Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in Dogs

Learn About Signs and Veterinary Care for Dogs Exposed to Poisons

Jul 22, 2009

The inquisitive nature of dogs often makes them prone to eating toxic or poisonous products. Listed are the most common ways intoxicated pets are treated.

In veterinary care, cases of intoxicated dogs are seen on a regular basis. The culprits may be various such as rodent poison, slug and snail baits, anti freeze, human medications and many more. It is unfortunate that many times dogs are not seen ingesting such toxic products and owners therefore, may not be able to act promptly. The dog, therefore, may begin developing sudden symptoms that may be difficult to diagnose.

Symptoms of Intoxication in Dogs

It is important to notice that on some occasions depending on the type of toxin ingested, dogs may develop symptoms after hours or days. It is therefore wrong for owners to presume that their dog is fine simply because a few hours have passed without symptoms. Dogs that have ingested toxins generally develop the following symptoms:

How Cases of Intoxication are Treated

Upon ingesting a poison or toxin, it may generally take up to two hours for the ingested product to leave the dog's stomach. This ample time can be used effectively to a dog's advantage, if the induction of vomiting is a feasible option. However, depending on the ingested substance, in many cases, bringing it back up may be much more harmful than beneficial. This is why it is vital for dog owners to contact the poison control center or their veterinarian promptly for the appropriate course of action.

Past the two hours and within four hours, the majority of the toxins ingested will have moved on from the stomach to the duodenum, where it will be absorbed by the intestinal tract and will no longer be able to be removed by gastric emptying.

If the poison ingested is not caustic nor corrosive, per the veterinarians' instructions, the stomach may be emptied by administering 3% hydrogen peroxide, for a total of two attempts set ten minutes apart. Such administrations should not take place if the toxin was ingested longer than 2 hours ago, if the pet is unconscious or has vomited already, or again, if vomiting the substance causes more harm than good ( generally caustic, corrosive, petroleum based and foamy substances).

This method is normally not recommended because the syrup may cause central nervous disorders if not dosed correctly. It should be given only under strict veterinarian supervision.

This method takes place at the vet's office especially when the pet is unconscious or the induction of vomiting is not applicable. Gastric lavage takes place by inserting an endo-tracheal tube through the pet's mouth until it reaches the stomach. Then, the stomach is gently flushed with lavage fluids such as activated charcoal.

Activated charcoal tends to absorb many toxins but not all. A slurry is generally made by mixing the charcoal with water and administering it to the pet if conscious. This may be administered after inducing vomiting, after a gastric lavage or on its own. Alternatively, burnt toasted bread may used in place of charcoal.

Fluids are often administered to speed up the elimination process. These are given intravenously and sometimes along with medications that further help eliminate the toxins..

For some specific toxins, antidotes may be given. Such antidotes are effective generally only when given early into treatment, therefore the importance of contacting poison control or an animal emergency center immediately.

These are the most common procedures that take place when a dog is poisoned or exposed to toxins. All poisonings should be treated as emergencies. In case you suspect your dog has been poisoned you should refer to your veterinarian immediately or call the ASCPS animal poison control at: (888) 4264435 (a credit card charge applies).

The copyright of the article Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in Dogs in Dog Care is owned by Adrienne Farricelli. Permission to republish Symptoms and Treatment of Poisoning in Dogs in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.