Poison for Dogs

This page looks at common poison for dogs, such as drugs, rat poisons, insecticides, and antifreeze. Also learn about the symptoms of dog poisoning here.

A poison is any substance or toxin that is harmful to the body. Being curious as they are, dogs quite often ingest poisonous substances when they are out exploring. They may have eaten something without the knowledge of their owners. As a result, the exact cause of poisoning may not be known in many cases.

It is therefore to our dogs' benefits for dog parents to learn about different common poisons for dogs, and the symptoms of dog poisoning. It is also useful to learn how to deal with the situation if our dogs have become sick as a result of poisoning.

Below is a list of common substances that are poisonous for dogs.

Poison for Dogs - Drugs

The most common cause of dog poisoning is the accidental ingestion of human and veterinary medications by the dog. Equally common is the unintentional overdose of dog medicines. Sometimes, dog parents give OTC human medicines to their dogs without consultation with their veterinarian, not knowing that drugs given to dogs in human dosages are often toxic, and some human drugs cannot be given to dogs in any amount.

Common human medications that are particularly problematic for dogs are pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) and acetaminophen (Tylenol). Dogs do not have the enzymes to detoxify and eliminate these medicines. As few as 2 Tylenol pills can produce severe organ damage in a medium-size dog.

Other human medications that are poisonous to dogs include antihistamines, sleeping pills, diet pills, blood pressure pills, and even vitamins.

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

Symptoms, which can develop rapidly, include adbominal pain, excessive drooling, vomiting, and weakness.

Treatment

If your dog has accidentally ingested some human drugs, induce vomiting immediately and call your veterinarian for further instructions. For some drugs, there may be an antidote.

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Poison for Dogs - Antifreeze

Another poison for dogs is antifreeze, which has a sweet taste that dogs like. Less than 3 oz (88 ml) of antifreeze is enough to poison a medium-size dog.

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

Symptoms of toxicity occur within 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion. Depending on how much antifreeze has been ingested, the dog may show signs of depression, vomiting, uncoordinated gait, and seizures. Coma and death can occur in a matter of hours. Even if the dog can recover from acute intoxication, he may develop kidney failure one to three days later.

Treatment

Induce vomiting immediately if you suspect your dog has ingested even a small amount of antifreeze. Then rush him to the veterinarian for further treatment. A specific antidote (4-methylpyrazole) is available to treat antifreeze poisoning.

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Poison for Dogs - Rat Poisons

Common rat poisons contain anticoagulants that block the synthesis of vitamin K, which is essential for normal blood clotting. Vitamin K deficiency results in spontaneous bleeding.

There are two generations of anticoagulants currently in use. The first generation (contains warfarin, hydroxycoumadin) requires multiple feedings over several days to kill the rat. The second generation (contains bromadiolone and brodifacoum) are 50-200 times more poisonous than the first generation and a single feeding can kill.

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

Symptoms of poisoning occurs a few days after exposure, and include abnormal bleeding from the nose and beneath the gums. The dog may vomit blood and have rectal bleeding. There may be bruises beneath the skin. Understandably, the dog will become weak and pale from blood loss.

Treatment

Rush your dog to the vet immediately. If possible, identify the type of anticoagulant from the product container because treatment depends on whether the poison was a first- or second-generationanticoagulant. Vitamin K1 is a specific antidote.

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Poison for Dogs - Insecticides

Different insecticides contain different poisons, such as:

Organophosphates and Carbamates
Insecticides that contain organophosphates and carbamates as their active ingredients are detrimental to dogs. In most cases, poisoning occurs because the dog has ingested a poison bait.
Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
Signs of toxicity include excessive drooling, diarrhea, frequent urination, weakness, staggering, collapse, and coma. Death is by respiratory failure.
Treatment
If you suspect your dog has ingested an insecticide poison, induce vomiting immediately and get him to the vet. There is a specific antidote for organophosphate poisoning (2-PAM).

Pyrethrins and Pyrethroids
These two compounds are present in many flea shampoos, sprays, dips, and foggers. Although they are less toxic than organophosphates and carbarnates, some dogs, especially small dogs, may develop adverse reactions to them.
Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
Signs of toxicity include excessive drooling, vomiting, depression, staggering, and rapid labored breathing.
Treatment
If you suspect your dog has ingested an insecticide poison, induce vomiting immediately and get him to the vet. For topical exposure, remove residual insecticide by bathing the dog in lukewarm water and canine shampoo. Rinse very thoroughly. Keep the dog warm after bathing.

Arsenic
Besides insecticides, arsenic is also used in herbicides and wood preservatives. Arsenic acts very rapidly and death can occur even before symptoms are observed. It therefore poses a major risk for accidental poisoning.
Symptoms of Dog Poisoning
Signs of poisoning include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, thirst, intense abdominal pain, paralysis, and death. The breath of the dog has a strong garlic odor.
Treatment
Rush your dog to the nearest emergency veterinary facility. BAL (British Anti Lewisite) is a specific antidote which should be given as soon as poisoning is suspected.

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Poison for Dogs - Household Cleaners and Chemicals

Household cleaners, dishwasher detergents, toilet bowl cleaners, drain decloggers, etc. all contain corrosive chemicals which, if ingested, cause burns of the mouth, esophagus, and the stomach.

Treatment

If your dog has ingested some household cleaner, DO NOT induce vomiting because it can result in rupture of the stomach and burns of the esophagus. Instead, rinse the dog's mouth immediately after contact and take him to the vet immediately.

If the poisonous substance is on the dog's skin, flush the area with water for 30 minutes. If the substance is in the dog's eyes, flush the eyes with cool water or a sterile saline solution for 15 minutes. After flushing, take your dog to the vet for further treatment.

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Poison for Dogs - Plants

There are quite a few plants, both inside the house and out in the yard or in the wild, that are poisonous to dogs. Some examples are lily-of-the-valley, azalea, foxglove, milkweed, rhododendron, poinsettia, and many others. For a complete listing of common toxic plants for pets, please visit the website of ASPCA.

Symptoms of Dog Poisoning

Since there are so many potentially poisonous plants, you can imagine there is a wide range of symptoms of dog poisoning.

Some symptoms include mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid labored breathing, staggering, seizures, coma, and death. Some plants may cause death without any signs.

Treatment

Induce vomiting if you suspect your dog has ingested a poisonous plant. Then call your vet for further instructions.