Dogs are naturally curious animals, which can sometimes get them in trouble. Even the most attentive dog owners can be caught off guard when their dog licks or chews a household item that is toxic to dogs. It鈥檚 important to familiarize yourself with the signs of poisoning in dogs and learn what to do if your dog accidentally ingests a harmful substance.
Poisoning is considered an emergency that requires immediate veterinary attention. Learn more about poisoning in dogs including symptoms, treatment options, and how to keep your dog safe.
Symptoms of Poisoning
Poisoning can occur when a dog ingests or inhales a poisonous or toxic substance. For example, they might step in paint or antifreeze while out on a walk and lick their paws afterward. Depending on the type of toxin consumed, dogs may show a reaction within minutes, explains Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club.
With other poisons like rodenticide, it can take several days for symptoms of poisoning to appear, he adds. Symptoms can vary with the amount of poison ingested and include the following:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale or yellowish gums
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Diarrhea
- Bloody or discolored stool
- Bloody urine
- Lethargy or weakness
- Unsteady gait
- Seizures, tremors, or hyperactivity
Aside from these symptoms, there may be long-term effects like anemia such as when a toxin damages the red blood cells, preventing your dog from getting enough oxygen. Your dog may also experience cardiovascular issues like an irregular heartbeat. In extreme cases, there could be damage to internal organs and even organ failure.
What to Do If Your Dog Gets Poisoned
All it takes is seconds for your dog to swipe a piece of chocolate or swallow a cigarette butt off the ground. Since you can鈥檛 watch your dog every second of the day, it helps to keep harmful substances out of your dog鈥檚 reach and act quickly if you suspect accidental poisoning. Watch for a combination of gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting or diarrhea, and neurological signs, such as tremors or seizures. These symptoms may be a clue that there is poisoning involved.
While not every instance of vomiting or diarrhea is due to poisoning, it鈥檚 best to follow up with your veterinarian if your dog鈥檚 symptoms persist or worsen. The faster your dog receives veterinary care, the better their chances are of making a full recovery. If you see your dog ingest something dangerous, stay calm and move your dog away from the item or substance.
Contact your veterinarian and give them a description of your dog鈥檚 along with the suspected poison and amount consumed, if known. If the vet clinic is closed, contact an emergency veterinary hospital or pet poison control helpline and follow their directions. Add these numbers to your contact list:
- The (855-764-7661). They charge $59 per call. For $15, you can get lifetime access through .
- The (888-426-4435). They鈥檙e available 24 hours a day and charge a consultation fee.
- The AKC Vetline is a live telephone service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For $99 you get access to trained pet care professionals and licensed veterinarians for your dog鈥檚 lifetime.
Depending on your dog鈥檚 condition, the helpline staff may recommend taking your dog to an emergency hospital or making an appointment with your regular veterinarian. To aid in the diagnosis, Dr. Klein suggests bringing a sample of the poison, the packaging it came in, or a photo of the product label when you meet with the veterinarian. If your dog threw up or had diarrhea, it鈥檚 also helpful to collect a sample for further examination.
How to Treat Poisoning
The veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan based on the type of poison ingested. Some poisons like rodenticides and antifreeze may have antidotes, so it鈥檚 helpful if you have a photo of the product or packaging. If you鈥檙e unsure which poison your dog consumed, the vet will run blood tests, although they won鈥檛 be able to test for every suspected poison.
When treating your dog, the veterinarian鈥檚 goal is to prevent further absorption of the poison. They may give your dog activated charcoal to help absorb poison from the stomach. Alternatively, the vet may induce vomiting or use a diuretic to help your dog expel the poison in their urine if the dog isn鈥檛 showing any clincal signs. Another option is to flush toxins from the digestive system using an enema, which involves injecting fluid into the bowels or a procedure called gastric lavage where a tube is inserted into the stomach to clean out the contents.
How to Pet-Proof Your Home
There are many items found in and around your home that can pose a danger to dogs. Some items are marked as poisonous, making them easy to identify such as insecticide and rodenticide. Other substances are non-toxic to humans, but this doesn鈥檛 mean they鈥檙e safe for dogs. Here are tips on how to make your home safer for your dog.
Human and Pet Medication
Store in sealed containers and keep them up high in a cabinet. These include antidepressants, birth control pills, and heart and blood pressure medication, as well as over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen, and cold medicine. Natural remedies like vitamins, herbal supplements, and essential oils should also be kept out of reach.
Be cautious about pet medications that your dog might mistake for a treat. Some medications are flavored to make them more palatable for pets. Keep medications up high to avoid accidental overdoses. 鈥淩emember a childproof container does not mean pet-proof,鈥� Dr. Klein says.
It鈥檚 a good idea to teach your dog the 鈥渓eave it鈥� command in case a pill falls on the ground. Avoid taking medication when your dog is nearby and check with your veterinarian before giving your dog medication. Only give your dog the dose recommended by the vet and make sure not to use medication that was prescribed to another pet.
Toxic Foods
Foods that humans enjoy can be toxic to dogs. Examples are onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, xylitol, and chocolate. Xylitol is found in some chewing gums, peanut butters, toothpastes, and candies. If large amounts are ingested, (i.e., blood sugar level is lower than the normal range) and liver failure. Make sure all food and garbage are stored safely.
Be mindful about having marijuana and CBD products in your home. 鈥淓dible products are not regulated and may contain a high amount of THC (i.e., the main psychoactive compound in cannabis), which can lead to low blood pressure, coma, and even death,鈥� Dr. Klein says. Dogs often get into trouble by eating these substances in food-like forms, such as brownies or cookies. Store edibles safely to avoid accidental poisoning.
Plants and Lawn Care
Consuming any type of plant has the potential to cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs. Moreover, certain plants are toxic to dogs including tulips, holly, oleander, sago palms, and daisies. Consult the before buying plants, Dr. Klein says. When designing an outdoor space, opt for a dog-friendly yard and avoid poisonous plants.
Aside from plants, be mindful about fertilizers and weed killers, which often contain chemicals that are dangerous to dogs. If you spray insecticides, keep your dog away from treated areas for the recommended time. Exercise caution in places where you and your dog visit like a neighbor鈥檚 home or park. If you鈥檙e using mulch, avoid cocoa mulch, which is poisonous to dogs.
Cleaning Products
Many common household cleaning products can be toxic to dogs including bleach, dishwashing detergent, fabric softener sheets, window cleaner, and bathroom cleaners. Choose non-toxic products and make sure to follow the label鈥檚 instructions. Keep your dog out of the room when you鈥檙e cleaning to cut down on exposure to chemicals and vapors. Wait until surfaces are dry before allowing your dog access since they might lick their paws.
The Takeaways
- Symptoms of poisoning in dogs depend on the type and amount of the toxin consumed
- Store medications and supplements up high and get to know which foods and plants are toxic to dogs
- Read all labels and instructions before using cleaning and lawn care products
- Keep phone numbers for the veterinarian and poison control helpline in your contact list
- Stay calm and relay as much information as you can about your dog鈥檚 symptoms and take photos of the suspected poison
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.