My dog got poisoned by food, what should I do? - briefly
If your dog has ingested poisonous food, immediate action is crucial. Remove your dog from the source of the poison and contact your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline immediately for expert guidance tailored to your specific situation.
My dog got poisoned by food, what should I do? - in detail
If your dog has ingested potentially poisonous food, it's crucial to act swiftly and decisively to ensure their safety and well-being. Here are the steps you should follow:
Firstly, identify the source of the poison if possible. Common household items that can be toxic to dogs include chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, avocado, xylitol (a sugar substitute), and human medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. If you're unsure what your dog has ingested, any symptoms they are exhibiting can provide clues.
Common signs of poisoning in dogs include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, abdominal pain, seizures, and difficulty breathing. If you observe any of these symptoms, do not delay in seeking professional help.
Immediately contact your veterinarian or the nearest emergency animal hospital. Provide them with as much information as possible about what your dog has ingested and when it occurred. They can offer guidance tailored to the specific situation and may advise you to bring your pet in for immediate treatment.
Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Inducing vomiting can sometimes cause more harm than good, depending on the substance ingested. For example, if your dog has swallowed a caustic substance or a sharp object, vomiting could exacerbate the damage.
If your vet advises you to induce vomiting, hydrogen peroxide is often used. Give your dog 1 teaspoon of 3% hydrogen peroxide for every 10 pounds of body weight, up to a maximum of 3 tablespoons. This should be done orally and can take up to 15 minutes to produce results.
While waiting for professional help, keep your dog calm and comfortable. Avoid giving them any food or water unless directed by your veterinarian. Monitor their condition closely and note any changes in symptoms.
Once at the vet clinic, they will likely perform a physical examination and may run blood tests to determine the extent of the poisoning. Depending on the situation, treatment options can include administering activated charcoal to absorb the toxins, providing intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration, or using specific antidotes for certain poisons.
In cases where the ingested substance is known and there's a well-established antidote, such as with chocolate poisoning (theobromine), prompt administration of the antidote can be lifesaving. However, it's essential to let veterinary professionals handle this aspect of care.
Prevention is always the best medicine. Keep potentially harmful substances out of reach and educate family members about what foods are safe for dogs. Regularly reviewing and updating your knowledge on pet safety can help prevent such incidents in the future.