Recognizing Dog Poisoning: Key Symptoms & Immediate Actions

Potential symptoms of poisoning in dogs are diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite and irregular heartbeat, among many others. Note, though, that indications of it can vary dramatically depending on the specific poison. Urgent veterinary attention is necessary for cases of poisoning in dogs.

Possible Dangers to Dogs

Many everyday substances can be harmful and even poisonous to curious pets. Examples of possible poisons in and around the home include many types of plants, mushrooms, rodent bait, dead animal carcasses and yard chemicals. The list goes on and on. Many seemingly innocuous human foods and beverages are hazardous to dogs as well, including chocolate, onions, raisins and coffee.

Gastrointestinal System Symptoms:

Signs of poisoning often involve the gastrointestinal system. They include:

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

Ingestion of toxic plants can often cause gastrointestinal woes such as throwing up and appetite loss in dogs. Examples of these plants are English holly and English ivy. Lead paint and trash ingestion can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal symptoms. Medication, chocolate, poisonous plant and trash intake can often bring on diarrhea in dogs.

Examples of toxic plants that can trigger diarrhea are:

• Daphne
  
• Pokeweed
  
• Poinsettia
  
• Chinaberry
  
• Iris.
  

Certain types of snake bites can sometimes give dogs diarrhea.

Internal Bleeding Symptoms

Poisoning sometimes leads to internal bleeding in dogs. Anticoagulant poisons often are responsible for internal bleeding. If your dog has internal bleeding, you may observe symptoms such as:

• Throwing up blood
• Coughing up blood
• Gum paleness
• Fast heart rate
• Feebleness
• Loss of energy and exhaustion
  
• Falling down
  

Liver And Kidney Failure Symptoms

Liver and kidney failure are sometimes the result of poisoning in dogs. Acetaminophen poisoning can sometimes cause liver damage in dogs. Poisonous plants such as ragwort, rattlebox and tansy can do the same. Antifreeze toxicity is sometimes responsible for kidney failure in dogs. Plants like pigweed, caladium, philodendron, Easter lily and dieffenbachia can trigger kidney failure.

Signs of potential liver failure include:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Yellow gum discoloration
• Feebleness
  
• Falling down
• Stool matter that has a tarry and black appearance
  
• Dullness of mental activity

Signs of potential kidney failure are:

• Lack of appetite
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Bad breath
• Reduced urination
• Increased urination and thirst

Other Possible Signs of Poisoning

Other possible indications of poisoning in dogs include:

• Excessive panting
  
• Seizures
  
• Balance problems
• Shallow breathing
• Incessant coughing
• Abnormal heart rhythm
  

These symptoms can signify a wide range of troubles in poisoned dogs. Panting, breathing difficulties and coughing can sometimes denote pain, for example. Seizures denote neurological troubles and can be the result of diverse poisons such as gasoline, alcohol, antidepressants, aspirin, tobacco, furniture polish, dish soap and drain cleaners.

Abnormal heart rhythm is a sign of cardiac difficulties and is often brought on by toxic plants such as:

• Mountain laurel
  
• Kalanchoe
  
• Milkweed
  
• Oleander
  
• Jimson weed
  

Tip

If you detect any possible signs of poisoning in your dog, seek emergency veterinary attention. Some poisons trigger instant signs, while others appear later. Strychnine is an example of a poison that has quick effects. Anticoagulant mouse and rat poisons, on the other hand, often lead to postponed effects.

Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pet’s diet, medication, or physical activity routines. This information is not a substitute for a vet’s opinion.