Because we love our dogs, we’ll do whatever it takes to keep them healthy and safe, including keeping them away from poisonous substances. But sometimes, our dogs get into mischief. When this happens, what signs of poisoning warrant a visit to an emergency animal clinic in D’Iberville, MS?

Ways dogs come in contact with poisons

Dogs are curious by nature. They will sniff around the ground, lick anything that smells good to them and even eat random things without concern. Start by making your home a safe place for your dog, and then remain attentive when you are elsewhere for walks or play:

• Dangers at home: Make sure household cleaners and other chemicals in and around your home are out of the reach of pets. (This includes securing medications.) Clean up leaked antifreeze and car oil as soon as you notice it, and keep garden fertilizers and pest poison off the ground. Keep pets away from the affected area until it’s completely gone.
• Contact with insects: Insect bites or stings can leave skin irritated, and if bitten by infected critters carrying disease, the consequences can be deadly. Check your dog for bites after time spent outdoors, particularly on hikes or out in nature.
• Toxic foods: Since dogs cannot eat certain human foods, avoid feeding dogs from your plate. Common toxic foods include grapes, raisins, garlic, onions and most fruit pits and seeds. Also, don’t let your dog eat anything off of the ground when at the park or out on a neighborhood walk—a person wishing to cause harm may have intentionally dropped tainted treats.

Symptoms of dog poisoning

Signs of poisoning can vary from dog to dog, and symptoms can either present individually or in combination:

• Lethargy and lack of coordination: A common sign of poisoning is extreme tiredness, which can also indicate the onset of heart issues. Additionally, toxins may cause the brain to fail to communicate with the dog’s body properly, leading to loss of coordination, including falling over and the inability to stand.
• Vomiting: Unusual bouts of vomiting, violent vomiting and the appearance of blood in the vomit are typical signs of having ingested something toxic, like rat poison.
• Diarrhea: With or without blood, sudden diarrhea can occur due to eating something not agreeable. If your dog suddenly begins vomiting and having diarrhea at the same time, call your vet immediately out of concern of poisoning or dehydration from fluid loss.
• Loss of appetite: Since a change in appetite can mean a number of things, watch for other signs associated with eating that could point to poisoning. Vomiting, diarrhea and excessive drooling are three common examples.
• Irritated skin: Contact between a dog’s skin and a toxin can result in a severe rash or red, irritated skin. You may see residue on the fur, and residue can eventually transfer to skin, causing a bad reaction.

Poisonous substances and toxic foods cause various reactions and symptom levels, some of which can lead to coma or death. If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, act fast and contact your local emergency animal clinic in D’Iberville, MS as soon as possible.