Signs of Dog Poisioning

You may know that certain things can poison a dog, such as antifreeze, pesticides, or chocolate, but you may not know what the symptoms of poisoning are. Although it can vary depending on the animal and what they have ingested, there are some signs of dog poisoning that can alert you when there is a problem.

  1. Drooling

    • Excessive drooling and licking of the lips may indicate that your dog has had something in his mouth that is bothering him. Since certain plants contain sap that will burn when eaten or chewed, an inspection of indoor house plants may reveal the cause of the irritation. There are other types of poisoning that may cause this to occur as well.

    Lethargy

    • As dogs grow older, they all have occasional days where they may prefer a good nap over interacting with the family. When lethargy is combined with no interest in food or the desire to go out to relieve themselves, though, it can be a sign that a poisoning has occurred. As with all symptoms of poisoning, if your dog is unresponsive or won̵7;t wake up, medical treatment should be sought immediately.

    Loss of Appetite

    • Disinterest in food or eating very little may not be a big deal if your dog is a picky eater, but if your pooch is always ready to eat and suddenly shows no interest in his favorite meal or treats, it can be a strong indication that he doesn̵7;t feel well and there's a problem.

    Vomiting

    • One of the fastest ways to determine if your dog has been poisoned, vomiting allows your dog to get rid of something potentially harmful that he has swallowed. An inspection of the stomach contents should be made to check for signs of mushrooms, blood or foreign substances to help indicate what type of poisoning may have occurred.

    Staggering

    • Staggering is a symptom that sometimes occurs when there has been chemical poisoning. Your dog may appear drunk or off-balance, but have no other visible signs of distress. If this type of poisoning is suspected, call an emergency care facility or poison control center to determine if you need to take immediate steps (such as inducing vomiting) before getting your dog to the veterinarian.