It is difficult to constantly keep an eye on where your dog puts their mouth and paws. Dogs are naturally curious animals and explore the world through their mouths. What can happen if they get into something they’re not supposed to get into? There are a variety of common household items that can be harmful to your pet if ingested. As a dog owner, you must remember key things if you find yourself in a poisoning emergency where your dog needs urgent help.
Knowing what to look for can help you provide the necessary assistance and minimize the risk of further harm. Common signs of dog poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, twitching, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these signs, contact a veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 right away. Being prepared will give your pet the best chances of survival for your pup.
Important Things to Do if Your Dog is Poisoned
- Do not take any action before speaking to a veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline®. Some treatments, such as inducing vomiting, can make the situation worse. Certain poisons, such as drain cleaner, can be corrosive and cause more damage on the way up than they did on the way down. If your dog has been poisoned the best thing to do is to call Pet Poison Helpline® and a veterinarian for advice.
- Do not give your dog salt, force your finger down its throat, or feed them large amounts of cooking oil to induce vomiting. These methods can put them in serious danger. Your dog can suffer from brain swelling and increased risk of aspiration pneumonia, and you may even get a bite from your pup.
- After a potential intoxication, it is important that someone continuously monitors your dog to ensure their safety.
- Not every article on the Internet is correct. When reading articles online, make sure to check where they got their information from and if it’s from a credible source. If you want to be sure you have correct information, contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® before assuming something is or isn’t toxic.
- Items that are toxic to dogs can be toxic to you as well. Wear protective clothing and gloves if you need to decontaminate your dog. If you are not sure what you are dealing with, it is best to wait and let a veterinarian handle the decontamination.
Who to Call for Pet Poisoning
A one-size-fits-all approach is not always effective when treating pet poisoning. It is important to get the advice of a medical professional to accurately diagnose the cause and provide the right treatment. Administering first aid without knowing the type of poison or your dog’s circumstances can be harmful. Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 as soon as possible. With the correct first aid steps and finding treatment right away your dog can recover from being poisoned.