Causes, Symptoms and Treatment For Dog Poisoning

Table of Contents

Causes | Chemicals | Foods | Medications | Plants | Hotline | Q&A

Summary:

"There are a number of everyday substances that can lead to dog poisoning. This includes plants, chocolate, grapes, insecticides, artificial sweeteners (xylitol) and even common human medications.

Signs of poisoning in dogs vary based on the toxin. Look for the classic signs of poisoning in dogs including gastrointestinal distress (diarrhea and vomiting), mouth sores and irritation, weakness, appetite loss, a lack of coordination, seizures and collapse.

Common signs include but are not limited to:

  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • weakness
  • changes in heart rate
  • abdominal pain
  • difficulty walking
  • seizures
  •  appetite loss

Seek immediate emergency veterinary attention if you believe that your dog has been poisoned. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a poison hot-line (see below) or veterinarian. Inducing vomiting when a caustic substance such as a household cleaner has been swallowed can harm the dog. Be sure to tell the vet the amount swallowed,  the time or how long ago it was swallowed, the weight of your dog and any symptoms. Treatment includes washing any skin surfaces exposed to the toxin, stabilizing the patient such as breathing and circulatory status, decontamination of the body through vomiting or charcoal, and supportive care.

The phone number for the ASPC Animal Poison Control Center is (888) 426-4435."

Dog Poisoning Sources
Leading Sources of Dog Poisoning Include Medications, Household Cleaners, and Food

Overview: Causes

Veterinarians will want to know the cause of any poisoning in order to decontaminate and detoxify the patient. The first priority is to stop any toxic substance from being further absorbed into the body. Depending on the cause, a veterinarian could recommend vomiting, cleaning the skin or flushing the eyes. Many of the causes and solutions are described below in the quick reference table and by following the links below:

Top Causes of Dog Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment

Poison

Symptoms

Remedy
Chocolate
 Depends on the type, but usually includes vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, increase urination, hyperthermia. In chronic cases there can be heart problems, tremors and seizures. Symptoms are seen when a dog ingests more than 20mg of the chemical theobrromine.
 Induce vomiting if within 4 to 6 hours of chocolate being ingested if there are no symptoms (chocolate will stay in the digestive tract for this period of time after ingestion)Treatment includes several doses of activated charcoal.  Depending on the severity of the problem, treatment can include fluid therapy in a veterinarians office, something to stop the vomiting, sedation and heart monitoring. Frequent walks to encourage urination are used to help clear the body. Chocolate can take 17 hours to move through the body, with symptoms starting to appear up to 72 hours after it is eaten. A minority of dogs will develop pancreatitis from eating chocolate, particularly if the chocolate contains nuts such as macadamia nuts.
(all types of grapes)
 Can lead to renal failure since it believed that dogs cannot metabolize part of the fruit. Since fruits cannot be broken down, they stay in the gastrointestinal system for a long time. Can result in vomiting hours after being eaten.

After 12 to 24 hours symptoms of grape or raisin poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia (appetite loss0, abdominal pain, bad breath, diarrhea.

There is no medically determined minimum number of grapes needed to result in toxicity and symptoms. Because of this, all cases should be treated.

50% of dogs that ingest grapes or raisins develop no clinical symptoms.
 One dose of activated charcoal can help to prevent absorption. Kidney failure can start after 24 hours along with hypercalcemia (too much calcium in the blood) and phosphates in the blood. Kidney failure results in the body not being able to remove waste products. This can result in large urine output over which the dog has no control, which in turn causes dehydration and the dog to be more thirsty. As the kidney failure progresses it can lead to a diminished capacity to urinate.
(Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen and naproxen). Can also be caused by veterinary medications such as Carprofen and Deracoxib, Etogesic and Previcoxib.
 Some breeds are more sensitive than others such as German Shepherds.

Each medication causes toxicity at different levels.

Signs of NSAID dog poisoning include vomiting with blood, diarrhea, anorexia (appetite loss), stools that contain blood, lethargy, malaise, dehydration, bad breath.
 Dogs are decontaminated with activated charcoal over multiple doses. Fluid therapy may be needed to assist blood flow in the kidneys for 1 to 3 days.  Medications might be needed to stop convulsions.
Depression Drugs (serotonin re-uptake inhibitors or SSRIS) such as Prozac® or Paxil® and sertraline - Zoloft®
 Symptoms include vomiting, tremors, seizures, hyperthermia (high body temperature), diarrhea, abdominal pain, pupil dilation
 Dogs are decontaminated by activated charcoal. Muscle relaxants may be needed as well as anticonvulsants. Dog also may require fluid therapy, monitoring for heart function and blood pressure. Treatment should be at the veterinarians office since these drugs quickly cause clinical signs.
(natural sweetener found in many canine toxic food products such as gum, candy and some vitamins)
 Can cause severe poisoning within 15 to 30 minutes. More than .1g/kg is toxic.  Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, collapse, anorexia. Chronic cases can include bloody stools and jaundice.
 A veterinarian will immediately check blood glucose levels. If blood sugar levels are too low (hypoglycemia), the patient will be treated. Activated charcoal is not used since it does not effectively remove xylitol from the body. Dogs might need fluid therapy and treatment to restore blood sugar levels.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or Paracetamol
 Symptoms in dogs include dry eye, malaise, anorexia, changes in brain function, vomiting, blood in stool.
 Dogs will receive one dose of activated charcoal along with a medication to empty the bowels. Fluid therapy and an antioxidant may also be provided. A SAMe medication can help limit the formation of toxins.  If liver failure occurs the prognosis turns poor.
: There are several types of rodenticides. Color of the product alone does not indicate type.  Popular brands are described below: see below
  • Bromethalin (Assault®, Tomcat Mole Killer®, Talpirid®, Real Kill®, Clout®, Fastrac®, Vengeance®)
 Symptoms are seen within 2 to 24 hours. Symptoms include depression, abnormal behavior, lack of coordination, sensitivity to touch, seizures, coma. Other symptoms can include signs of paralysis and tremors.
 Treatment is with activated charcoal over multiple doses for 6 to 24 hours. Fluid therapy and oxygen support plus an elevated head may be needed.  The prognosis is based on the symptoms and amount eaten.
  • Phosphides (Gopha-Rid, Gopher Bait II, Rodenticide AG)
 Symptoms include tremors, seizures, death, gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting with blood, blood in stool
 Vomiting is induced in a well ventilated area since the rodenticide can create phosphine gas. Dogs are provided with an antacid before vomiting to decrease gas production. Activated charcoal is used after inducing vomiting to minimize the toxicity of the zinc phosphide in the products. Fluid therapy and medications to decrease vomiting may be needed.
  • Cholecalciferol (Vitamin D3 is used as a rodenticide, also found in creams and OTC or prescription vitamins)
 Vitamin D3 can cause symptoms such as renal failure (kidney failure). Symptoms can include increased thirst and urination, weakness, anorexia, lethargy, malaise, bad breath, dehydration, blood in the stool. Chronic cases can result in death.
 Treatment must be aggressive using vomiting and activated charcoal.  The patient may need fluid therapy and medications such as prednisone.
  • Anticoagulants (LAAC)
 Symptoms of an anticoagulant rodenticide include lethargy, exercise
intolerance, inappetence, pallor, cough, difficulty breathing and coughing up blood
 Vitamin K1 therapy is needed depending on the results of a PT test.
Cardiac Medications (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors)
 Symptoms include dizziness, weakness and heart failure.
 Treatment for heart medication dog poisoning includes inducing vomiting, stomach pump and administration of activated charcoal. Patients will need to have blood pressure monitored and possible fluid therapy.

Causes by Type:

Household Items, Insecticides and Chemicals

Note that new insecticides have eliminated many of the risks to dogs. Higher doses may still result in problems. If you dog lick's an insecticide, review ingredients with a poison hotline.

Household cleaners are caustic. Common types include dishwasher detergent, detergents and bleach. Diagnosis includes smell on the dog and symptoms such as salivation, excessive fluid in the circulatory system (edema), and bleeding from ruptured skin vessels. Eyes exposed to household chemicals need to be irrigated with sterile saline. Skin should be cleaned in a tap water bath. Vomiting is not encouraged if the patient ingested something caustic. An alternative is to provide water or milk. Treatment focuses on supportive care.

Dog Poisoning Example 3 - Antifreeze
Antifreeze is attractive and highly toxic to dogs. Poisoning is often due to puddles found by dogs when outdoors. Learn More

Medications Poisonous to Dogs

If a dog ate a personal lubricant such as KY Jelly it can cause vomiting or diarrhea, but is not toxic. Call you veterinarian to address gastrointestinal symptoms.

Environmental and Parasites

Food and Beverages Toxic to Dogs

Jerusalem Cherry - Example Dog Poisonous Plant
All parts of the Jerusalem Cherry Plant (Soanum pseudocapsicum) such as the yellow berries and red berries contain the toxin solanine that can produce severe gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system disorders such as seizures and depression.
Photo Credit:

Review our quick list of vegetables you can and cannot feed your dog.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs

See this page for a list of plants toxic to dogs, and related symptoms for each plant which includes vomiting and diarrhea and treatment options. Not that ingesting any plant can cause issue such as gastrointestinal upset and vomiting. If you think your dog ingested a poisonous plant, contact the APCC 24 hour hotline at (888) 426-4435.

Popular plants and if they are toxic listed below:

  • Azaleas (toxic to dogs): causes cardiac failure, weakness, diarrhea, weakness (toxic ingredient is called Grayantoxin).
  • Lilies (non-toxic to dogs)
  • Sago Palm (toxic to dogs): Causes issues such as liver failure, liver damage, coagulopathy (blood coagulation problem), bruising, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (sudden vomiting and bloddy diarrhea), increase in thirst, icterus (jaundice), melena (dark black feces), vomiting.

    Note that palm oil is not toxic to dogs, however it can cause symptoms such as pancreatitis (extreme cases), diarrhea, loose stools and dehydration.
  • Tulips (toxic to dogs): Causes hypersalivation, diarrhea, depression, vomiting.

Follow this link for a complete list of plants poisonous for dogs.

Plants Poisonous to Dogs (click for list, pictures and symptoms by plant)

Diagnosis

If you suspect your dog is suffering from dog poisoning, you need to take him to a vet. If you know what he ate, take it along with you. You or your vet can contact the local Poison Control Center (look in your phone book for the number) for information about treatment for that particular substance.

If you don't know what your dog ate but suspect poisoning, your vet will examine him and make a decision about treatment based on his symptoms. For example, strychnine is commonly used as a rat and mouse poisoning. Unfortunately, it is also a common substance for dog poisoning. Vets can diagnose it by its common symptoms, which include seizures that last about one minute in which the dog throws his head back, can't breathe, and turns blue. The slightest stimulation, such as tapping the dog or clapping your hands will initiate a seizure.

Even if your vet cannot diagnose what poisoned your dog, he or she can provide treatment.

Dog Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms associated with poisoning in dogs are specific to the substance ingested. Click on the page specific to each type of dog poison for complete list of symptoms and treatment suggestions.

In general look for the following symptoms:

For More Information and List of Dog Plant Poisoning Symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Convulsions

For More Information List of Dog Food Poisoning Symptoms:

  • Gastrointestinal Problems
    -- Vomiting-
    -- Diarrhea
    -- Convulsions

  • Excessive urination
  • Hyperactivity (from caffeine)
  • Fast breathing
  • Seizures

For More Information and List of Chemical and Household Dog Poison Symptoms

  • Vomiting
  • Seizures
  • Drinking excessive amount of water
  • Frequent Urination
  • Salivation and Drooling

For More Information and List of Dog Medication Poisoning Symptoms by Product

  • Hypersalivation
  • Tremors
  • Seizures
  • Heart arrhythmia
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Depression
  • Anorexia (appetite loss)

Treatment

Can A Dog Recover From Poisoning?

Yes, a dog can recover from poisoning depending on the cause. 

Dog poisoning treatment depends on the type of poison.

If your dog has a poisonous substance on his fur or skin, bathe him thoroughly. If it is an oily substance like gasoline, rub vegetable or mineral oil into the spot first, then wash with a mild soap and water. It's important to wash your dog as soon as possible so he doesn't lick the substance off his fur. If you think he already has been licking the substance, contact your vet.

When your dog has ingested a poison, the treatment may involve inducing vomiting. Your vet will give your dog a medication designed to make him throw up. In some cases, inducing vomiting can cause more problems. It depends on what your dog ate. That's why it's important to identify the poison if possible. Only induce vomiting at the direction of a dog health professional.

How Long Does Poison Stay in a Dog's System?

The length of time a poison stays in a dog's system depends on the cause of the poisoning. In the case of hydrocarbons (oil based products, turpentine, linseed oil, fuels, solvents, lubricants), a dog is observed for 3 to 4 days. 

How to Induce Vomiting

Do not induce vomiting if more than 2 hours from the time the toxic substance has been ingested. NEVER induce vomiting if the substance is a solvent, petroleum based product, acid or alkali.

To induce vomiting in dogs use hydrogen peroxide at one teaspoon per 30 lbs of dog body weight (3 teaspoons for 90 pound dog). Repeat 1x after 10 to 15 minutes if the dog did not vomit. Do not repeat more than 3 times. If you only have syrup of ipecac (hydrogen peroxide is recommended due to higher effectiveness) provide 1 teaspoon per 10 pounds of body weight. DO NOT use syrup of ipecac more than 1 times since it may be toxic for dogs.

Your vet may also give your dog activated charcoal to prevent the absorption of the poisonous substance. This is given orally, followed by water. The charcoal binds with the poisonous substance, preventing it from being absorbed by the body. A laxative may also be given so that the poison leaves your dog's system faster and the body absorbs less.

After your dog has been treated, a natural product formulated to improve liver health product like DetoxPlus may be of help.

Emergency Kit

ASPCA Dog Emergency Kit
This Dog Emergency Kit Recommended by the ASPCA Has Everything A Dog Parent Needs to Treat Dog Poisoning, Induce Vomiting and Address Emergencies
Shown: (click to learn more)

The ASPCA recommends that all pet owners keep the following items in a dog poisoning kit:

  • Dog carrier
  • Old towels
  • Muzzle
  • Forceps
  • Gloves (rubber or thick gloves)
  • Tomato juice or Skunk Off Spray
  • Dish washing liquid that cuts grease (helps to decontaminate skin)
  • Artificial Tear Gel for Eye lubrication after they have been flushed
  • Eye saline solution
  • Turkey baster or medical syringe, or bulb syringe
  • Can of soft dog food
  • Bottle of 3% solution (USP) hydrogen peroxide (check dating)

The complete ASPCA dog emergency kit can be inexpensively purchased from Amazon here.

Prevention

It goes without saying that any medications should be kept out of reach of dogs. Know that many medications, such as birth control pills, are packed in containers that are attractive to our pets. Other medications have a pleasant taste, also making them a target for an inquisitive dog. Also, don't leave medications in objects that are within reach of inquisitive dogs such as your pocket book or purse.

One common problem are human medications that stored next to dog medicines. Owners sometimes inadvertently reach for the human pills when they mean to provide the dog pills. Use a separate routine for pet and human medications.

Watching your dog outdoors and restricting the opportunity to hunt can reduce poisoning risk. A common source of poisoning is when a dog eat prey or insects that have been poisoned.Pests that have been poisoned are usually weaker, which is exactly what a dog would go after as prey.

Following the instructions for the Restricted Entry Interval found on insecticide labels when treating lawn areas. This indicates the amount of time needed before it is safe for a human or dog to go on a treated lawn. 

24 Hour Dog Poison Control Center

The ASPCA maintains a poison emergency center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your dog may have ingested a poisonous substance, call them at (888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card. You can also call the Pet Poison Helpline 24 hours a day/7 days a week in North America at  800-213-6680. They charge a small consultation fee.

Also, if you do not find the information you need here, check the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

Ask Our Vet A Question And We Will Answer It For Free

Have A Dog Poison Related Question For Our Vet? We'll Answer It For Free.

Do you have a Dog Poison related question for our Vet or a Helpful Story to Share? Please include information such as age, sex, breed, medical history (past diagnosis), medications your dog is taking, recent changes in behavior (lethargy, appetite), etc. Pictures are also helpful in identifying problems such as fluid accumulation in the abdomen.

We will do our best to get back to you quickly (depends on how many questions we receive each day). If you do require an immediate response (not for emergencies) we suggest using this online dog veterinary service that is available now.

For a medical emergency contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Poison Control Hotline in at (888) 426-4435 (U.S.)

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References for Dog Poisoning

List of Dog Poisons (Free PDF Download)

Brevitz, Betsy
Hound Health Handbook

Lee, J.
Associate Director of Veterinary Services, Pet Poison Helpline, Minneapolis, MN
CEO, VetGirl

Household Products (National Institutes of Health database)


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