What to Do If Your Dog Is Accidentally Poisoned
Dogs of all ages are at risk of becoming accidentally poisoned, especially those that are really playful or bored. They will investigate all sorts of things in the home, and very often, it is these things that can cause them to become very ill or even die. Pills are the most common cause of accidental poisoning in dogs, so it is very important that you keep these locked away, out of reach of not only your pets but your small children as well.
What Are the Signs of Poisoning In Dogs?
Signs to look out for if you suspect that your dog might have ingested something that could poison him are diarrhea, fits, severe vomiting, collapse, and even coma.
It's important to remember that you won't always see that your dog has been poisoned - and there are plenty of things, like sugar-free gum with xylitol, that you might not think is dangerous but is actually deadly to dogs.
If you see signs of poisoning in your dog, don't wait. Take your dog to the vet as soon as possible. Sometimes, minutes can make all the difference.
What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Been Poisoned?
It is vitally important that you only induce vomiting if your dog has swallowed the poisonous substance within the past hour if he is alert and conscious, and if you are absolutely sure that the poison is not of an irritating or caustic nature.
To get your dog to vomit, you can give him a strong solution of lukewarm salt water – about one teaspoon to a cup of water. When he has vomited, collect a sample and take your dog to the vet immediately. The same applies if your dog has collapsed. Take him, together with a sample of his vomit and the container that held the substance that your dog ate. This will help the vet to identify the type of poison that your dog has eaten and give him the treatment he needs as soon as possible.
Prognosis for Accidental Poisoning in Dogs
When your dog has been poisoned accidentally, their prognosis often depends on how quickly you get them medical attention and whether or not you know what caused the poisoning.
Sometimes, veterinarians can treat dogs for poisoning without concrete evidence of what they ate, but it's always better to know what you're dealing with. If you're not sure what the toxic element of the item they ate is, take it along to the veterinarian's office, too. Sometimes, just reading a label on a product can make all the difference.
Keep Everything Away from Your Dogs
The best way to ensure that your dog is not accidentally poisoned is to make sure that they only ever eat dog food.
As you can see, some things are completely harmless for people, but they can be deadly for dogs.
Keep the obvious toxins like detergents stored away from your dog, where they can't be reached. Never use poison to deal with mice or other vermin because dogs can be poisoned if they eat the affected rodents. And finally, keep people's food and snacks well out of reach. They're just too tempting, and many contain very bad things for your dog!