What is Poisoning in Dogs?
Poisoning in pet dogs is a disease that needs to be carefully observed and dealt with in order to provide your furry buddy as many healthy years as possible.
Unintentional accidents are the most common cases of dogs being poisoned and this happens when dogs have eaten into things they shouldn't have. In other circumstances, your pet has eaten treats that just are not suitable for its metabolisms or your dogs have been exposed to toxic substances are the reasons for poisoning in dogs.
Here’s everything you need to know about poisoning in dogs – how to prevent your pupfrom poisoning, the early signs or of poisoning that you should look out for, and what to do if you notice symptoms of poisoning in dogs.
Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Poisoning can cause obvious changes in your dog’s wellbeing and behaviour. Knowing the symptoms of Poisoning in dogs is the first step in protecting your dog’s health. If any of these signs apply to your pet, bring your dog to your vet for a checkup:
- Agitation
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Convulsions
- Vomiting
Please Note: The information presented in this web page is designed to help inform you regarding poisoning. It is not meant to replace the veterinary diagnosis or treatment for poisoning. If you have any concerns or questions about your pet’s health or possible symptoms, make to contact and consult with your veterinarian as soon as you can.
The Main Causes of Poisoning in Dogs
To understand and treat poisoning in dogs, you need to understand the underlying causes of poisoning in dogs. This can help a pet parent prevent poisoning occurring in the first place or again.
When a dog ingests a foreign material, fluid or otherwise, poison intoxication occurs and that causes a reaction in your dog's body. If left untreated, poisoning in dogs can become fatal.
Diagnosing Poisoning in Dogs
Nobody knows your dog better than you do and hence it is important that your pet be checked thoroughly by a veterinarian at least once a year.
As poisonous substances come in many forms, and it is usually very difficult to give an exact diagnosis, especially, if the substance consumed or come into contact is not known and identified. If your vet is unsure as to what was ingested or come into contact with, the dog's symptoms will be treated as they become obvious. When possible, a blood test will be ordered to determine the exact cause of the poisoning.
For dogs at risk of getting poisoning, more frequent visits to the vet clinic recommended.
Preventing Poisoning in Dogs
Avoiding poisoning in dogs is always better than treating it, hence let’s find out ways to avoid poisoning in dogs rather than treating it.
To not to look weak or vulnerable to predators, the natural survival impulses make dogs hide health problems. This suggests comprehensive physical examinations by a certified veterinarian are essential to keep your animals healthy. Typically, blood and urine tests performed by your vet are required to get the complete picture of your family pet’s health. These preventive checks actions will diagnose any health issue sooner making treatment more effective and less pricey and, more importantly, will help your pet dog live a longer, healthier life.
Ensure to move the poisonous substances well away from your pet. If your dog got into a poisoneous substance once, they may head right back to it while you are busy or your pet is out of your sight. Therefore, it is best to safely move the substance well out of your pet's reach.
There are items that are potentially toxic or poisonous to your dog in your home and garden. Hence, it is vital to keep an eye on your dog at all times, and to keep potentially harmful substances beyond the reach of your curious pet.
Some of the most common household substances that are poisonous to dogs are chocolate,raisins, cleaning substances, medicines, alcohol, gasoline, tobacco, furniture polish, fungi and poisons for snails, slugs or rodents.
Treatment for Poisoning in Dogs
Inducing vomiting is the most common treatment option for treating poisoning in dogs. Other treatment for poisoning in dogs may include IV's for flushing out the toxins in the system, medication to reduce pain and symptoms or overnight monitoring.
Talk to your veterinarian to learn more about the treatments for poisoning in dogs.