home Audience 5 Is it possible to give a dog atoxil? Symptoms of poisoning in a dog: treatment at home, causes and signs of poisoning. How does protein intoxication manifest?

Is it possible to give a dog atoxil? Symptoms of poisoning in a dog: treatment at home, causes and signs of poisoning. How does protein intoxication manifest?

Every caring owner is upset by the health problems of their four-legged pet. Dogs love to chew on anything that is in bad shape. Therefore, there is a risk that the dog may be poisoned. In order not to miss the moment and to provide timely help to the animal with this illness, you need to know what to do in such cases.

Poisoning is the body’s reaction to toxic substances entering it. If assistance is not provided in a timely manner, it can lead to complications, as it causes severe intoxication of the body.

Often the owner is to blame for poisoning a dog. He can:

improperly store food;
leave medications and cleaning chemicals in a visible place;
not to notice that the animal is picking up food of unknown origin from the ground;
give too many meat products without tripe (leads to protein poisoning).

Most often, a dog gets poisoned through the fault of its owner.

Snake and insect bites also lead to intoxication. Toxic fumes in an unventilated room also cause intoxication.

Main symptoms of poisoning

When poisoned, the dog becomes apathetic and loses its appetite.

Symptoms depend on how the poisoning occurred: food or non-food.

In each case, the disease can proceed completely differently, often the symptoms are similar to an infectious disease. The main difference in the manifestation of food and non-food methods is severity of symptoms and risk of complications . In other cases, the symptoms are similar:

apathy and loss of appetite;
severe thirst that continues for a long time;
impaired coordination of movements;
uneven, intermittent breathing;
diarrhea;
(the main sign of food poisoning);
which can paralyze the dog (typical for the non-food method);
bleeding when chemicals enter the body;

Primary signs of poisoning appear after 2–3 hours. If you show the animal to the veterinarian in time, the risk of unpleasant consequences will be reduced to a minimum.

Signs of protein intoxication

The dog experiences baldness due to protein intoxication.

Sometimes the cause of an overdose of toxins can be an incorrect diet.

A caring owner, due to his ignorance, gives his pet a lot of meat products containing a large amount of protein. remember, that The right meat for a dog is tripe, which contains many carbohydrates necessary for the animal.

This approach to nutrition can easily lead to protein intoxication. Helping your pet will be easy. If you pay attention to the following symptoms in time:

urine changes color and acquires an unpleasant odor;
the coat loses its brightness and becomes rough;
the dog may become locally bald. Mainly on the tail, but sometimes extends to the ridge and muzzle;
peeling of the skin, especially noticeable when combing;
weight gain slows down.

Signs of protein poisoning appear after several weeks. Protein has accumulative properties, so symptoms are not immediately visible. Basically, they do not cause serious discomfort to the dog.

Rat poisoning: common symptoms and main antidotes

Rat poison is a collective name for all poisons intended to kill rodents.

A dog can become poisoned by catching an infected rodent.

An animal can become poisoned in two ways.

In the first case, infection with toxins can occur if the dog ate poison that was intended to poison rodents.
In the second case, the poison can affect the animal if it has eaten a rodent poisoned by this poison.

Rat poison affects the dog’s body in the following way: the toxic substances contained in the poison enter the pet’s gastrointestinal tract, from where they penetrate the blood. As a result, the blood loses its ability to clot.

General symptoms

The first symptoms of rat poison damage can be noticed after 3–4 days. Most often this is fever, vomiting, and general malaise. The dog loses activity and refuses to eat. In case of poisoning with rodenticides (one of the types of toxins), bleeding from the nose and gums and difficulty breathing are observed.

If poisoned by rat poison, the dog's temperature will begin to rise.

If the degree of toxic substances is more serious, then the symptoms intensify: heavy bleeding occurs with vomiting, diarrhea and coughing. The dog feels pain in the stomach. In this case, you need to immediately show your pet to a competent specialist.

When the body is attacked by zinc phosphide, the dog may lose consciousness and experience convulsions. He will be tormented by thirst and difficulty breathing.

Treatment and necessary antidotes

In this case, serums with antitoxic properties would be appropriate. They are also used for snake and insect bites. They are especially effective at the initial stage of the disease.

Before the veterinarian arrives, you should give your dog activated charcoal.

Before the veterinarian arrives, you need to provide first aid to your pet yourself. If less than 4 hours have passed since the poison entered the body, then need to induce vomiting (just put a little salt on the base of your tongue). After that give an absorbent drug (activated carbon or others). Next (you can use a weak solution of potassium permanganate) and give the dog as much water as possible.

How to treat poisoning in a dog at home

Every dog owner knows about the possibility of poisoning of their beloved pet. This can happen for several reasons. A dog can become poisoned by accident by eating a product of unknown origin while on a walk. Often dogs suffer due to the fault of the owner who does not remove household chemicals in a timely manner. Sometimes the culprit is an angry neighbor who doesn't like dogs. In any case, if signs of poisoning are detected, you should immediately call a veterinarian.

If harmful substances get on your dog’s skin, you need to wash them off with warm water.

While the doctor is on his way, you can alleviate your pet’s condition at home.

If toxic substances get on the skin, you need to wash them off quickly with warm soapy water . If your pet has inhaled harmful fumes, provide him with fresh air. If the body is exposed to carbon monoxide, wash the animal's mouth and eyes with a three percent soda solution. To remove harmful substances from the body, you need to give activated carbon or Enterosgel. Half an hour after taking the adsorbent, give the dog a laxative.
But also the victim's stomach should be rinsed by inducing vomiting . Please note that this may not be possible in all cases. If you do not know the exact cause of the poisoning, then you should not carry out such a procedure. If a pet is poisoned by petroleum products or acids, then their return from the body can lead to burns of the larynx.

Treatment prescribed by the doctor

How the treatment will proceed after first aid is provided will be determined by a specialist. The doctor prescribes several points to completely neutralize toxic substances:

Taking diuretics. Furosemide is usually prescribed.
If it is known what kind of poison the animal was poisoned with, then an antidote is prescribed.
Injections with a solution of salt or glucose are used.
They put on a drip: glucose, Trisol, etc.

Furosemide is a diuretic drug.

Be sure to prescribe a strict diet. On the first day, food is contraindicated. Then you can gradually introduce meat broths with rice. Dairy products are strictly prohibited during the treatment period.

Necessary measures to prevent poisoning

It is always better to prevent a disease than to treat it.

To reduce the risk of possible poisoning, you need to train your dog to be tidy : eat only from your own bowl, do not pick up food from the ground, do not take treats from someone else’s hands without the owner’s permission.
When bathing, do not use household chemicals . It is better to buy a special product for bathing dogs. It is very important to hide all medications away from the animal. Monitor the expiration dates of the food and its proper storage. Walk in a clean area, away from trash. Nutrition should be balanced and contain the full range of essential vitamins and minerals.

No one is immune from various diseases. Everyone gets sick: both people and animals. Poisoning a pet is always unpleasant. It is important to remember: we are responsible for those we have tamed, so pay attention to your pet. Then the risk of encountering an unpleasant illness will be lower. Take care of your pets.

Video about first aid for a dog in case of poisoning

Poisoning is a fairly common illness in dogs. It is most often caused by household substances that seem completely harmless to us. It is foods or medications that are common to us that can become life-threatening for a pet.

Why is poisoning dangerous?

Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on what specific substance was the trigger and how much of it entered the body. Effects may include gastrointestinal and neurological disorders, cardiac and respiratory failure, coma and even death. Some toxins have a cumulative effect, and it will take a long time to recognize the signs on your own.

This means that early signs of poisoning may go unnoticed; the dog is attributed to a playful state of “under the fly”, which is attributed to general fatigue or a temporary lack of vitamins. At the same time, the disease progresses, involving more severe consequences. In other cases, the reaction may be immediate and aggressive, showing clear signs of poor health. Although cases of poisoning are relatively rare, and most victims survive, there is much in our “safety” environment that is unsafe for a dog’s health.

Types of poisoning

Types of poisoning are divided according to the type of substances that caused intoxication, as well as the routes of their penetration into the body. There are two main distinguished types:

food poisoning;
non-food poisoning.

In the first case, toxins enter the animal’s body through the esophagus. The source of infection can be spoiled food, household chemicals, medications, etc. In rare cases, particularly severe toxins can penetrate the body if the animal simply licks them from the fur during normal licking.

Important! In case of non-food poisoning, toxins enter through the skin or respiratory system. This may include poisonous insect or snake bites, or inhalation of dangerous fumes, gases or smoke.

One of the most common methods of poisoning is the consumption of toxic substances in food or drink. The variety can range from a licked puddle of antifreeze from a damaged radiator to larger volumes of another type of toxin.

Symptoms of poisoning in a dog

Symptoms of dog poisoning may include any combination of the following. Depending on the severity and duration of poisoning, as well as the type of toxin that provoked the reaction.

Loss of appetite

Changes in a dog's eating habits are usually the first sign of illness. The animal may stop showing interest in previously favorite food or even gourmet dog treats. If your dog skips one meal without showing other symptoms of poisoning, this is not a cause for concern at all. But if your pet skips several meals in a row and other symptoms appear, contact your veterinarian immediately for qualified help.

Excessive drooling

Drooling is usually a warning sign of nausea. And excessive drooling can be a sign of food poisoning, which is followed by foaming at the mouth.

Vomit

Vomiting is another sign of poisoning. Vomit may contain blood. This happens, for example, when poisoning with rat poison, which provokes internal bleeding. If the dog starts vomiting, try to take a sample of the vomit, so that it will be easier for the veterinarian to figure out the source of the poisoning after special tests. In some cases, the owners, assuming that the pet has consumed a toxic substance, try. This should not be done independently, without the approval of a veterinarian. In some cases, this can cause even more harm. Therefore, the only correct decision is to immediately seek qualified help.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea may also contain bloody spots. This indicates the presence of internal bleeding. The stool may also take on a greenish, yellow, or even black tint. It can also be triggered by the treatment process, when they tried to eliminate the effects of poisoning with an excessive amount of water.

Rash or skin irritation

Typically, this reaction is observed if the poison enters the body through contact with the skin. For example, if a dog has been in contact with poison ivy, he may develop a rash in the areas where his body touches the plants. You can also watch:

redness and irritation;
fluid-filled blisters;
swelling and rash;
constant itching.

Lethargy

Lethargic behavior may be caused by the general damaging effects of the toxin, but it may also be a sign that the toxin is also affecting the heart muscle. If the dog looks lethargic, does not want to go for a walk, play with his favorite toys and even his owners, there is an extreme lack of energy. If such weakness lasts more than a day, even without other accompanying symptoms, you should consult a veterinarian for advice, a more detailed examination and testing. If there are other “companions” of poisoning, you also need to seek help.

Loss of coordination

This symptom usually indicates that the brain has been damaged by a toxin that is poisoning it.. The dog may crash into objects around his home, fall, or have difficulty moving. Essentially, it is dizziness that causes loss of coordination. For example, xylitol, a substance found in peanut butter, can cause a lack of coordination within ten minutes of ingestion.

Tremors or seizures

First aid at home

Many times, dog owners delay seeking medical attention in case of poisoning because they are not entirely sure what happened. Timely seeking help often plays the most important role in saving the animal and speeding its recovery. If the owner has any suspicions about the health or well-being of his pet, it is important to call the veterinarian immediately and hospitalize the dog. Especially if signs of poisoning were found.

As first aid for an animal, the only one hundred percent correct thing is to collect the maximum amount of information. The doctor’s awareness allows him not to waste time solving “puzzles”, but to begin direct assistance.

If the doctor allows it, you can provoke vomiting in the dog.. To do this, you need to give her a warm salt solution. To do this you need to stir 1 tbsp. l. salt in 1 glass of warm water. If the poison got through the skin through an insect bite, you can apply gauze moistened with vinegar or alcohol to the bite site. If the poison remains on the fur, wash off the residue with running water. In case of intoxication with poisonous gases, the first thing is to take the animal into fresh air. In all cases, hospitalization is necessary.

Treatment and prevention

After your pet arrives at the veterinary clinic, the veterinarian will conduct a series of tests and analyzes to determine the condition of the animal and identify the toxin that caused the poisoning. After this, a number of measures are taken:

cleansing measures for the stomach and intestines (lavage, enema);
if necessary, the dog is given an antidote appropriate for the poison;
to more quickly rid the body of toxins, the animal is given diuretics;
if necessary, maintenance therapy is provided for internal vital organs - heart, kidneys, liver;
doctors are fighting to normalize breathing;
if there are seizures, they are relieved with the help of special medications;
during bacterial poisoning, it is appropriate to use a course of antibiotics.

As for prevention, it is quite real. The fact is that dogs are not particularly picky in terms of food, its taste and beneficial qualities. In addition to the fact that they easily eat everything that their owners put on their plate, the majority also constantly chew on something extra, without the knowledge of people or their permission. Thus, the risk of dooming the animal to suffering increases significantly.

Important! The first mistake is to believe that a dog’s stomach is stronger than a human’s and can cope with anything in the world. It is not right. You should not feed your pet food that is already time to be thrown away.

Also, do not trust dog food of dubious quality. Suspiciously cheap food, even if it does not become a source of poisoning, is not capable of providing the body with all the necessary substances. With such nutrition, the animal becomes more vulnerable to disease. You should not let the dog out of sight. After all, a dog can easily feast on the “gastronomic delights” of a garbage can, dangerous insects, vegetables from the garden treated for pests, etc.

After accidental ingestion of poison into the body or as a result of someone’s malicious intent, signs of poisoning in dogs appear to varying degrees. It is extremely important to immediately take measures to remove toxins from your pet’s gastrointestinal tract in order to reduce its suffering and avoid death. In addition, you need to be able to accurately distinguish poisoning from other diseases with similar symptoms.

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs

The way a dog behaves when poisoned is sometimes very similar to the manifestations of infectious diseases. Owners often confuse poisoning with the initial stage of a viral infection, since in both cases the dog exhibits vomiting and refusal to eat. In order to take the right measures and not cause even more harm, you need to take a closer look at the dog’s behavior: with enteritis and has a foamy structure, it intensifies as the disease develops. Signs of obvious poisoning in dogs are when, in addition to vomiting and excessive salivation, symptoms of damage to the nervous system appear:

Poisoning a dog with rat poison

Rat poison can enter a dog’s body not only in its pure form, but also as a result of eating the carcasses of rodents that have died from the poison. If you suspect your pet has been poisoned by rat poison, remember that in dogs the symptoms of poisoning with this poison are as follows:

difficulty breathing due to pulmonary edema;
weakening of the pulse;
pallor;
vomit;
convulsions;
lack of urination.

Signs of poisoning develop within 2-3 hours after eating the poison. With timely measures taken, in most cases it is possible to achieve a favorable outcome. The first thing to do, if no more than 4 hours have passed since the poisoning, is to induce profuse vomiting by rinsing the stomach with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, and then give the dog an absorbent (“Polysorb”, “Enterosorb”). Next, you need to feed the animal mucous decoctions - rice, rolled oats, flaxseed.

Poisoning of dogs with isoniazid

Isoniazid or tubazid is a medicine for tuberculosis. Most dogs become victims of poisoning with this substance as a result of the actions of so-called dog hunters. The danger of the drug is that dogs cannot metabolize the substance effectively. It is absorbed into the blood very quickly, so the first signs of a dog being poisoned by poison appear after half an hour. The dog “skids”, it looks clearly weakened, there is profuse salivation, vomiting blood, convulsions, respiratory depression and coma. If action is not taken within an hour, death occurs.

The first thing to do while the dog is still conscious is to induce vomiting by giving it a saline solution or a solution of hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio with water. After this, the drug is immediately administered - the antidote isoniazid. This is done intravenously or intramuscularly at the rate of 1 ml per 5 kg of animal weight. Next, you can give the dog “Polysorb” or “Enterosgel”, after which you need to immediately take the dog to the veterinarian.

Food poisoning in a dog

If a dog has eaten spoiled food or something not typical of its diet, for example, sometimes chocolate poisoning occurs in dogs, it may experience an acute reaction from the gastrointestinal tract. It would be a mistake to believe that the dog’s body will cope with this on its own, that this is a trivial problem that will solve itself after a couple of days. If timely assistance is not provided, serious complications and even death can occur. What are the symptoms of food poisoning in a dog and how to treat it:

the dog becomes apathetic, does not respond to commands, refuses to eat and drink;
periodically begins to behave very restlessly and inappropriately;
breathing is disrupted and becomes irregular;
more serious symptoms are convulsions, bloody vomiting and diarrhea due to the further development of the disease in the absence of help.

You can help the animal with the help of urgent measures:

induce vomiting mechanically or give her a solution of potassium permanganate;
give her activated carbon or another absorbent;
perform an enema.

Protein poisoning in dogs

You can understand that a dog has been poisoned due to feeding low-quality industrial food or exclusively meat food by the following signs:

hair loss occurs on the back, above the tail, on the muzzle;
the coat becomes dull, hard and brittle;
dandruff appears - dying skin flakes;
the dog is constantly itching;
weight loss occurs;
the urine darkens and acquires a pungent odor.

All these signs of protein poisoning in dogs do not appear immediately, but gradually, 4 weeks after the introduction of poorly balanced, often cheap food into its diet. Treatment in this case consists of switching the dog to another, more suitable food or reducing muscle meat in the diet and symptomatic treatment of the coat and skin - bathing in special shampoos, taking antihistamines to reduce itching.

Poisoning a dog with tick repellent

lethargy;
uncertain shaky gait;
the appearance of dry or weeping eczema at the site where the collar was worn or the product was applied;
restlessness, scratching the affected area of skin.

Arsenic poisoning in dogs

Develops as a result of careless storage of poison or deliberate baiting of an animal. Poisoning a dog with arsenic gives the following symptoms after just half an hour:

the dog rubs its face with its paws;
she has acute attacks of vomiting;
diarrhea the color of rice water;
barking becomes hoarse, intermittent, silent;
movement becomes difficult;
paw cramps are observed.

In the absence of immediate help, arsenic poisoning ends in death. Emergency first aid consists of giving the dog water with vinegar (1 tsp per 250 g of water) or citric acid (3-4 g per glass). After this, you need to urgently take the dog to the veterinarian or call him to your home. To prevent such poisoning, you need to wean your dog from eating food on the street and accepting food from strangers.

Boric acid poisoning in dogs

If boric acid enters the four-legged body, poisoning in the dog is manifested by the following symptoms:

nausea and vomiting appears;
diarrhea accompanied by bloody discharge;
temperature drops to 36 °C;
cardiac activity decreases;
a red rash covers the skin;
the dog hides in a corner, sits hunched over, shaking its ears;
twitching of muscle tissue is observed.

What to do if you see similar signs of poisoning in dogs:

give the animal a weak solution of potassium permanganate;
give burnt magnesia or liquid starch paste;
Call the veterinarian - you only have a few hours to save the animal.

Dog poisoning with zoocoumarin

Signs of poisoning in dogs with this type of rat poison are as follows:

weakness;
pallor of the mucous membranes;
lack of appetite;
dyspnea;
bleeding from the gums and nasal passages;
bleeding from the rectum, blood in the urine, coughing up blood.

In severe cases of poisoning, the animal dies from multiple hemorrhages, including subcutaneous ones. If your dog is poisoned, what to do immediately:

give the dog a sorbent;
administer vitamin K1 (Konakion) subcutaneously or orally - a specific antidote to zoocoumarin;
take the animal to the veterinarian or invite the veterinarian home, then strictly follow his instructions for taking Konakion; therapy lasts up to 8 days.

Mercury poisoning in dogs

Mercury is included in many chemical compounds used to treat seeds before planting and to treat wood. With prolonged contact of an animal with such compounds, it begins to gradually develop acute or chronic mercury poisoning. How to understand that a dog has been poisoned:

as a result of metabolic and gastrointestinal disorders, the dog develops diarrhea and anuria;
the animal becomes lethargic, depressed, depressed;
no urination;
appetite disappears, the animal gradually becomes exhausted;
convulsions appear, coordination of movements is impaired, and paralysis occurs.

In the absence of help, the animal dies within 5-10 days. The first emergency aid is to lavage the stomach with activated carbon crushed and diluted with water or a mixture of egg white and water. After this, the dog needs to be given a laxative - a decoction of marshmallow root, flaxseeds, milk. The antidote to mercury is the drug "Unitol", which is administered intravenously at the rate of 25 mg per kilogram of animal weight. For further treatment it is necessary to seek veterinary help.

How to save a dog from poisoning?

As you already understand, the measures taken largely depend on the specific source of poisoning. The general principles are to urgently lavage the stomach, take a sorbent and seek qualified help from a veterinarian. If you cannot independently determine the exact cause for treatment, food poisoning or paracetamol poisoning in dogs, or more serious poisoning, it is better to immediately call your veterinarian at home.

What to give your dog if he is poisoned?

So, the scheme of the first immediate actions in case of any poisoning of an animal and emergency treatment of poisoning in dogs is as follows:

Stop contact with the poison.
If the poison gets inside, induce vomiting (except in cases of poisoning with acid, petroleum products, caustic alkalis). To do this, give the dog a warm solution with table salt or soda, or prepare a solution of hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1 ratio and give it to the dog in a dose of 1 tablespoon per 3 kg of body weight.
If poison gets on your skin, wash it off with running water and baby soap.
In case of carbon monoxide poisoning, take the dog into fresh air and rinse the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes with a 3% solution of baking soda.
Call the veterinarian, and while he is driving, give the animal an adsorbent, after half an hour - a laxative and enveloping agent.

Feeding a dog after poisoning

The next day after the onset of vomiting, the dog should be kept on a fasting diet. What to feed your dog after poisoning: gradually introduce light food into the diet, first it will be broth, liquid decoctions of cereals, then liquid porridge and minced meat. Such food is easily digestible, quickly digested and does not form stagnation, which is important during the period when the stomach and intestines are vulnerable and the liver is not able to cope with the abundance of incoming products.

Poisoning in dogs is common. They can be caused by both poor quality food and toxic substances. Intoxication with some toxic substances can lead to death in a matter of minutes. This article tells you what to do if your dog is poisoned, what symptoms you should pay attention to, and when to take your animal to the vet immediately.

Causes of dog poisoning

Dogs are not very picky about food. They love to try everything, put it in their mouth and chew it. Poisoning can occur for many reasons:

when eating stale and low-quality food. A dog may eat rotten or spoiled meat; some animals are even attracted to the smell of such food. A dog can also be poisoned by expired dog food;
ingestion of medications or narcotic substances left by the owners in an accessible place by the pet;
consumption of dog poison or toxic substances. Nowadays, cases of intentional poisoning of dogs are very common. People who do this are called dog hunters. They place poison in places where pets walk, and can mix it into pieces of meat and bread;
the dog eating household chemicals and detergents. For example, an animal can drink from a bucket containing floor cleaning liquid, or eat a piece of soap;
chemical gases. This could be fumes, cigarette smoke, or chemical weapons. If a dog lives on the territory of an industrial enterprise, it may inhale chemical fumes;
due to contact of toxic substances with mucous membranes, fur or skin. This could be an incorrectly applied tick or flea treatment to the animal's skin;
house plants that are poisonous to animals are rhododendrons, daffodils, tulips, azaleas;
sweetener xylitol - it is fatal to the animal's body. Just one tablet can lead to hypoglycemic coma and death of the dog.

Please note that poisoning of a puppy can be caused by food that is incorrectly selected for its age.

Suspicious food - immediate action

If you notice that your dog has eaten something on the street and it seems suspicious to you, be vigilant. This is not the case when you should count on luck. Under no circumstances should you feed your dog immediately after poisoning. This can significantly worsen the situation by accelerating the absorption of the poison into the body.

When it comes to first aid, there are several steps you need to take. Follow the step by step instructions.

In every case of poisoning, the first step is to rid the body of further exposure to toxic substances. Induce vomiting in the animal. This can be done in several ways. Large amounts of water (but not with a salt solution, as this can lead to another type of poisoning in the dog). You can use hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting. Check the dosage with a specialist, as much depends on the breed of the dog, its weight and age.

Some owners are able to induce vomiting mechanically. You just need to press on the root of the tongue. But be careful! You yourself know firsthand about the power of your pet’s jaws. Do not use popular methods (salt, mustard, soda, etc.).

Unfortunately, even vomiting is not able to completely rid the dog’s body of the toxic substance, so you need to use sorbents. Activated carbon is perfect for this purpose. You need to give your dog medicine at the rate of 1 tablet per 10 kg of weight. Other sorbents applicable to humans (enterosgel, smecta, polyphepam, etc.) are also suitable. All these remedies are applicable even if you fail to induce vomiting.
Give the animal a saline laxative. The dosage is also clarified by a specialist. Thus, toxic substances will be eliminated from the body as quickly as possible.

After that, all you have to do is watch the dog. It is better to repeat the use of sorbents after some time. If deterioration is observed, repeat the operations. In parallel with providing first aid, try to contact a veterinarian.

Main clinical manifestations

Symptoms of poisoning in dogs develop within the first 24 hours after the toxic substance enters the animal’s body. Clinical manifestations depend on what exactly the dog was poisoned with, how the poison entered the body and its amount.

Below are the main signs of dog poisoning with various substances.

Food poisoning

If a dog is poisoned by food, the first symptoms may begin to appear within a few hours after eating. They may develop faster in a puppy.

Clinical manifestations of food poisoning:

general weakness of the animal, it becomes inactive, lethargic, refuses to play with its favorite toys;
poor appetite, the pet refuses to eat the food offered to it;
vomiting, first there may be food debris in the vomit, and then mucus, gastric juice and bile;
profuse diarrhea, stools are thin, watery, and may have a foul odor;
increased discharge of gases may be accompanied by intestinal colic, abdominal pain, and the animal whines and groans.

Poisoning with rat poison

impaired coordination of movements. The first thing owners notice is that their pet staggers when walking; it can fall to one side, crash into walls, or hit corners;
the appearance of cramps in all muscle groups. In this case, the animal’s head tilts back, its paws stretch out, and convulsions may be accompanied by the release of white foamy saliva from the mouth;
severe vomiting and diarrhea, which may contain blood.

Rules for providing first aid to a poisoned dog

All owners should know what to do if their dog is poisoned. When poisoned by drugs or poisons, there is no time to think, since the pet can die in a matter of minutes. First aid for a dog in case of poisoning is provided by the owners, after which the animal should be immediately taken to a veterinary clinic.

Remember that if a dog has been poisoned by an acid or alkali, it is forbidden to induce vomiting and rinse the stomach yourself! This will lead to further damage to the walls of the esophagus and stomach and severe internal bleeding.

Products that should always be in your first aid kit

There are several medications that a dog needs in one case or another. In order not to run headlong to the pharmacy to get them after an illness has occurred, always keep them in your first aid kit:

Vitamin B6 injections. It is also called "Pyridoxine". Available at any pharmacy.
Vitamin K1. Can also be purchased at a pharmacy. Only K3 can replace it (and even then partially). The special veterinary drug is not sold in Russia (but better check, times are changing).
Unithiol. This is an excellent antidote. It is quite expensive and can only be used with the permission of a doctor.
Atropine. It is needed only in exceptional cases. You most likely will not be able to purchase it, and this is correct, since the drug is extremely toxic. It should only be used by a qualified specialist.
Medicines that can cause vomiting. They are also quite dangerous to your dog's health if you use them incorrectly. Therefore, a doctor should supervise the intake.
Laxatives.
Furosemide or other diuretics.
Syringes.

There are several types of poisoning, and each of them requires a special approach to treatment. Below we describe in detail how to save your dog from poisoning and what to do before going to the vet.

Diet

As soon as you notice changes in your pet's well-being that resemble poisoning, remove his food bowl. On the first day of illness, the dog should fast. You can start eating only after the veterinarian's permission.

Hunger is necessary to rest and unload the digestive system. When poisoned by poisons and chemicals, there is a high risk of internal bleeding, which can be triggered by food.

Gastric lavage

Treatment at home should begin with gastric lavage. To do this, you will need a 20 ml syringe and clean table water at room temperature. Inject 20-40 ml of water into the dog's mouth and press with your finger on the root of the tongue. Don't be upset if you can't induce vomiting. Water will dilute the toxic substance in the stomach, reduce its concentration and negative effect on the mucous membrane.

Gastric lavage is contraindicated when:

coughing and black vomiting (symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding);
etching with acids or alkalis;
impairment of the animal's consciousness.

Do not add medications, potassium permanganate or herbal decoctions to gastric lavage solutions. Potassium permanganate is prohibited for use in animals; even in low concentrations it can cause burns to the mucous membrane.

When your dog consumes acids and alkalis, do not try to neutralize these substances. For example, if a dog that has been poisoned by vinegar (acid) tries to neutralize the contents of the stomach with a solution of peroxide (alkali), a powerful chemical reaction will occur in the stomach, resulting in the formation of a large amount of gas. The gastric mucosa may not be able to withstand it and burst.

Purgation

You can give your dog an enema yourself. Take a small bulb (50-100 ml volume), fill it with plain water at room temperature and insert it into the dog’s rectum.

Then you should wait until the animal goes to the toilet and repeat this procedure again. An enema should be done until clear water appears. Do not add medications or other substances to the colon cleanse solution.

Sorbents are a group of drugs whose action is aimed at binding and removing toxins from the digestive system. There are a lot of sorbents. They all differ in dosage. We will consider the rules for taking the simplest and most common sorbent - activated carbon. This drug can be found in almost every home medicine cabinet.

The dosage should be calculated based on the weight of the animal: per 10 kg – 1 tablet. For example, if the weight of an animal is 5 kg – half a tablet, if it is 30 kg – 3 tablets. You can give a little more, it won't do any harm. For example, if your dog weighs 17 kg, take 2 tablets rather than 1.5. Grind the required amount of activated carbon and mix it with 5-10 ml of plain water. Pour the resulting solution into the pet’s mouth through a syringe (without a needle).

Drinking regime

The process of soldering off a poisoned animal is long and painstaking. After vomiting and diarrhea, the dog is dehydrated. She should be given water little by little and often. Pour 5 ml of water into her mouth every 5-10 minutes.

Please note that in case of isoniazid poisoning, the dog must be given an antidote - vitamin B6 - within the first 30 minutes. If there are cases of intentional poisoning of dogs in the area where you live, buy this vitamin and always carry it with you. If necessary, administer it to your animal immediately. Consult your veterinarian in advance about the rules of dosing and administration of this antidote.

Treatment at a veterinary clinic

Only a veterinarian will be able to determine the exact cause of the animal’s poor health, make a diagnosis and tell the owners how to help the dog in this situation.

If the animal's condition is critical, it will be left in the hospital. In case of mild poisoning, the doctor will describe the rules of diet, drinking and schedule a visit to the clinic for injections and IVs.

Treatment for poisoning may consist of the following groups of drugs:

Do not self-medicate your pet. Even if he feels a little better after the first aid you provided, take him to the vet for an examination and consultation. Treatment at home can only be carried out after a doctor's prescription.

Prevention of dog poisoning

According to statistics, the most important cause of acute poisoning in dogs is the carelessness and inattention of the owners. Below are tips to help you protect your pet from poisoning:

check the manufacturing date of the food you feed your dog, do not give it expired food;
walk your pet in a muzzle, so you will be sure that he will not swallow anything on the street;
stop your puppy from picking up and eating something during walks;
Keep medications, detergents, cosmetics, and alcohol out of the reach of your dog.

Poisoning in dogs can lead to serious consequences and death. First aid is provided by the owners, after which the animal must be taken to a veterinarian. Self-medication can be not only ineffective, but also life-threatening for your pet.

A dog can get poisoned by accident, or it can be poisoned by an evil neighbor who is annoyed by its loud barking. In any case, for a loving owner, this is a real grief.

How to help your beloved pet if he is poisoned? We'll talk about this below.

Causes of dog poisoning

Dogs are not picky about food, they chew and grab everything you throw at them on the fly, so they can become poisoned under the influence of various substances. Of practical importance is the separation of the poison depending on the route of its entry into the animal’s body. Therefore, the following causes of poisoning are most likely.

The first signs of poisoning in dogs may be similar to the manifestations of infectious diseases. Owners especially often confuse poisoning and the initial stage of viral enteritis. This disease is also characterized by vomiting and refusal to feed. The owner assumes that the dog is sick and therefore does not eat anything. What to do, because in this case most first aid measures will only worsen the situation? Viral enteritis is characterized by white foamy vomiting, which gets worse as symptoms develop. And in case of poisoning, there are often signs of damage to the nervous system.

What are the symptoms of poisoning in dogs?

The main signs of poisoning in dogs include:

Providing first aid for dog poisoning

In any case, you should contact your veterinarian. Many poisons can have a delayed effect. But first you should provide first aid if your dog is poisoned.

Attention! You should not provoke vomiting in case of poisoning with petroleum products, caustic alkalis and acids. Since when these toxic substances pass back through the esophagus, a chemical burn can occur.

What to give your dog if he is poisoned?

It is advisable to drink milk only if the dog has been poisoned by salts of heavy metals (lead, mercury). Otherwise, it can cause harm by accelerating the absorption of poison from the stomach and intestines.

Treating a dog for poisoning

Treatment must be prescribed by a veterinarian. When a dog is poisoned, specific symptoms are important and therefore treatment can be quite narrowly targeted. At the clinic, if necessary, the animal will be given:

gastric lavage;
deep cleansing enema;
they will introduce a specific antidote - an antidote;
diuretics will be prescribed to speed up the removal of poison from the blood;
will carry out symptomatic treatment aimed at maintaining liver function, heart activity, and restoring breathing;
in case of severe convulsions, the administration of anticonvulsants may be required, and in case of food poisoning, treatment with antibiotics.

Treating the dog yourself

What to do at home if your dog is poisoned by a poison known to you?

Self-medication is only worthwhile if you are sure that the animal has been exposed to the following poisons.

After any food poisoning, the dog is kept for a day without food and given plenty of fluids. Feeding begins with small amounts of food, give easily digestible food:

Rehabilitation therapy is also carried out.

Remember that a veterinarian must prescribe medications. If you are unable to take your dog to a veterinarian, try to get a consultation by phone, describing the situation in detail.