Dog Poisoning

As we go through the normal course of the day, we know that we are surrounded with a number of chemicals and toxins. Unfortunately for us, our pet dogs do not really understand the concept of poison. For them, anything that looks interesting needs to be gulped down or swallowed whole. This indiscriminate diet of your naturally curious canine friend can lead to cases of dog poisoning. So, how exactly is a dog poisoned? Common pet poisons include household products such as bleach and insecticides as well as range of indoor and outdoor plants. Foods especially those that are spoiled can lead to the dog food poisoning. Here is a look at some of the common causes of poisoning in dogs and the dog health problems caused by it.

Dog Poisoning Causes

Chocolate Poisoning in Dogs: One of the common natural poisonous foods for dogs present in our homes, especially during the holiday seasons is chocolate. Although you might love to watch your pets relish the chocolates which they absolutely adore, it is important to keep in mind that even small amounts of chocolate can trigger off the symptoms of dog poisoning. This is because of the presence of natural occurring stimulant called theobromine found in the cocoa bean plant. This poisonous food derivative leads to the central nervous system being affected and the dog displaying symptoms such as epileptic seizures, vomiting, diarrhea and hyperactivity. The severity of the poisoning depends on the type of chocolate, the amounts of theobromine in it and the amount that your pet has consumed.

Antifreeze Poisoning in Dogs: Translucent greenish in color, automotive antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which is highly dangerous for dogs. In fact as much a single sip of antifreeze can cause dog poisoning as this toxin is rapidly metabolized and absorbed by the system. The ethylene glycol acidifies the blood and destroys the renal tubular cells of the dog's kidneys.

Rat Poisoning in Dogs: Consuming rodenticides and other rat poisons leads to the exposure to bromethalin, a toxic substance that is found in a variety of rat and mice poisons. This toxic substance leads to pressure on the cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral edema causing seizures, muscle tremors and impaired movement. More on rat poisoning in dogs.

Lead Poisoning in Dogs: Lead poisoning is caused by the ingestion of items that contain lead such as toys, drapery weights, fishing weights and lead shots. This leads to the gastrointestinal tracts and the nervous system being affected. The symptoms of lead poisoning include seizures in dogs, temporary blindness, lack of appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, constipation and diarrhea along with certain changes in dog behavior. More on lead poisoning in dogs.

In addition to these, zinc poisoning in dogs is also quite common. Caused by direct or indirect contact with galvanized steel products such as nuts and bolts, zinc poisoning causes vomiting, diarrhea, kidney failure, anemia and a lack of appetite. One of the most common cases of dog food poisoning is salmonella poisoning in dogs. This bacterial food poisoning is the result of the consumption of raw meat, uncooked bones and raw eggs. This results in fever, vomiting, dehydration and loss of appetite. Plants such as daffodil bulbs, castor oil bush, cherry laurel, laburnum, lilies/lily of the valley and philodendra can also cause dog poisoning.

Dog Poisoning Symptoms

Inhaled toxins and poisonous substances can cause a range of symptoms of dog poisoning. While some of these symptoms may not be visible immediately, the severity and the appearance of the symptoms of dog poisoning depends on the chemicals ingested and the time it is in the body. The common dog poisoning symptoms include:

• mouth irritation
• skin rashes
• lethargy
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• loss of appetite in dogs
• drooling
• staggering
• agitation
• hallucinations and over-reaction to sound or light
• breathing problems
• bleeding
• muscle tremors
• seizures in dogs
• heart failure
• kidney or liver problems

If your dog has accidentally ingested plant, chemical or food poisons and shows symptoms of poisoning, it is best to consult a veterinarian right away. Inducing vomiting in dogs and gastric lavage is the mode of treatment when the poison is ingested for a duration less than than two hours. However, make sure that you do this only under the vet's recommendations. In certain cases, bathing the dog in lukewarm water with a mild dish soap can reduce further toxin absorption. Remember that the best way to avoid severe dog poisoning is to keep your dog away from chemicals and toxins.