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  • Dog Poisoning

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    Signs of Poisoning in Dogs

    Signs include bleeding externally or internally, dilated pupils, drooling or foaming at the mouth, seizures, or other abnormal mental state or behavior, such as hyperexcitability, trembling, depression, drowsiness or coma, shock and/or collapse, swollen, red irritated skin or eyes, ulcers in the mouth or burned lips, mouth or skin, vomiting, or diarrhea.

    What are the common causes of poisoning in dogs?

    • Accidental ingestion
    • Animal abuse
    • Eating food that may be toxic to a dog
    • Eating garbage
    • Improper medication given to a dog
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    Emergency Steps

    1

    Poisons can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed topically.

    2

    Call your vet or veterinary emergency hospital immediately. If your pet is already exhibiting signs of poisoning take your dog to the veterinary hospital immediately.

    • Be ready to tell the vet what was taken, when, how much, and give your dog’s vital signs and weight. Your vet may have you call the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) before coming to the hospital.
    3

    For the inhaled poison, get your dog into fresh air immediately.

    4

    For the topical poison, ask the vet if you can wash the poison off.

    • Some poison is activated by water.
    5

    For ingested poison, ask the vet if you should induce vomiting.

    Dog Poisoning FAQs

    Toxic Substances

    If you suspect that your pet has eaten a poisonous substance, call your vet or an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Always have your pet’s weight, the time they could’ve eaten it, substance, and amount ingested. Your vet may have you call the ASPCA Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) before coming to the hospital (consultation fee may apply).

    What are the sources of poisoning in dogs?

    Many plants are poisonous to dogs; other poisons include:

    • Antifreeze
    • Drugs and alcohol
    • Household cleaning solutions
    • Chlorine
    • Lead-based paint
    • Potpourri
    • Rat Poison
    • Foods (such as chocolate, onions, moldy cheese)
    • Pesticides

    Should I induce vomiting for ingested poison?

    DO NOT induce vomiting until you speak with a vet or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435).

    How do I induce vomiting, if I am told to do so?

    Give household hydrogen peroxide (3%) orally, 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. Repeat this dose every 15 to 20 minutes, up to two times, while on the way to the veterinary hospital. Do not give syrup of ipecac.

    If the topical poison gets on my dog, should I wash the dog?

    Call your vet or the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435) first. Make sure it is safe for her to get wet (water activates some poison). You may be able to assist in ridding the dog’s body of a topical poison by washing your dog with large volumes of water and mild soap. Wear gloves so you do not get poison on yourself.

    What if the poison is a powder?

    Vacuum or brush the poison off; be careful about where it goes.

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    Information Provided Deborah C. Mandell, BS, VMD

    Dr. Debbie Mandell

    Pet First Aid information provided by Dr. Debbie Mandell, Professor of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine at the Veterinary Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania; American Red Cross National Pet Care Advisor for the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. Visit redcross.org/take-a-class/scientific-advisory-council to see how we work, members, sub councils, scientific reviews, and recent research.

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