Unfortunately, poisoning in dogs has become increasingly common. Definitive diagnosis can only be made by known exposure to the toxin and not by symptoms since they are so varied and are seen in many different illnesses as well. Prevention is the best. If known exposure should occur, early intervention and treatment by your veterinarian can be critical.
Some of the more common poisonings are: Chocolate Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine that can cause stomach and gastrointestinal upset, muscle tremors, seizures, irregular heartbeat, internal bleeding and even death. The severity of the chocolate poisoning depends on the type and amount of chocolate consumed with dark chocolate (cooking chocolate) being the most toxic. Treatment includes inducing vomiting followed by administration of activated charcoal by your veterinarian. To prevent further absorption of the chocolate inducing vomiting is most effective if done within 4-6 hours of ingestion. Marijuana With the recent legalization of medical marijuana, there has been a significant increase of marijuana intoxication in pets. The most common exposures to marijuana are from ingestion of edibles containingmarijuana (e.g. brownies and gummies). Symptoms of marijuana ingestion in dogs and cats include glassy eyes with dilated pupils, incoordination, seizures, urine dribbling, vomiting, and excitement. Treatmentformarijuanapoisoning by your veterinarian includes inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal to prevent further absorption if the ingestion was recent. Intravenous fluids and supportive care may also be indicated.
Gum containing xylitol Xylitol is a sweetener that causes hypoglycemia and hepatic necrosis in dogs. Xylitol is in nasal sprays, sleep aids, vitamins, and chewing gums. Treatment includes inducing vomiting and intravenous fluid therapy containing dextrose is necessary in dogs with hypoglycemia. Monitoring blood glucose along with liver enzymes is indicated.
Rodenticides The two most common types of rodenticides are those containing anticoagulants (warfarin and brodifacoum) and those containing a neurotoxin called bromethalin. Treatment and prognosis is different for both ingestions, so it is very important to know which one was ingested. Both products contain a greenish dye so presence in the vomitus or passed in the stool confirms ingestion. Ingestion of either one is treated with gastric decontamination (inducing vomiting and administering activated charcoal). However, further treatment is much different. Symptoms of the anticoagulant ingestion include hemorrhaging anywhere in the body such as bleeding from the nose or bruises on the body. Ingestion of anticoagulant rodenticides is treated with vitamin K1 orally for 14-30 days. Unfortunately, there is no antidotal treatment for bromethalin toxicosis. Once clinical signs of seizures occur occur, the prognosis is grave. Treatment is totally supportive.
Human medications Although some human medications are used “offlabel” in pets, never give any medications whether over-the-counter or prescription, to your pet without first consulting with your veterinarian. The most common medications that can cause illness and even death in dogs include anti-inflammatory, pain, and antidepressants. Many common OTC medications such as NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories) like ibuprofen, Tylenol and naproxen (Aleve), should never be given to your pets.
Other common poisonings include insecticides, like flea and tick products, antifreeze, human foods, such as onions, avocado, garlic, macademia nuts, grapes, raisins, and plants, like ivy, lilies, azaleas, and tulips, If your dog has ingested a potential poison quick action is important. Gather information such as brand name, ingredients, time of ingestion, and amount of poison ingested. Do not induce vomiting without first consulting your veterinarian. Other helpful information may be obtained by calling Pet Poison Helpline at (855)-764-7661, Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 or local emergency pet hospitals. A fee may be charged for this consultation.