Zinc Poisoning in Dogs

Zinc is an essential mineral for the health and fitness of a dog. Nowadays, even zinc supplements are added to dog foods, in order to keep them fit. However, zinc poisoning is a case where an excess amount of zinc is ingested in the dog's body, leading to severe complications. Zinc deficiency in dogs is common but cases of zinc toxicity are rare.

Causes of Zinc Poisoning in Dogs
Zinc can be ingested by dogs due to various reasons. Zinc contamination results due to direct or indirect contact with galvanized zinc materials, like nuts and bolts of iron and even cages. Zinc is also found in automotive batteries and similar items that are found in the backyard of the home or garden, or near the garage rooms. Dogs left unattended can also accidentally swallow large amounts of zinc oxide ointment, that is used as a cure for skin irritation in humans. Coins and pennies minted after the year 1982 mainly contain zinc (nearly 98%) and copper (just 2%-4%). The gastric juices in the digestive system of a dog, facilitate faster absorption of zinc in the body, so pennies have been quite dangerous for dogs who swallow them accidentally. Other sources of zinc poisoning in dogs include calamine lotions, home paints and shampoos.

Symptoms of Zinc Poisoning in Dogs
Zinc toxicity in dogs can lead to various symptoms that include any one or all the following.

• Excessive and continuous vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Lack of Appetite
• Lethargy and weakness, showing strange dog behavior
• Pale Gums
• Icterus (yellow mucous membranes)
• Kidney Failure
• Liver failure
• Red urination
• Anemia

If zinc poisoning in dogs is not detected at an early stage, then it can be potentially fatal for the dog and can even leave lasting effects on the dog's health. Zinc poisoning in dogs can lead to other blood disorders as well. Basically, zinc interferes and blocks copper and iron, minerals that are chiefly involved in the production of red blood cells. This leads to the destruction of red blood cells in the body, as they are not able to function efficiently due to the zinc traces. A pale or rather jaundiced yellow colored gum of the dog will easily reveal the problems that the dog is going through. Higher levels of zinc in the blood can lead to brownish or orange colored urine. A toxic dose for a dog is considered to be in between 1 - 3 pennies or 50 to 100 mg/kg. Severe cases of zinc poisoning in dogs leads to acute kidney failure and liver damage.

Diagnosis of Zinc Poisoning in Dogs
A diagnostic test is essential to trace the exact cause of zinc poisoning and to provide proper treatment to the dog. A full check up of the blood count should confirm the presence of anemia. Urinalysis should also be performed to test the functioning of the kidneys. Abdominal radio-graphs are a very useful tool to detect the presence of zinc containing substances in the body. The serum zinc level is also checked in the blood, so that toxic levels of zinc can be found out.

Treatment of Zinc Poisoning in Dogs
It is necessary that the zinc containing substances are removed from the dog's body, especially from the gastrointestinal tract. If zinc containing substances are found in the stomach, then endoscopy needs to be performed to remove the substance. Checking for anemia is absolutely essential and if required, intravenous fluids and blood transfusion must be administered. Gastrointestinal protectors can be used to treat gastric irritation.

Preventing zinc poisoning in dogs requires proper dog care and regular check ups of the dog by a veterinarian. If you think your dog has eaten some zinc containing item, then immediately consult your veterinarian so that the doctor can induce vomiting by administering some medications.