Poisoning
Dogs are curious and playful animals that like to explore and try out everything. Unfortunately, this can sometimes become dangerous if they eat something that is poisonous to them. Poisoning in dogs can be life-threatening and requires quick action. In this article, you'll learn how to recognize poisoning in your dog, what you can do to prevent or treat it, and which poisons are particularly common.
How do I recognize poisoning in my dog?
The symptoms of poisoning in dogs can vary depending on the type and amount of poison. Some signs are
- Vomiting
- diarrhea
- tremors
- convulsions
- shortness of breath
- Unconsciousness
- Blood in the urine or feces
If you notice one or more of these symptoms in your dog, you should see or call a vet immediately. The sooner a poisoning is treated, the better the chances of a full recovery.
How can I prevent poisoning in my dog?
The best way to prevent poisoning in dogs is to watch what your dog eats or drinks. Keep all potentially toxic substances out of his reach, for example:
When you take your dog for a walk, make sure that he does not pick up anything from the ground or sniff in suspicious places. Some poisons can also be absorbed through the skin or respiratory tract.
How do I treat poisoning in my dog?
If you suspect that your dog has eaten or drunk something poisonous, you should not try to make him vomit unless the vet advises you to do so. Some poisons can cause even more damage when vomited. Don't give your dog water or milk either, as this can speed up the absorption of the poison.
Instead, call the vet immediately and inform them of the type and amount of poison your dog has ingested. If possible, bring a sample of the poison or packaging with you. The vet will tell you what to do next and how to transport your dog.
Depending on the severity of the poisoning, the vet may treat your dog with medication to neutralize or eliminate the poison. They may also perform gastric lavage or a blood transfusion to remove the poison from the body.
Which poisons are particularly common in dogs?
There are many substances that can be toxic to dogs, but some are more common than others. Here are some examples:
- Chocolate: chocolate contains theobromine, which is very toxic to dogs. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Even small amounts can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, palpitations and convulsions. Large quantities can be fatal.
- Rat poison: Rat poison is often available in the form of grains or pellets, which can look tempting to dogs. Rat poison acts as a blood thinner and prevents blood clotting. This can lead to internal bleeding, which is often only noticed days later.
- Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free products such as chewing gum, toothpaste and baked goods. Xylitol can cause a sharp drop in blood sugar levels in dogs, which can lead to weakness, tremors and seizures. In high doses, xylitol can also damage the liver.
- Antifreeze: Antifreeze has a sweet taste that can be attractive to dogs. Antifreeze contains ethylene glycol, which damages the kidneys and leads to kidney failure. Symptoms include vomiting, drinking, urination, staggering and unconsciousness.
- Grapes and raisins: Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs. The exact cause is not yet known, but there appears to be an individual sensitivity. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy.
Poisoning in dogs is a serious emergency that requires quick action. If you suspect that your dog has eaten or drunk something poisonous, contact your vet immediately. To avoid poisoning, keep all potentially poisonous substances away from your dog and supervise him when you take him for a walk.
The authors assume that a veterinarian should be consulted if an animal is ill and that medication should only be taken after consultation with a doctor or pharmacist. Only an individual examination can lead to a diagnosis and treatment decision.
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