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.
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.
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.
The ASPCA Poison Control estimates that 25 percent of poisoned pets recover within two hours. Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets will die.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dogs and cats instinctively know not to eat certain things that can make them sick or kill them. Many animals, especially those in the wild, do have a combination of instinct, experience and training that keeps them from consuming things that are harmful to them.
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.
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.
Botulism is a rare condition that causes paralysis in dogs. Botulism is caused by ingesting the botulinum toxin, a substance produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
Long-Term Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
Long-term symptoms of your dog coming into contact with poisonous substances include kidney failure, liver damage, irregular heartbeat, neurological symptoms including seizures and blood loss.
If you don't know what poisoned your dog, be aware that your vet is not able to test for every possibility, but blood tests may help determine the source. Some poisons, such as antifreeze and certain rat poisons, have antidotes, so whenever that's the case your vet will administer the antidote as soon as possible.
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.
It may occur from ingestion of lead-containing household items, such as paint and car batteries. The signs of lead poisoning include vomiting, drooling, reduced appetite, diarrhoea, drunken walking, convulsions, blindness and tremors. Rodenticides (rat or mouse bait): These are a common cause of dog poisoning.
If your pet has ingested paracetamol, contact your veterinarian immediately and take your pet to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Do not induce vomiting unless your vet instructs you to.
Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
Agitation. Tremors. Convulsions. Nausea and/or vomiting.
In summary, activated charcoal is a safe and effective treatment for dogs that have ingested toxins or poisons.
Antidotes are agents that negate the effect of a poison or toxin.
Thallium is tasteless and odorless and has been used by murderers as a difficult to detect 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.