Poisoning in a dog is a serious condition, and can potentially be fatal. It may be due to the consumption of toxic substances or foods that are dangerous for dogs. As a dog owner, it is important to be aware of the dangers lurking in our daily lives, and avoid poisoning. If you suspect that your dog has ingested something toxic or shows signs of poisoning, you should contact a vet immediately. Read more to learn about the most common symptoms of poisoning in dogs, and some of the most common causes.
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Symptoms of poisoning in dogs
If the dog has ingested something toxic and become ill, the symptoms may vary depending on how much of the toxic substance has been ingested. Common symptoms are often vomiting, diarrhea, restless behavior, loss of appetite, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, unconsciousness or convulsions. As a rule, symptoms appear between 4 and 24 hours after ingestion.
What is poisonous to dogs?
It can be difficult to know what is causing the poisoning in dogs. Some agents may seem obvious to be toxic, such as rat poison and glycol (antifreeze). However, there are a number of other toxic agents and foods that are safe for us humans, but dangerous for our four-legged friends. For example, toxins are found in various plants, medicines, foodstuffs and household products.
Among other things can chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, avocados, alcohol and xylitol (a sweetener found in sugar-free foods) can be dangerous for dogs.
If your dog has ingested any of these substances, it is important to contact your nearest veterinarian as soon as possible.
Sjokolade
Dogs cannot tolerate chocolate, and react to the substance theobromine. It does not take large amounts before the nervous system is triggered. Dark chocolate is the worst, and only a few bites are enough to cause symptoms of illness in the dog. Typical symptoms of chocolate poisoning are increased body temperature, increased heart rate and arrhythmia, convulsions, staggering, vomiting and diarrhoea. Light chocolate can also be dangerous in larger quantities.
Raisins and grapes
Raisins and grapes can be harmful to the dog's kidneys, and it is individual how much is needed before the dog is poisoned. For some people, even one raisin can be enough, causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain and lethargy.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a sweetener that is often found in, among other things, sugar-free chewing gum and candies. The substance can be very toxic even in small quantities, and can be fatal if poisoning is not detected early enough. Symptoms appear quickly, about an hour after ingestion.
Rat poison
It is perhaps not so surprising that rat poison is dangerous for dogs, considering that the substance is used to kill rats. Symptoms of poisoning are that the dog becomes limp, lethargic, impaired general condition, nosebleeds, bloody diarrhea or bloody vomiting. These will probably only arrive after a few days.
Glycol (antifreeze)
Glycol is one of the most dangerous things a dog can ingest and is found, among other things, in windscreen washer fluid, coolant and brake fluid. Even a small amount can be fatal, and the symptoms of poisoning can vary in severity. It is absorbed quickly and after only 3 hours the blood will have maximum concentration. The first signs of glycol poisoning often appear in the form of lethargy, uncoordinated walking and vomiting. Sometimes the animal may show signs of recovery after a while, but don't be fooled! If you suspect that your dog has ingested antifreeze, you must contact a veterinarian immediately.
Read more about glycol poisoning here!
Medicines
There are also various medicines for humans, which dogs cannot tolerate. For example, common pain relievers such as Paracet can be toxic to your dog. It is therefore important to make sure that you do not leave painkillers lying on the counter, or lose them on the floor etc. The symptoms usually appear after a few days.
Onion
Although onions are a tasty vegetable for us humans, in fact all types of onions can be poisonous to dogs. It contains toxins that damage red blood cells, and can cause symptoms such as bloody urine, white mucous membranes or cause the dog not to eat. This applies to both raw and heat-treated onions.
Ball dough
Ball dough is perhaps something you associate with cozy times and coziness, but if the dog gets a bite of an unguarded ball dough it can be anything but pleasant. The dough can ferment in the stomach and thus cause symptoms reminiscent of intoxication. It does not necessarily have to be life-threatening, but can be very uncomfortable for the dog.
Toxins in nature (mushrooms, plants and algae)
It is not only chemically produced products and foodstuffs that can be toxic to the furry friend. Potential dangers can also be found out in nature. Different mushroom species can, in the same way as for us humans, be poisonous. The symptoms of poisoning and degree of severity will then vary depending on the amount and type of mushroom that has been ingested.
Certain plants and algae, such as yew and blue-green algae, can also be highly toxic. It is therefore important that you, as the owner, keep a close eye on the dog when you are out for a walk. At Felleskatalogen you will find an updated list of poisonous plants, so you can keep track of nature's threats.
Read more about blue-green algae and poisoning here!
Prevention of poisoning in dogs
The most important thing you can do to prevent poisoning in Fido is, of course, to ensure that toxic products, foods, plants and household products are out of your dog's reach. Having said that, accidents do happen despite all precautions being taken. It is therefore important that you are observant at all times for any symptoms and behavioral changes in your furry family member. Always have contact information for your nearest veterinary clinic available. If you are in the Vestfold area, we always prioritize urgent cases in our clinic. We also have our own emergency call on Saturdays from 10 – 15.
