Your dog's environment is filled with potential toxins that can sicken or even kill your dog. Although you do your best to keep poisonous substances away from your dog, toxin exposure is still possible. By knowing what to look for, you may be able to save your pet from the effect of poisoning. Some common symptoms to watch for include foaming at the mouth, lethargy, shaking or unusual movements, upset stomach, unusual swelling, pale gums, or behavioral changes. If you notice your dog displaying any of these symptoms, or if you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately. Do not induce vomiting in your dog without direct instructions from your veterinarian.
Read on for further explanation of the most common symptoms of poisoning in dogs.
1. Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth
Many dogs will experience irritation of the mouth after eating or chewing on something toxic. This is especially common after a dog nibbles on a poisonous plant or tastes a toxic chemical. If you notice your dog is drooling or foaming, try to identify the thing he was chewing on or eating, Remove it from your dog's reach and keep it in case a sample is needed. Contact your vet for advice about the next steps.
2. GI Upset
Many toxins cause gastrointestinal irritation that leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Dogs may first lose their appetites before other signs develop. In some cases, you may see blood in the vomit or stool.
Vomiting is often the first sign of drug ingestion, poisonous plant ingestion, and toxic food ingestion. If your dog suddenly begins vomiting, it should not be ignored. Look for evidence of toxin ingestion and contact your veterinarian.
3. Lethargy
Toxins can adversely affect organs and body functions, causing a dog to feel sick and uncomfortable. Many dogs become tired and listless when they feel sick. In addition, some toxins, like rat poison, can cause internal bleeding. This blood loss may lead to lethargy. Xyliltol, an artificial sweetener, can cause low blood sugar which can also make dogs lethargic.
4. Seizures and Muscle Tremors/Spasms
Many toxins affect the nervous system and/or muscles. This can lead to seizures, tremors, or involuntary muscle spasms. Prescription medications and toxic plants are often the culprits. If your dog begins to tremor or twitch involuntarily, it may be a good idea to take a video of the signs. Look around to see if you can find toxins. Possible toxin ingestion should be considered unless your dog already has a condition like epilepsy. Be sure to contact your vet at the first sign of muscle spasms, tremors, or seizures. Many toxins can work quickly, leading to death or serious illness.
5. Collapse
Certain toxins act fast and can make a dog collapse before any other signs are seen. This is most common with any toxin that affects circulation or heart function such as prescription medications, illicit substances, and chemicals but can also occur with plant ingestion and snake bites. If your dog suddenly collapses or loses consciousness, this is an emergency situation. Bring your dog to the nearest open veterinary office.
6. Trouble Breathing
Toxins that affect the respiratory system may cause wheezing, labored breathing, shortness of breath, slowed breathing, and difficulty breathing. You may also see the gums turn blue in color. If your dog is having trouble breathing of any kind, it should be treated as an emergency. Get your dog to the nearest open vet.
7. Abnormal Body Temperature
As a toxin takes effect in the body, you may see your dog's temperature rise or fall. Low body temperature (below 100 degrees Fahrenheit) is called hypothermia. Fever and elevated body temperature (over 103 degrees Fahrenheit) is called hyperthermia. Continuous muscle tremors or seizure activity can cause body temperature to rise rapidly. If you suspect your dog is too cold or hot, you should check the temperature (rectally, if possible). Contact your vet if your pets temperature is elevated or lower than normal.
8. Sores or Burns
Caustic substances can cause sores or burns on the skin and in the mouth. Many harmful chemicals can irritate the skin and oral cavity if a dog comes in contact with them. Certain plants can also injure or irritate the skin, especially when chewed. Rinsing the affected area can minimize irritation, but it is still important to contact your vet for further advice.
9. Pale, Blue, or Yellow Gums
Some toxins affect the body in ways that can be seen in the mucous membranes (gums, tongue, eyelids, oral cavity). For example, ingestion of onions can lead to anemia and pale gums. Blood loss from rat poison and other toxins that cause bleeding will also make gums appear pale. Certain toxic plants and medications that affect the liver can cause gums to look yellowish (jaundice). Toxins that affect the cardiovascular or respiratory systems may lead to blue-colored gums.
10. Swelling
A dog's face and or limbs may become swollen after toxin exposure. This is most common after a dog is bitten by a snake or stung by an insect. If you notice swelling in an area of your dog's body, it could mean trouble. Contact your vet for further advice. A photo may be helpful if it seems difficult to describe.
11. Behavior Changes
Your dog may become very hyperactive or excitable after ingesting a toxin. This often occurs after a dog eats a stimulant such as chocolate, caffeine, or medication. Conversely, your dog may become depressed or even minimally responsive, especially if your dog ingested a sedative or alcohol. Dogs are commonly described as acting "drunk" in the earliest stages of anti-freeze ingestion. Time is of the essence in many toxicities, so symptoms should not be ignored. Any extreme behavior change warrants a call to the vet.
Warning
Contact your veterinarian first if you suspect that your dog has been exposed to a toxin. If this occurs when your vet is closed, contact the nearest emergency vet for advice.
Be sure to provide as much information as possible regarding the toxic substance, including package information (if applicable/available), when the exposure occurred, how much was ingested or touched, and any signs your dog is showing. You will also need to know your dog's approximate weight and information about his medical history. List all medications and supplements that your dog receives. Be prepared to discuss the signs you have seen in your dog.
Your vet may tell you to come right in, or you may get home care instructions. Never induce vomiting without being directed to do so by a veterinary professional as some toxins cause more damage when it is vomited back up. You may need to rinse your dog's coat, eyes, or mouth if the skin came in contact with one of these areas.
You or your vet's office may need to contact a poison control agency for advice on how to proceed. These services charge a fee to the caller but will offer the best treatment options based on evidence. An antidote may be available for the toxin. In some cases, supportive treatment is needed in a hospital environment.
- ASPCA Poison Control: (888) 426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: (800) 213-6680
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
FAQs
11 Signs that Your Dog Has Been Poisoned? ›
Clinical signs of poisoning in a dog may include: Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting, diarrhea, extreme salivation, loss of appetite, and nausea or dry heaving. Internal bleeding: indicated by pale gums, a racing heart, coughing up or vomiting blood, weakness or lethargy, or a dog's falling over or collapsing.
How does a dog act after being poisoned? ›Clinical signs of poisoning in a dog may include: Gastrointestinal signs: vomiting, diarrhea, extreme salivation, loss of appetite, and nausea or dry heaving. Internal bleeding: indicated by pale gums, a racing heart, coughing up or vomiting blood, weakness or lethargy, or a dog's falling over or collapsing.
How long would it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning? ›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.
How do you prove someone poisoned your dog? ›If the animal dies, have the body necropsied and get a statement from your veterinarian describing the animal's injury or illness and the treatment provided. If your companion has been poisoned, have laboratory tests done to determine the source of the poison and then keep the test results for your records.
How do you flush poison out of a dog's system? ›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.
How do animals act when poisoned? ›Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Agitation. Tremors. Convulsions. Nausea and/or vomiting.
Symptoms caused by swallowed poisons can include: vomiting, diarrhoea, agitation and heart issues. Inhaled toxins may cause breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness in dogs. If your dog's skin comes in contact with a poisonous substance typical symptoms include irritation and pain.
What is the most common poisoning in dogs? ›Marijuana toxicity is the most common toxicity seen in dogs. Just like the other items listed above, if your dog has ingested any form of illicit drug, it's important that they be seen by a vet immediately.
Can a dog recover from poisoning on its own? ›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.
Can a dog be saved from poisoning? ›25% of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Of the pets that take longer to recover, many can be treated at home with the advice of your veterinarian or with advice from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (telephone 1-888-426-4435). Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets dies.
Should you give water to a poisoned dog? ›
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.
Can milk help a poisoned dog? ›No. Milk is unlikely to be helpful in the vast majority of poisoning situations and can sometimes make things worse. Most pets are lactose intolerant and giving milk can cause or worsen stomach upset symptoms.
What is a home remedy for pet poisoning? ›A professional may ask you to induce vomiting at home with hydrogen peroxide. For this reason, you should try to always keep an unopened, non-expired bottle of hydrogen peroxide in your home (old hydrogen peroxide will not usually work). You will give the hydrogen peroxide to your dog by mouth.
What can I give my dog at home for poisoning? ›Consider using hydrogen peroxide (one teaspoon per five pounds of body weight), to induce vomiting. Dr. Putter advises using hydrogen peroxide (which is a gastric irritant) under consultation with animal poison control.
What are the symptoms of two step poison in dogs? ›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.
Depending on the type of poisoning, dogs may take weeks or months to recuperate, and some dogs may have permanent organ damage after recovery.
Can I give my dog peroxide if he ate rat poison? ›To treat a dog who has eaten rat poison, a veterinarian will: Induce vomiting within two hours (ideally at a veterinary hospital, but you can do it at home with several teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide).
What neutralizes poison? ›Antidotes are agents that negate the effect of a poison or toxin.
Which poison Cannot be detected? ›Thallium is tasteless and odorless and has been used by murderers as a difficult to detect poison.
Do dogs recover from being poisoned? ›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.
Can dogs get over being poisoned? ›
25% of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Of the pets that take longer to recover, many can be treated at home with the advice of your veterinarian or with advice from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (telephone 1-888-426-4435). Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets dies.
What happens if a dog eats a poisoned animal? ›Depending on what your dog ingests, the symptoms will vary. Some of the more common symptoms of poisoning are lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. Other symptoms are heart issues, breathing difficulties, seizures, and convulsions.
How do vets test for poison? ›Routine blood and urine tests. Some poisons are diagnosed or suspected based on routine blood and urine evaluation. Some poisons are known to cause severe kidney damage, liver damage, electrolyte or mineral abnormalities. If these abnormalities are found on blood or urine tests, poisoning may be suspected.