What to Do If You Think Your Dog Has Been Poisoned

Poisoning in dogs refers to any illness caused by exposure to harmful substances found indoors or outdoors, whether ingested, inhaled, or contacted externally. This guidance is about accidental poisoning, not deliberate harm.

Dogs are natural scavengers and may ingest or come into contact with toxic substances. Knowing how to recognise poisoning symptoms and what to do immediately can save your pet’s life. If you suspect poisoning, contact your vet without delay and be ready to describe the suspected toxin and symptoms.

Signs Your Dog May Have Been Poisoned

Various poisons can cause symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening. Watch for:

• Blood in stool or urine
• Bruising, broken skin or hair loss in patches
• Diarrhoea or vomiting
• Inability to urinate or abnormal urination
• Irregular heartbeat
• Lethargy or extreme weakness
• Reduced or absent appetite
• Bleeding from nose or mouth
• Seizures or trembling

If any of these occur, treat it as an emergency and contact your vet immediately.

Internal Poisoning: What Happens When Your Dog Eats Something Toxic

Common internal poisons include rat and mouse poisons, human medications like paracetamol, chocolate (due to theobromine), and toxic plants such as ivy and poinsettia. Symptoms usually fall into three categories:

• Blood loss symptoms: bruising, bleeding from nose or mouth, blood in stool or urine, potentially caused by rodent poisons or other toxins like onions or bracken fern.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: vomiting, diarrhoea, and inability to defecate, often caused by ingestion of medications, chocolate, or poisonous plants.
• Neurological symptoms: seizures, convulsions, unusual behaviour such as hyperactivity or extreme drowsiness, caused by ingestion of substances like alcohol, human medications, tobacco, insecticides, or even conkers.

What To Do If Your Dog Shows Symptoms of Internal Poisoning

1. Contact your vet immediately to describe symptoms and suspected toxin.
2. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed by the vet; this can be dangerous.
3. If you can, bring packaging or a sample of the toxin for reference.

External Poisoning: Contact with Toxic Substances

Toxic substances on the skin, such as cleaning products, bleach, or certain plants, can cause irritation, redness, swelling, or painful licking and scratching. Severe cases may include bleeding, blistering, or hair loss indicative of mange or external parasites.

What To Do If Your Dog Has Contacted a Toxin

1. Call your vet immediately.
2. If advised, gently wipe away the substance with kitchen roll or a clean rag while wearing gloves.
3. Only wash with water if specifically told to do so by your vet, as water can sometimes worsen the situation.
4. Move your dog to fresh air to reduce further exposure.

Immediate First Aid and Important Precautions

Stay calm and remove your dog from the source of poisoning. Do not induce vomiting or give any human medications or remedies unless directed by a vet. Early veterinary consultation is vital because some toxins have delayed or long-lasting effects. In case of skin contamination, washing as instructed helps but avoid self-remedies that might harm your pet.

What Will the Vet Do?

Veterinary staff might:

• Induce vomiting safely if appropriate and within a safe time frame since exposure.
• Administer activated charcoal to absorb toxins remaining in the digestive system.
• Provide intravenous fluids and medications to support your pet’s recovery.
• Hospitalise and monitor your dog in severe cases to manage complications.

Preventing Poisoning and Being Prepared

Keep harmful substances such as garden chemicals, human medicines, chocolate, and toxic plants out of your dog's reach. Around holidays like Easter, be extra vigilant to avoid access to treats like hot cross buns and chocolate. Save your vet’s phone number and the nearest emergency out-of-hours contact details. The Veterinary Poisons Information Service (Animal PoisonLine) offers 24-hour advice, though fees may apply.

Remember, prompt, professional action is the best protection against serious harm from poisoning. Never attempt home cures or delay veterinary consultation.