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What to do if your dog's been poisoned

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How to respond if your dog's poisoned

First of all, don't panic. It's important to act quickly, but panicking can interfere with helping your dog.

Take samples of the poison

If possible, take 30 to 60 seconds to collect a sample of the poisonous material and the poison product container if you have it. If your dog vomits, also collect a sample of the vomit in a sealable plastic bag.

Go to the vet or call poison control

If your dog's having seizures, is unconscious or losing consciousness, or is having difficulty breathing, take her to your local vet or emergency clinic right away. If possible, phone ahead to let them know you're coming.

If your dog doesn't need immediate medical attention, you can call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for a $60 consultation fee. The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. Be ready with the following info:

  • the breed, age, sex, and weight of your dog
  • your dog's symptoms
  • what the poison is (if known), how much your dog ingested, and how long ago.

How to plan ahead for an emergency

Know who to call

Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center--(888) 426-4435--as well as that of your vet, in a prominent location.

Keep a first-aid kit on hand

A good doggie first-aid kit contains:
- a fresh bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
- a turkey baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
- saline eye solution
- artificial tear gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
- mild grease-cutting dishwashing liquid (for bathing after skin contamination)
- forceps (to remove stingers)
- a muzzle (to keep your dog from biting you out of fear or pain)
- a can of your dog's favorite wet food
-a carrier

Always consult a vet or the ASPCA Poison Control Center for directions on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item.

Note: If you see your dog eating material that you suspect might be toxic, get medical help, even if your dog doesn't look sick. A poisoned animal may look normal for several hours or even days after the incident.

Adapted from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals


4 comments | Leave your own comment

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Dear Labby


Comments

Avatar “Thanks for spreading the word on pet toxicities on your blog - so important for pet owners to be aware of the lurking household poisons in (and outside of) their house! As an ER specialist, I see so many toxicities that owners bring in too late (making it more expensive to treat, with a worse prognosis!). When in doubt, it's so important to call a Poison Control for peace of mind!

I wanted to make you aware of another important resource out there also - Pet Poison Helpline is an additional Animal Poison Control Center, and it's one of the most cost-effective animal poison ($35/case vs. ASPCA's new $60/case) controls out there nowadays. Unfortunately, because animal poison controls are not federal- or state-funded, there is a fee to allow the service to be run 24-7. We provide a similar service, but have the added benefit of veterinary specialists (in internal medicine and emergency and critical care) as part of our staff. You can always call 1-800-213-6680 if you ever have a problem. Thanks for spreading the word!

Dr. Justine Lee, DVM, DACVECC
Associate Director of Veterinary Services
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
www.drjustinelee.com ” — info, Mar 30 2009

Avatar “thanks my dog had seizures and i don't its exact cause... does seizures on dogs mean exactly food poison?” — 7th10tiger, May 31 2008

Avatar “If you think your dog might have been poisoned, & you need them to throw up give them hydrogen peroxide. This is especially good to know if they have gotten into old style of anti-freeze. This is what my vet told me. ” — kypoorfarm, Apr 03 2008

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