea and can indicate that your dog has eaten something that doesn’t agree with them.
Lethargy or Weakness
If your pup seems incredibly sluggish or weak, it’s another sign that they’re not feeling well. This could be due to several things, but if poison is a possibility, it’s essential to get them to the vet immediately.
Seizures
Seizures are obviously a severe symptom and can indicate poisoning and other health issues. If your dog suddenly starts having seizures, don’t hesitate to immediately contact your veterinarian or emergency animal hospital.
Kidney Failure
One of the most serious signs of poisoning in dogs is kidney failure. This can occur when your dog’s kidneys can no longer filter out toxins from their blood.
This can lead to a build-up of toxins in your dog’s system, which can be fatal. Symptoms of kidney failure include increased thirst, decreased appetite, lethargy, and vomiting.
Neurological Symptoms
Another severe sign of poisoning is neurological symptoms. These symptoms include seizures, weakness, tremors, and paralysis. If your dog exhibits any of these symptoms, you must seek professional medical help immediately, as they could indicate a life-threatening condition.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Gastrointestinal symptoms are another common sign of poisoning in dogs. These symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloating.
If your dog is experiencing any of these symptoms, monitor them closely and give them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
People Foods that are Toxic Substances for Dogs
Dogs are a part of the family, and it’s only natural to want to share everything with them—including food. However, some people foods can be a toxic substance for dogs and should be avoided at all cost. This list includes some foods that you should not let your dog eat as a responsible pet owner.
Chocolate
All forms of chocolate— including white chocolate—contain compounds called methylxanthines. These compounds can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs as well as potentially fatal heart arrhythmias. The severity of symptoms depends on the dog’s size and the amount of chocolate consumed.
Grapes and Raisins
The exact mechanism by which grapes and raisins cause kidney damage in dogs is unknown. However, there have been enough reported cases of grape/raisin toxicity in dogs that it’s best to avoid giving these foods to your furry friend. Symptoms of grape/raisin toxicity can include vomiting, lethargy, and diarrhea—and they can progress failure of the kidneys within 48 hours.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sugar substitute in many sugar-free products such as gum, candy, baking mixes, and toothpaste. It’s also sometimes used as a sweetener in diet products such as peanut butter and cereal bars. Unfortunately, Xylitol is highly toxic to dogs—even small amounts can cause low blood sugar and seizures. In more significant amounts, it can lead to liver failure.
Alcohol
You may think it’s funny to give your dog a “beer” (a non-alcoholic beer or one with very low alcohol content), but even small amounts of alcohol can be poisonous for dogs. This is because dogs process alcohol differently than humans; it stays in their system for much longer and can cause severe respiratory depression and drop body temperature.
Symptoms of alcohol poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, drooling, tremors, abnormal heart rate, seizures—and potentially death. Call your veterinarian or the pet poison helpline if you think your dog has consumed alcohol.
Avocado
Avocados contain persin—a toxin that can cause stomach upset in dogs but is generally not fatal unless consumed in large quantities (i.e., an entire avocado). Avocado pits also pose a choking hazard for dogs due to their size and hardness.
So while sharing an avocado with your dog once in a while is unlikely to cause any serious problems, it’s best to play it safe by avoiding avocados altogether.
Macadamia Nuts
These nuts are commonly found in cookies and other baked goods but can also be eaten on their own as a snack food. Macadamia nuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause weakness, tremors, elevated body temperature, vomiting, paralysis, and death.
Poisonous Substances in Your Home
Dogs are known for being curious creatures. They put their noses where it doesn’t belong, and before you know it, they’ve gotten into something they shouldn’t have.
As a responsible dog owner, it’s essential to be aware of the many household items that can pose a threat to your furry friend. Below is a list of everyday household items that are poisonous to dogs.
- Medication – One of the most common sources of poisoning in dogs is medication. Dogs are attracted to the bright colors and interesting smells of pills and capsules, and they will often chew on them or swallow them whole. If you suspect your dog ingested medication, immediately contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital.
- Flea and Tick Products – These products are designed to kill insects, so it’s no surprise that they can also be poisonous to dogs. If misused, these products can cause serious health problems in dogs, including seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Mouse and Rat Poison – One hazard that you may not be aware of is mouse and rat poison. Dogs are attracted to the sweet smell of these products and will often eat them if they find them. Ingesting rat or mouse poison can be very dangerous for dogs, as it can cause internal bleeding and organ damage.
- Contact your veterinarian or local animal hospital immediately if you think your dog has ingested rat or mouse poison. The sooner you act, the better the chances your dog will recover fully.
- Household Cleaners – Cleaners like bleach and ammonia can also be poisonous to dogs if ingested. These products can cause stomach upset, vomiting, and diarrhea. Always store household cleaners out of the reach of dogs and contact your veterinarian if you think your precious pup has ingested any cleaning product.
- Household Plants – Lilies, daffodils, azaleas, and rhododendrons can be poisonous to dogs if ingested. These plants can cause gastrointestinal upset, diarrhea and vomiting. Keep these plants out of reach of dogs, or consider planting pet-friendly varieties instead.
- Chemical Hazards – Antifreeze, paint thinners, pool chemicals, and detergents can also be poisonous to dogs if ingested. These products are poisonous substances and can cause serious health problems, including kidney failure and seizures. Always store these products out of your dog’s reach.
What You Should Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Been Poisoned
The first step you should take if you think your dog has ingested something poisonous is to call your vet. They will likely ask you questions about what your canine ate and may instruct you to bring them in for an examination.
In some cases, they may tell you to induce vomiting at home. This can be done by giving your dog a small amount of hydrogen peroxide mixed with water. However, never try to make your dog vomit unless instructed to do so by a professional. Doing so could cause more harm than good.
If you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous, the best action is to contact your veterinarian immediately. By being aware of the signs of poisoning and knowing what to do, you can help ensure that your pup gets the treatment they need as quickly as possible.
Conclusion
If you think your dog may have ingested poison, it’s essential to seek veterinary help immediately. Although there are some general signs of dog poisoning, each type of poison can have different symptoms.
If you’re able to identify the type of poison your pet has consumed, this will help your veterinarian treat them more effectively. However, keep in mind that even if your dog doesn’t show any symptoms after ingesting a poisonous substance, they still need to be seen by a vet as soon as possible.
Related topic: Why is my dog throwing up clear liquid?
*photo by fxquadro – depositphotos