The Danger Of Poisoning In Dogs

By Moses Wright

Poisoning in dogs can be serious and potentially lethal. Most dog poisonings are accidental, though many people tend to associate poisoning in dogs as a malicious act. Protecting the dog from toxic substances is the responsibility of the dog owner.

Antifreeze is a fairly common toxic substance that dogs ingest. dogs can become victims of antifreeze poisoning if they come in contact with open containers of antifreeze or antifreeze has spilled or is leaking from a car.

It does not take much antifreeze to kill a dog. The first signs of antifreeze poisoning is vomiting, staggering, confusion, restlessness, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Dogs may develop diarrhea, convulsions, and become unconscious.

The dog owner should contact the veterinarian immediately if the dog owner suspects the dog has been poisoned.

Another toxic substance responsible for some dog poisoning is rat poison. Poisoning in dogs from rat poison can cause diarrhea, nosebleeds, blood in urine, fever, muscle tremors, and vomiting. The dog has the best chance of recovery if treated promptly after the poisoning even though symptoms may not appear for several hours.

Poisoning from insect poison can cause seizures, especially in response to loud noises. Death can result from poisoning in dogs from insect poison. The dog owner should induce vomiting if the dog ingested insect poison.

Certain plants can be toxic to dogs. The symptoms of poisoning in dogs from plants vary depending on the type of plant ingested. The dog owner should consult a list of plants that are toxic to pets and avoid exposing the dog to these plants.

Cleaning chemicals and drain cleaner are dangerous for dogs. The dog owner should not induce vomiting for some household chemicals. Some chemicals would burn the dog's esophagus while the dog is vomiting which could increase the damage to the esophagus.

Poisonings in dogs need to be handled differently depending on the substance ingested. The dog owner should call the veterinarian or poison control immediately after suspecting the dog was poisoned. If necessary, inducing vomiting can be done by squirting hydrogen peroxide at the back of the dog's tongue with a turkey baster. - 29895

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