Poison: every materiel which has a potential to affect physiological activity of an organ of a pet’s body can be a poison. Poisonous materials can be absorbed via digestion: chocklate , inhalation :carbon monoxide, skin : arsenic, injection: overdose medications.This brief article is about indigestion of a poison. Generally people assume chemical materials as toxic substance however this is a mistake and every materials such as medications and even food materials can be toxic. For example humans can use chocolate or grape without any problem but for in dogs they cause poisoning. If a pet eats unusual material which can affects it’s health, it is better to refer it to a veterinary hospital to induce emesis-vomiting- as soon as possible. In general it takes about two hours for a toxic material to pass stomach and enters the small intestine. In small intestine materials are absorbed. When a poison is in the stomach emesis is useful. The speed of exit from stomach for liquids is more than solid materials. Therefor liquid poisons need immediate attention. It is necessary to say that emesis is not a general rule for every eaten poison.For some poisons emesis not only useful but also is harmful like bleach. Generally a dog or a cat has less than two hours to get rid of a toxic substance by emesis. After that because of poisoning your vet should use protocol of fighting with clinical signs of this problem and in this situation the chance of treatment depends on the toxic substances.
What are the signs of poisoning in dogs?
Different toxins cause different symptoms. Some toxins, like alcohol and household cleaners, cause primarily neurological symptoms, whereas other toxins, like antifreeze and some plants, mainly affect the kidneys. Milder toxins like onion or chocolate consumed in small amounts may only present gastrointestinal symptoms, like nausea and diarrhea. However, larger doses can affect the cardiovascular system and may even be fatal.
Below are some common signs of poisoning in dogs. Keep in mind that the exact symptoms a dog exhibits will depend on the dog’s size, the type of toxin, and how much of the toxin was ingested.
Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Depending on the type of poison, the early signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs vary tremendously but fall into a few categories:
Its important to note that the symptoms of poisoning typically take a number of days to appear, and in some cases could even take months.
If you know that your dog has eaten something poisonous it is essential to get treatment immediately. The fact that your dog doesnt display any symptoms right away does not mean that they are safe from the effects of the poisonous substance!
Some of the long-term symptoms of your dog coming in contact with poisonous substances include: irregular heart beat, kidney failure, liver damage, loss of blood, and neurological symptoms such as seizures.
Top Signs Your Dog Is Poisoned | Poisoning Symptoms In Dogs
Did your dog eat rat poison? Pet Poison Helpline gets dozens of calls daily from dog owners (and occasionally cat owners) saying “My dog ate rat poison!” Poisoning from rodenticides (mouse and rat poisons) is one of the most common types of toxicities managed by Pet Poison Helpline. These poisons are easy to obtain and used anywhere there might be rodents—in homes, garages, stables, farms and even parks or wildlife areas. There are many different types of mouse and rat poisons available in a wide variety of colors (green, blue, tan, red, etc.) and formulations (pellets, bait blocks, grain-based baits, etc). Products which look similar and have similar names may contain very different types of poison. Thus, if a dog (or rarer, a cat) ingests mouse or rat poison, accurate identification of the active ingredient is crucial as this will determine the risk of poisoning and the need for treatment. If the active ingredient is not clearly visible on the packaging, another important identifier is the EPA registration number (EPA Reg. No.) – this number will allow Pet Poison Helpline veterinarians to correctly identify the active ingredient.
Below are the four most common active ingredients in mouse and rat poisons along with their mechanism of action, signs of poisoning, toxic doses and treatment options. If a dog or cat ingests one of these poisons, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline immediately! Rapid action can often save a dog life and prevent the need for costly medical care.