6 Signs of Poisoning
If you are part of my Instagram community, you might have seen our recent post about food poisoning in dogs. It's a serious issue that every dog owner should be aware of.
In this post, we'll explore how your dog might have gotten poisoned, the signs of poisoning, and when it's time to see a vet. Keep reading to ensure you can protect your dog from potential hazards to keep them healthy and safe.
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How did my dog get poisoned?
Similar to humans, there are many reasons why your dog might have gotten poisoned. These include, but are not limited to:
Toxic Foods: Your dog may have eaten food that is toxic to them. Common examples include cherries, macadamia nuts, grapes, onions, garlic and green onions, chocolate, tomatoes, and avocados.
Toxic Flowers or Plants: Your dog may have been exposed to a toxic flower or plant.
Intentional Poisoning: Somebody might have poisoned your dog. There are reported cases where people purposely leave out poisoned treats to "reduce" the number of dogs in their neighborhood. This is very sick but has happened in the past.
Overdose of Prescribed Medicine: An overdose of prescribed medicine can poison your dog. Always follow the prescribed amount discussed with your vet to avoid this risk.
Household Products: Exposure to or ingestion of household products like bleach, cleaning products, or batteries can be dangerous. Some dogs may not have a natural instinct to avoid these items, so it is good to keep such products on higher shelves or locked away.
Rodent and Insect Poisons: Ingestion of rat poison, ant baits, or mosquito pellets can also be harmful. Always be careful when positioning poison intended for other animals, as your own dog might seek these out.
How to know if your Dog is poisoned?
1. Vomiting
Vomiting is a common sign that something is wrong with your dog. It can be the body's way of expelling toxins from the stomach. If your dog vomits multiple times, especially if it brings up food or strange substances, it is important to talk to your veterinary.
My dog Luke once started vomiting a stone that he had ingested. I took him to the vet, and they were able to identify if there were other stones still in his stomach or digestive tract. Thankfully, he didn’t have any more in his stomach, but your vet can help you determine if there are unknown objects in your dog's stomach.
2. Diarrhea
Diarrhea often accompanies vomiting and can indicate that your dog's digestive system is trying to rid itself of harmful substances. Persistent and/or severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can further complicate your dog's health. Look for any unusual color or consistency in the stool.
3. Loss of Appetite
A dog that refuses to eat or shows a significant decrease in appetite may be suffering from food poisoning. This can be due to nausea, abdominal pain, or a general feeling of unwellness. Prolonged loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and malnutrition, so it’s important to monitor your dog's eating habits.
4. Seizures
Seizures are a severe and alarming sign of poisoning. They occur when the toxic substance affects the dog's nervous system. Symptoms may include convulsions, tremors, or uncontrolled muscle movements. Immediate veterinary care is required if your dog experiences seizures.
5. Bloody Stool or Blood in Urine
Blood in the stool or urine is a serious symptom indicating internal bleeding, possibly caused by a toxic substance. The stool may appear dark or have bright red streaks. Blood in the urine is also a sign of poisoning. It might pink, red, or brown. Both require urgent veterinary attention.
6. Lack of Coordination
Difficulty walking, staggering, or a general lack of coordination can indicate neurological effects of poisoning. This symptom suggests that the toxin has affected the dog's brain or nervous system. If you notice your dog appearing disoriented or unsteady, it is crucial to seek immediate veterinary care.
When to see a Vet?
Not all signs of poisoning require a visit to the vet. If your dog experiences any of the first 3 signs of poisoning, it is important to keep an eye on your dog. If the symptoms persist fore more than one or two days, you need to consult a vet. However, if your dog experiences seizures, blood in stool or urine, or a lack of coordination, immediate veterinary care is required. Do not wait until it is too late! These are serious signs of poisoning and may cause long term problems or even death.
I hope your furry friend feels better soon!
Giggles and Wiggles,
Sarah