If your pet has ingested a poison, try to rinse or wipe out the mouth with a damp towel/flannel. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with the Animal Poisons Helpline or a vet.
One of the most common treatment options for poisoning in dogs is inducing vomiting. Other treatment may include medication to reduce pain and symptoms, overnight monitoring, or IV's for flushing out the toxins in the system. The cost of treatment can vary from $250 to $5,000.
Neutralizing the chemical ingestion can, in and of itself, cause a chemical reaction, which can further aggravate the dog's injuries. Instead, flush your pet's mouth out with tepid water for 15 to 20 minutes by using a shower head or kitchen sink spray hose. Try not to point the hose to the back of the mouth, though.
Once in the hospital, your veterinarian may give your dog intravenous fluid, flush your dog's stomach, give your dog activated charcoal to absorb the toxin, or perform surgery. Supportive medications may help your dog's kidneys and liver process the poison and heal.
Depending on the type of poisoning, dogs may take weeks or months to recuperate, and some dogs may have permanent organ damage after recovery.
Many pet owners feed their dog milk after a potential poisoning because they believe it will help neutralize the poison. This is rarely helpful and dogs and cats are generally lactose intolerant. Don't give your pet milk unless a veterinary professional tells you to do so.
Typically, mild cases of poisoning have high recovery rates. In severe poisoning cases or cases where treatment was delayed the chance of recovery is extremely low. When pets do recover from severe poisoning there can also be long-term damage to their overall health.
Just like humans, dogs can also develop food poisoning. In many cases, it can be mild and your pet can recover within a few days.
There is no specific treatment or antidote for food poisoning in dogs, so supportive care is essential for a good prognosis. Prevention includes avoiding food sources that are contaminated with aflatoxins and feeding your dog a balanced diet.
Rat and mouse poisons are other household items that are poisonous for dogs. These are one of the most common toxicities in dogs. If your dog has consumed any of these poisons, then they need to be seen by a vet immediately.
Affected dogs show signs 30 minutes to 4 hours after ingesting the poison. Initially affected dogs become anxious and have an elevated body temperature. Panting is usually seen. Progressively they become worse and staggery.
The clinical signs of more advanced kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and very bad breath. Occasionally, ulcers will be found in the mouth.
Excessive bruising, bleeding, sores, and burns are signs of external poisoning or caustic substances. This may be the result of plants or chemicals. If you think your pet has come into contact with such a poison, be sure to try and remove toxic substances from the area as soon as possible to minimise irritation.
Antidotes are agents that negate the effect of a poison or toxin.
Swallowed poisons, for example, often cause sickness, diarrhoea, agitation and heart issues. If your dog has inhaled something toxic they may find it difficult to breathe or lose consciousness. Poisons that come into contact with your dog's skin can cause irritation and pain.
Symptoms of 'two-step' poisoning can include the following:
Vomiting, diarrhoea. Difficulty breathing, very fast breathing or coughing up slime (excessive secretions in the airways) Abnormally slow heart rate. Muscle tremors, shaking, twitching, weakness or loss of balance.
Generally, the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs include some combination of vomiting, diarrhea, reduced appetite, lethargy and dehydration. Some animals may show some neurological signs such as a lack of coordination, tremors and, in severe cases, even seizures and collapse.
Just like humans, a dog can lose their appetite when they're ill. For this reason, a sick dog may refuse food. One missed meal generally isn't much to worry about. But if your dog continues to refuse food, you may want to determine the cause.
Bladder infections or urinary tract infections are two major culprits of reduced thirst. It could also be diabetes or kidney disease. If you notice other symptoms like lethargy and lack of appetite, and feel like something might be wrong, it's important to call your veterinarian and discuss what's going on.
Sick dogs need a lot of sleep and rest. Provide a quiet and comfortable place for your dog to relax that is free of disturbances, including other pets or young children who may be a bother. You may want to keep your sick dog in a private room or separate area of the house to ensure that they are left alone.