How To Tell If Your Dog Has Eaten Something Poisonous 

As a pet owner, nothing is worse than not knowing if something has gone wrong and your dog might be in danger. If you suspect that your furry companion has ingested something poisonous, it’s important to stay calm and react quickly in order to help them get the medical attention they need as soon as possible. Read below to discover the tell-tale signs of poisoning in dogs so that you can evaluate their situation and take appropriate action. 

How To Spot the Warning Signs 

Many times, pet owners don’t know their dog is suffering from poisoning until it’s too late. One size does not fit all when it comes to poisoning symptoms as toxins affect pets differently. It’s important to be aware of the common signs of poisoning, so you can have an idea of what’s going on and act accordingly. This list below is a basic outline of what symptoms to watch out for when it comes to poisoning cases.  

1. Liver Failure Signs 

  • Diarrhea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Black tarry stools 
  • Abnormal behavior 
  • Jaundice 
  • Weakness or collapse  

2. Kidney Failure Signs 

  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Lack of appetite 
  • Lack of or excessive urination 
  • Increased thirst 
  • Halitosis 

3. Signs of Gastrointestinal Disorder 

  • Loss of appetite 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea 
  • Excessive drooling 
  • Nausea 

4. Signs of Internal Bleeding 

  • Lack of appetite 
  • Bloody vomit 
  • Increased heart rate 
  • Lethargy 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Collapse 
  • Pale gums 

Who To Call If Your Dog Has Been Poisoned 

If you suspect that your pup is suffering from poisoning, call your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline at (855) 764-7661 for life-saving advice. Let your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline know the toxin and dosage they were exposed to if possible, so the team can determine the severity of the poisoning. If you’re unsure of the toxin, but notice symptoms of poisoning, take your pup to the animal hospital so they can be tested and monitored. If you have any questions regarding poisoning in pets, do not hesitate to contact Pet Poison Helpline to get your questions answered.