Every dog owner loves their dogs to death and would do anything for them. You give them treats, take them on walks or to the park, and give them all the love in the world. Being a responsible dog owner doesn’t just stop there though. Unfortunately, your dog can be exposed to toxic, harmful chemicals whether it’s from household items or it’s outside. You need to know the different signs of toxicity in dogs. Below are the six most common symptoms of toxicity in dogs:
- Excess Saliva / Foaming in Mouth:
Dogs’ mouths can get inflamed when they consume or chew on something toxic to them. This can happen after a dog licks a harmful chemical such as a pesticide or ingests food that is dangerous like chocolate or grapes. If your dog is excessively salivating or the mouth is foaming, see if they ate or licked a harmful substance.
- Trouble Breathing:
Wheezing, heavy breathing, shortness of breath, delayed breathing, and trouble breathing are all symptoms of toxins affecting the respiratory system. The gums may also develop a darker shade of blue/red. Your dog’s respiration should be considered an emergency if they are experiencing any difficulty whatsoever.
- Extremes in Body Temperature:
Your dog’s body temperature may greatly increase or decrease when poisoning occurs. Hypothermia is a state of low body temperature, less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit. A high body temperature greater than or equal to 103.5°F is hyperthermia. In addition, muscle tremors or seizures may rapidly increase body temperature.
- Swollen Body Parts:
After exposure to toxins, a dog’s face or limbs may swell. It is most likely to happen when a dog gets bitten by a snake or stung by an insect. It can also happen if your dog is having an allergic reaction. If describing the swelling is complex, an image may be helpful for your veterinarian.
- Lethargy:
A dog’s organs and physiological processes can be negatively affected by toxins, resulting in a sick and unhappy pup. When a dog is unwell, it is common for them to get exhausted and tired. Toxins, such as rat poison, may produce internal bleeding as a side effect. Lethargy may result because of this blood loss. Low blood sugar may lead dogs to be sluggish, and xylitol is an artificial sweetener that can induce this.
- Troubled Digestive System:
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common side effects of exposure to many poisons. Before any other symptoms appear, dogs may experience a decrease in appetite. Blood in the vomit or stool is a common sign of poisoning. It is common for vomiting to be the first indicator of drug consumption, harmful plant ingestion, food poisoning, and many more. If your dog is vomiting unexpectedly, it is to be taken seriously. Contact your veterinarian and Pet Poison Helpline® if you notice signs of toxin intake.
What Should I Do If My Dog Shows Any of the Symptoms Mentioned Above?
There are almost countless symptoms of poisoning as well as poisonous substances. As a pet owner, it is your duty to do research about what is harmful to your pup and what to do in case of an accident. It is scary, but because of the love you have for your dog, you will always do what you can to keep them safe.
If your dog recently ingested something poisonous or you are noticing signs of toxicity, immediately call Pet Poison Helpline® at (855) 764-7661 and your veterinarian for professional assistance to determine the right course of treatment.
