Poison Symptoms in Dogs: What to Watch For

Your pet ingesting a toxic substance is almost always bad news and is something to take very seriously. The effects of the poison will depend on what has been ingested, as well as the size of your dog and their general health.

With most toxicities, prompt therapy can ensure a good prognosis. When poisoning is suspected, time is of the essence and you should contact your nearest veterinarian right away for advice on the best next steps.

What Are the Signs of Poisoning in Dogs?

The signs that are going to develop will depend on the type of poison your pet has been exposed to, however there are some general symptoms to be aware of.

Vomiting, Drooling and Digestive Upset

Many poisons will cause gastrointestinal symptoms, as the body does its best to eliminate what has been ingested. This is often the case when it comes to toxic plants and foods such as chocolate or macadamia nuts.

Tremors, Seizures and Behavioural Changes

Some toxins will affect the nervous system and your dog may start acting strangely. You may notice that they are twitching or walking as if they are drunk. As signs progress, they may develop seizures. This sort of behaviour can be seen after ingestion of slug bait or mouldy food.

Bleeding or Weakness

Be aware that some toxins, such as rat bait and human anti-coagulants, affect the ability of the blood to clot. This leads to internal bleeding and signs such as pale gums, a swollen abdomen and laboured breathing. It can take a few days before these signs develop.

What Causes Poisoning in Dogs?

Being aware of the potential toxins in the world around can help ensure you prevent any exposure for your pet.

Toxic Foods Like Chocolate, Xylitol and Grapes

Your own home can be a treasure trove of dangers when it comes to the contents of the kitchen.

The theobromine and caffeine in chocolate causes signs ranging from an upset stomach to an irregular heartbeat. The more cocoa the greater the risk, meaning dark chocolate and cocoa are especially dangerous.

Xylitol is a common ingredient in sugar-free foods, chewing gum and toothpastes. Small exposures lead to low blood sugar and weakness, while eating large amounts can cause liver damage.

It is the tartaric acid in grapes and raisins that makes them such a hazard. Within the first 12 hours, dogs can develop a stomach upset. Much more worryingly, after 2-3 days, they can go on to develop acute kidney failure.

Household Chemicals, Medications and Antifreeze

Treat your pet like a nosy toddler when it comes to household poisons. Cleaners like bleach and oven cleaners are especially dangerous and can cause caustic burns to the mouth if licked.

Many of the medicines we take are toxic to our pets. Classic examples include decongestants, pain relief, and minoxidil (a medication used to treat hair loss).

Vets see more antifreeze toxicity cases in the winter, and cats seem in most danger as they enjoy the sweet taste. It can cause acute kidney disease, even in small amounts.

Toxic Plants

Many plants will cause stomach upset when ingested, but some can be life-threatening. Usually, the bulbs pose the highest risk. However, any part of the Yew Tree can be highly toxic, causing fatal cardiac arrest.

The Sago Palm is another especially dangerous plant, potentially causing haemorrhagic diarrhoea and liver failure. Another example of one to be on the lookout for is the Foxglove. Foxglove contains cardiac glycosides which disrupt the heart activity and there is no antidote.

Rodenticides

Rat baits are frequently put down in the home or garden, to eliminate mice and rats. However, dogs can be attracted to their colour and smell.

How Quickly Do Poisoning Symptoms Appear in Dogs?

The onset of symptoms is variable and can be anything from seconds to days.

Why Timing Depends on the Toxin

After ingesting rat bait, you may find your dog seems fine for a few days. It takes a while for the dog’s Vitamin K reserves to dwindle, causing bleeding and bruising.

Conversely, you will see signs within about an hour when a dog ingests parts of a Yew plant or blue green algae. These toxins are immediately potent, with rapid effects on the nervous and cardiac systems.

When to Call an Emergency Vet

Call the emergency vet right away if you have any suspicion your dog has been in contact with a toxin. They can help you determine if your pet could be in any danger.

How Is Poisoning in Dogs Diagnosed?

Your vet will likely already know the next steps and treatment plan, once you have told them what your dog has come into contact with.

Taking a History and Physical Exam

They’ll want to know things like the amount of toxin ingested, and how long it has been since the first exposure.

Your vet will also check your dog from nose to tail. They will want to assess for any current clinical symptoms, including things like pale gums, shaking, or an irregular heartbeat.

Diagnostic Tests

Typically, your vet will want to run some tests, to assess things like organ function or perhaps to check blood clotting ability.

While many owners expect vets to run specific tests to identify the toxin ingested, this is rarely an available option.

How Is Poisoning in Dogs Treated?

Therapy is going to include supportive care and, if available, the provision of an antidote.

Inducing Vomiting and Decontamination

When the patient is seen quickly, before the toxin has moved along from the stomach, vomiting can sometimes be induced. The vet may also decontaminate the gastrointestinal tract by administering activated charcoal, providing intravenous fluids, and/or performing gastric lavage.

Your vet will direct you on the most appropriate option. Vomiting, for example, may not be induced if the substance is caustic and likely to damage the foodpipe.

IV Fluids and Supportive Care

Fluids help support the body by maintaining hydration and circulation, particularly if an animal has been vomiting, has diarrhoea, or is reluctant to drink. They also provide valuable support to the liver and kidneys, which may be under increased strain while processing and eliminating toxins from the body.

Antidotes for Specific Toxins

In a small number of cases, specific antidotes exist. This is seen when we give Vitamin K to those who have ingested rat bait, or ethanol to those who have eaten antifreeze.

Can Poisoning in Dogs Be Prevented?

If you’ve got a curious dog, or one with an insatiable appetite, it can be tricky to prevent all toxicities. However, certain measures are worth employing.

Keeping Toxic Foods and Substances Out of Reach

Don’t eat toxic foods where they could be dropped near your dog. As a good example, toddlers should not be given foods like raisins unless the dog is kept in another room!

Pet Proofing Your Home and Garden

It is wise to keep all medicines and cleaning products behind locked doors. Any plants should be non-toxic to pets. If you are using slug baits or rodenticides, consider products that do not harm pets.

Saving Emergency Vet and Poison Control Numbers

It is worth having your local emergency clinic’s number saved on your phone, alongside the vet poisons hotline.

Get Veterinary Advice for Your Dog

Contact us right away if you are concerned that your dog has been poisoned. Try to have all of the required information to hand, including the exact name of what has been eaten, as well as the quantity.

Poison Symptoms in Dogs: FAQs

Is dog poisoning an emergency?

Poisoning certainly has the potential to be an emergency. Some toxins can be life-threatening, so it is always sensible to seek veterinary advice.

How long does it take for poison symptoms to show in dogs?

The time to onset of symptoms depends on the toxin and the amount ingested. Usually, we expect to see signs within a few hours but some toxins will only cause signs several days after exposure.

What should I do if my dog ate something poisonous?

If your dog has eaten something poisonous, immediately stop their access. Call the vet, who can guide you on the next steps. Never attempt to induce vomiting from home.