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Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
Common symptoms of dog poisoning include stomach pains, howling, whimpering, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, tremors, and labored breathing. But that's not all. Keep reading. If you know what your Golden Retriever has gotten into, your veterinarian has an excellent chance of saving his life. He can induce vomiting, pump his stomach, and/or neutralize the poisons with appropriate medications.
Just remember that precious seconds are ticking away with each moment you delay treatment.The longer the poison is in your dog's system, the more extensive the damage that can result. A substance's toxicity and how much of it your dog ingested are key factors in his recovery. It's always a good idea to have the poison control center phone number nearby. It might help save your pup's life someday. Each type of poison has a different set of symptoms. We'll talk about the most common poisons and their respective symptoms so you'll know what to watch for.
Parasite MedicationsFlea and tick sprays, collars, shampoos, and worm medications are all safe when they're used according to directions. But overuse or misuse can be disastrous.Symptoms of dog poisoning from overuse of these chemicals include trembling and weakness, drooling, vomiting, and loss of bowel control.
Common Household PoisonsDogs can get into trouble in the blink of an eye. They think anything that will fit in their mouths is fair game. Their taste buds aren't as sophisticated as ours, so they'll eat and drink the most unbelievable stuff. For that reason, make sure everything is kept out of your dog's reach or behind childproof cabinet latches.
This list of common household items ranges from dangerous to deadly poisons: - Acetaminophen (Tylenol, etc.)
- Bleach
- Boric Acid
- Car fluids--all of them, especially antifreeze
- Cigars and cigarettes--avoid nicotine poisoning
- Cleaning fluids
- Deodorants
- Deodorizers
- Detergents
- Disinfectants
- Drain cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Gasoline
- Hair coloring
- Insecticides
- Kerosene
- Matches
- Mothballs
- Nail polish and remover
- Paint
- Prescription medicine
- Rat poison
- Rubbing alcohol
- Shoe polish
- Sleeping pills
- Snail or slug bait
- Turpentine
- Weed killers
- Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
AntifreezeThis sweet-tasting substance can leak out of parked cars, leaving an inviting puddle for pets. Antifreeze poisoning can result from drinking even small amounts.It causes irreversible kidney failure and eventually death. If you see your dog drink antifreeze, take him to your veterinarian immediately. Consider using an animal-safe low-toxicity antifreeze in your own car. You may save another pet's life in the process.
Rodent PoisonsCommon rat poison ingredients include warfarin, a powerful anticoagulant which thins the blood so it's unable to clot. That's why symptoms of dog poisoning from warfarin include blood in the vomit, stool, and urine, and nose bleeding. Such poisoning can quickly prove fatal, and your veterinarian can only help if you get your dog to him immediately.
Another of the most common rat poison ingredients (also used for killing gophers and other rodents) is strychnine. Strychnine poisoning can kill your dog very quickly, and it doesn't take much. Your dog can get really sick if he even eats a mouse that died from either of these poisons. You're better off sticking with mousetraps. (Just watch your fingers!)
Chemical PoisoningSeveral household cleaning products (such as drain cleaner) contain strong chemicals that are deadly to your pup.The symptoms of dog poisoning from chemicals include telltale burns in or around the mouth, vomiting, difficulty breathing, unusual drooling, unusual behavior, convulsions, or unconsciousness.
Pesticides and InsecticidesAccording to the National Animal Poison Control Center, more animals die each year from insecticide poisoning than from being hit by cars. And the EPA reports that animals shouldn't even walk on insecticide treated ground for up to four weeks after application.You can reduce your dog's risk of coming in contact with pesticides by taking his food and water dishes inside when you apply any outdoor chemicals. Of course, you should store all pesticides on a really high shelf, well away from your dog. Symptoms of dog poisoning from pesticides include diarrhea, cramps, shortness of breath, and dizziness.
Foods Poisonous To DogsThere are things that don't bother humans that are dangerous for dogs: - Chocolate in any quantity is bad for your dog. Chocolate contains the stimulant theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. Early symptoms of chocolate poisoning in dogs are panting, nervousness, vomiting and diarrhea. Later he may show more serious symptoms of dog poisoning such as loss of urinary control, convulsions, coma and possibly death. Baking chocolate is the most dangerous, with dark chocolate coming in second.
- Apple seeds, and peach and cherry pits can make your dog sick. Keep him out of the garbage and don't let him have the pits as a chew toy.
- Eating grapes and raisins has been recently associated with kidney failure in dogs.
- Onions contain an alkaloid that ruptures the red blood cells. Symptoms of dog poisoning from onions include fever, severe anemia, and death.
- What about xylitol and dogs? In October 2006, the ASPCA Poison Control Center reported canine toxicity from xylitol, an artificial sweetener. Found in many brands of chewing gum and baked goods, xylitol has been associated with severe liver failure in dogs. Eating as few as two muffins made with this artificial sweetener can be fatal to your dog.
Poison Control Phone Number List Along with your veterinarian's phone number, you should have a poison control phone number next to your phone.Each of the following resources offers poison control information through a hotline staffed by veterinarians 24-hours a day: - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): (888) 426-4435
- Kansas State University's College of Veterinary: (800) 222-1222
- The College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, location of the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC): (800) 548-2423
If you know what your dog got into, be prepared to tell the hotline operator what it was and how much he seems to have eaten. Take the box or bottle to the phone with you, if possible. If your canine companion shows any symptoms of dog poisoning, call one of these hotlines first and then get in touch with your veterinarian for treatment. You'll need to take along a sample of whatever your dog may have swallowed (along with the label or container) to the vet's office. And hurry!
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