If your dog ingests or inhales any poisonous substance, a veterinarian's intervention is probably required. Symptoms can range from vomiting to lethargy to blood in the urine and seizures. If you suspect that your four-legged friend has poisoned himself, you must carefully observe him and the surrounding environment, then contact your veterinarian. If you know the cause of the poisoning, know that this is useful information that can help the doctor find the most suitable treatment.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Examine the Dog's Body
Step 1. Look inside his mouth
The gums and tongue of a healthy dog are generally pale or a little pink. If your pet naturally has black gums, check his tongue. If your gums and tongue are blue, purple, white, brick-colored, or very red, see your vet immediately. In these cases it means that there is something that is preventing normal blood circulation in the dog's body.
You can also try giving him the "capillary refill time" test to see if a possible poison is blocking his blood circulation. Lift his upper lip and press over a canine tooth with your thumb. Release your thumb and see if you notice a change in color where you pressed. The gum color should change from white to pink within two seconds. If there is a significant delay (more than three seconds), take him to the vet
Step 2. Check his heart rate
If your furry friend's heart rate exceeds 180 beats per minute, and you are concerned that he may have become intoxicated, see your doctor immediately. The normal heart rate of an adult dog at rest is between 70 and 140 beats per minute. Those of large size generally approach the lower limit of the range.
- You can check his heart rate by placing your hand on the left side of his chest, behind his elbow, resting it on his heart. Count how many heartbeats you hear in 15 seconds and multiply the value by four to find out how many there are in one minute.
- If you are a foresighted person, keep a journal by noting the dog's normal heartbeat for future reference. Some dogs have it faster by nature.
Step 3. Measure your four-legged friend's temperature with a thermometer
The normal range is usually between 38.3 and 39.2 ° C. If he has a fever, however, it does not necessarily mean the dog is poisoned, but it does indicate some general weakness. If he is stressed or excited, you may be sensing a falsely elevated temperature. If your dog is lethargic, looks sick, and has a high temperature, contact your vet right away.
Find a helper to measure the animal's temperature. One of you should hold his head, while the other inserts the thermometer into his rectum, directly under his tail. Lubricate the thermometer with petroleum jelly or a water-based lubricant. Use a digital model
Part 2 of 3: Recognizing Strange Behavior
Step 1. Pay attention to your dog's balance
If you see that he is wobbling, disoriented, or dizzy, he may be suffering from neurological or heart problems, as well as low blood sugar caused by poisoning. Again, you should go to your vet immediately.
Step 2. Check for vomiting and diarrhea
Both are quite unusual in dogs and are a reaction of his body trying to excrete poisonous foreign substances. Examine the contents, color, and consistency of the vomit or stool. The stools are generally quite firm and brown. If they turn watery, yellow, green, or black instead, contact your doctor.
Step 3. Check his breathing
A little labored breathing is almost always normal in dogs, it is their way of expelling heat. But if you are panting intensely and persistently for more than 30 minutes it can be a sign of breathing or heart difficulty. If you notice wheezing or crackles when he breathes, you need to intervene right away and take him to the doctor. If the dog has ingested anything, it could put his lungs at risk.
You can determine the animal's respiratory rate by observing its chest and counting how many breaths it takes in 15 seconds and multiplying the result by 4 to get breaths per minute. The average in a healthy dog is 10-30 breaths per minute
Step 4. Be careful if you suddenly lose your appetite
If you stop eating suddenly, it could mean that you have ingested a toxic substance. Call your vet if you notice a lack of appetite for more than 24 hours.
Part 3 of 3: Asking for Help
Step 1. Make a detailed note of the dog's symptoms
Note when they start and record any actions you take to relieve them. The more information you can include, the easier it will be for your doctor to help you.
Do not give your dog fluids if he has ingested a poisonous substance, otherwise it may help spread it faster throughout the body
Step 2. Identify the cause
Take a tour all around the house and in the yard to check for potential poisons for the animal, such as rat poison, antifreeze liquid, wild mushrooms or fertilizers. Check for overturned boxes, damaged drug or chemical containers, spilled liquids, or chemical spills.
- If you are concerned that your furry friend has ingested a poisonous product, check the label on the package for warnings and instructions. Most products that contain toxic substances have a company phone number that customers can call for advice. Here is a list of poisonous substances that can be easily ingested by the dog:
- Spontaneous mushrooms (in this case it is necessary to check them individually in a mycological guide).
- Moldy nuts.
- Oleander.
- Lilies / bulbs.
- Dieffenbachia.
- Digital.
- Cleaning products.
- Snail baits (based on metaldehyde).
- Pesticides.
- Herbicides.
- Some fertilizers.
- Chocolate (especially dark or semi-bitter).
- Xylitol (sugar-free chewing gum).
- Macadamia nuts.
- Onions.
- Grapes / raisins.
- Yeast dough.
- Alcohol.
Step 3. Call a poison control toll-free number or your vet
Poison phone service isn't just for people, as poisons have similar effects on people and dogs, so phone operators will be able to give you advice for your four-legged friend as well. Alternatively, call your vet. Describe the symptoms and possible causes of accidental poisoning. Clarify with him any doubts you may have about intoxication and ask him if the symptoms warrant immediate intervention at a veterinary clinic.
Do not make your dog vomit unless clearly instructed to do so. Typically, after 2 hours the substance is already out of the stomach. Furthermore, if the animal is experiencing respiratory problems, is vacillating or partially conscious, these are all more reasons not to cause it to vomit, because it could suffocate it
Step 4. Take your pet to a veterinary clinic
Timing is key in treating accidental poisoning. If symptoms persist even after the vet's initial diagnosis, take your dog to a specialized clinic immediately. Look for the nearest facility that provides 24-hour assistance if symptoms persist over the weekend or into the night.
