If you think your dog has been poisoned follow the emergency advice below!

If you are reading this out of interest, or for future reference, continue reading to discover more about poisoning…

EMERGENCY ADVICE

If you think your dog has been poisoned or you aren’t sure if a substance your dog has been exposed to is poisonous don’t take a wait and see approach. Seek veterinary advice immediately even if your pet is not currently showing any symptoms. 

  1. Remove your pet away from the poison
  2. Seek Professional Veterinary Advice, you can:
  3. Gather any packaging or samples of the poison making sure you don’t put yourself at risk.
    • If you can’t safely obtain a sample of the poison or take the packaging with you then take a photograph or write down any information you think might be important (in the case of plant or fungi, placing an object with a known size such as a coin alongside might help identification from a photograph)
  4. If you need to transport your dog to the vet, do so safely. You will understandably be worried but make sure they cannot distract you from your driving. 

Note:

  • Do not try to make your dog sick. Although your Vet may give medication to induce vomiting as part of the treatment, sometimes this can cause more damage depending on the substance. Also giving salt or caustic substances to make your dog sick can in itself cause problems.
  • Do not take a wait and see approach. Some poisons don’t cause immediate symptoms but can cause blood disorders, organ damage or other problems a few days or weeks later.

Table of contents

Poisoning (or suspected poisoning) in dogs happens more frequently than you might think. The 2022 VPIS (Veterinary Poisons Information Service) report states that they received 21,720 enquiries from the UK alone, 83% of these calls were regarding dogs. On top of this figure there are many more cases of poisoning as Vets don’t always need to contact the VPIS for further guidance. In 2021 research by Direct Line insurance found that UK vets treat on average 323 dogs a day for poisoning. 

Dogs seem to have a knack for getting into things they shouldn’t, happily gobbling up something left within reach or paddling through something on the floor. Sometimes you will know exactly what’s happened, you might catch your dog eating chocolate only for them to gulp it down faster when caught in the act! Or there might be strong evidence such as chewed packaging and a guilty expression! But sometimes the first sign is your dog being unwell. 

What symptoms will my dog have?

The signs and symptoms of poisoning vary widely depending on the toxin and how much time has elapsed since exposure. Some poisons will have immediate effects, for others your dog won’t show symptoms for several hours or days. For example, some toxins may cause gastrointestinal symptoms initially followed by kidney or liver damage. This is why you should seek advice immediately even if your dog isn’t currently showing symptoms. Early treatment is crucial to give your dog the best chance of survival and prevent long term damage. 

Symptoms of poisoning might include; 

  • Gastrointestinal symptoms e.g. vomiting and diarrhoea
  • Hypersalivation / drooling
  • Neurological symptoms e.g. twitching, tremors, wobbliness or convulsions
  • Changes to demeanor e.g. lethargy or hyperactivity
  • Collapse or unconsciousness
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Hives or itching
  • Signs of bleeding (e.g. from the nose or mouth, bruising, blood in the faeces or urine, pale gums, coughing)
  • Changes in body temperature (high or low)
  • Sudden Death

Common Poisons for dogs 

The most common causes of poisoning and symptoms are outlined here but it’s not possible to list every toxic food, plant or chemical. Always seek professional advice if you aren’t sure or are worried. 

Please don’t feel embarrassed or worried about seeking advice. For example, Cannabis and THC products are toxic to dogs but your Vet will only be concerned with the treatment of your pet. 

Human Food 

Just because we can eat it, it doesn’t mean it’s safe for our canine companions. Some of the more frequently seen dietary indiscretions are:

  1. Chocolate. Chocolate poisoning is common with a higher incidence around Christmas and Easter when chocolate tends to be left around (or wrapped up but sniffed out!). Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, both of which are toxic to dogs. Dark chocolate contains higher amounts of theobromine than milk chocolate whereas white chocolate has the lowest concentration. Also bear in mind the chocolate content of products such as cakes and biscuits. If you know exactly how much your dog has eaten as well as your dog’s weight, it can be calculated if a toxic dose has been consumed. 
  2. Grapes. As well as fresh grapes this includes sultanas, raisins and currants as well as products containing these foods such as cakes, scones, mince pies and hot cross buns. Some dogs have a greater sensitivity than others so even a very small amount can be toxic. 
  3. The Allium group of plants. Onions, leeks, garlic and chives are all types of Alliums, these are poisonous for dogs even when cooked. 
  4. Xylitol. This is a sweetener often found in sweets, chewing gum or used as a sugar replacement in baked goods. Some toothpastes contain xylitol (as well as fluoride) which is why you should use a pet specific toothpaste when brushing your dog’s teeth.

Medications

  1. Human medications such as Paracetomol, Ibuprofen, Salbutamol, Loperamide and Psoriasis creams are medicines which people tend to keep within easier reach or in a bag / car so might be easier for your dog to gain access to. These are just some of the human medications which are toxic to dogs so if your dog has eaten any human medication seek professional advice immediately
  2. If you have accidentally overdosed your dog with their own medication, given a medication incorrectly or to the wrong pet, seek advice straight away. 
  3. Many medications designed for our pets are now flavoured or chewable – although this is a fantastic way to make administration easier, it also means that your dog might take advantage if the package is left within reach and devour them like treats!

Household products

Some chemicals present in cleaning products, disinfectants, detergents and patio cleaners are poisonous. These might be ingested directly, for example if your dog eats a washing capsule. Otherwise your dog might walk through or brush up against something and then lick it off and clean themselves. Some chemicals can also cause a reaction on contact or if fumes are inhaled. 

Pesticides

  1. Rodenticides – rodenticides are anticoagulant poisons, this means they stop the blood clotting leading to bleeding. The prognosis is good if treatment is started early so contact your vet straight away. 
  2. Slug Pellets – Metaldehyde containing products were banned in the UK in 2022 but as gardeners use up supplies the risk of poisoning still remains. The newer ferric phosphate products are less of a risk although these may cause gastrointestinal upset. Always check with your vet if you aren’t sure.

Biological toxins

  • Blue Green Algae. This is a bacteria which has the appearance of an algae when grouped together, if you suspect that your dog has drunk or swum in a body of water containing blue green algae contact your vet immediately. 
  • Adder bites.  Here in the UK the only venomous snake we have is the Adder. An adder bite is something you might not see happen if your dog is off lead bounding around. Sudden pain and localised swelling (often on the face or legs) might be seen, there may be more severe symptoms depending on the location and depth of the bite as well as your dog’s individual reaction to the venom. You may be able to see puncture marks where the bite has happened. Your dog will need immediate treatment.

What will my Vet need to know?

As discussed, sometimes you will know exactly what’s happened and the more information you have the better. Where possible your vet will want to know the following:

  • Your pets details (including their weight if known).
  • The name of the poison
  • How your dog was poisoned (did they eat it, inhale it or have they been in contact with the poison)
  • When the poisoning happened
  • How much they may have eaten or been exposed to.
  • Has this happened before
  • Where possible your vet will want to see the packaging or a sample of the poison (see the emergency advice above)

If you live with more than one dog and you aren’t sure which one has been exposed, consider if all dogs might need examination and/or treatment. For example, on one occasion a family of labradors had eaten something they shouldn’t have whilst their owner was unloading shopping out of the car. The toxin in question as well as the short timeframe meant that all dogs were brought into practice and given medication to make them vomit. Two of the dogs had eaten the poisonous food, the prime suspect was innocent.

Will my dog be OK?

This depends on what toxin your dog has been exposed to. Early treatment will give the best chance of recovery. 

Some poisons have specific treatment pathways and sometimes an antidote can be administered for certain toxins. Blood tests might be carried out, intravenous fluids may be given or your pet may need medication. Sometimes medication may continue at home afterwards so if you have difficulty giving medication to your pet make sure you tell your vet. 

Your vet may give a medication to make your dog sick, this is not something you should try and do yourself as it isn’t used in every circumstance and in some situations it can make the problem worse. 

What is Animal Poisonline?

Animal Poisonline is a 24 hour emergency telephone service specifically for pet owners who are concerned their pet has been poisoned. At the time of writing, the charge is £35-45 per call however Animal Poisonline state that they save 7 out of 10 pet owners a trip to the vets. 

The service is run by the VPIS (the VPIS is for Veterinary professionals only), if your Vet needs to call the VPIS about your dog they will subsequently be charged and your Vet will in turn pass this charge onto you but if this happens your initial phonecall to animal poisonline will then be refunded.

On a final note…

If you aren’t already familiar with your Vets out of hours provision it’s a good idea to have this information to hand should your pet ever need emergency treatment. Some practices cover their own out of hours work at the same location, others may require emergency cases to travel to a specific branch practice within the group. Sometimes practices outsource out of hours work to a designated out of hours company which may be at a different practice in a different town. 

Always seek professional advice as soon as possible if you suspect poisoning either from your own Vet, Animal Poisonline or the Vethelpdirect interactive poison guide. If your pet has come into contact with a known poison seek immediate veterinary treatment. Follow the emergency advice above.