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Dogs are naturally curious, and that curiosity can sometimes lead them to ingest, inhale, or come into contact with toxic substances. Poisoning in dogs is considered an emergency that can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal upset to life-threatening complications. Knowing the warning signs, understanding what to do in an emergency, and taking steps to prevent exposure can help keep your dog safe.
Recognizing the Signs of Poisoning
Poisoning can occur when a dog ingests, inhales, or absorbs a toxic substance. For example, a dog could step in paint or antifreeze while out on a walk and lick the residue off their paws afterward.
According to Dr. Jerry Klein, DVM, Chief Veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, some toxins trigger immediate reactions. Other toxins, such as rodenticides, may not cause symptoms until days later.
Common signs of poisoning include:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Pale or yellowish gums
- Excessive thirst or urination
- Diarrhea
- Bloody or discolored stool
- Bloody urine
- Lethargy or weakness
- Unsteady gait
- Seizures, tremors, or hyperactivity
Beside these initial signs, certain toxins can cause long-term complications. Some substances damage red blood cells, contributing to anemia and reducing the body’s oxygen supply. Others can affect the cardiovascular system, resulting in issues like an irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, poisoning may damage organs like the kidneys or liver or and even lead to organ failure.
What to Do if You Suspect Your Dog Has Been Poisoned
It only takes a moment for a dog to eat a piece of chocolate, pick up a cigarette butt, or swallow another harmful substance. If you suspect poisoning, staying calm and acting quickly can make a significant difference.
Watch for a combination of symptoms, particularly gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea and neurological signs such as tremors or seizures. While these symptoms can occur with many health conditions, their sudden appearance may indicate poisoning.
Move your dog away from the suspected toxin and contact your veterinarian immediately. Be prepared to describe your dog’s symptoms, identify the suspected poison if possible, and estimate how much was consumed.
If your veterinarian is unavailable, contact an emergency veterinary hospital or a pet poison control service. It can be helpful to keep information on resources like the Pet Poison Helpline or AKC Vetline in a place you can easily access.
Depending on your dog’s condition, your veterinarian or the helpline staff may recommend taking your dog to an emergency hospital or making an appointment with your regular veterinarian.
To assist with diagnosis, Dr. Klein recommends bringing the product packaging, a sample of the substance, or a photo of the product label. If your dog has vomited or experienced diarrhea, collecting a sample may also help your veterinarian identify the cause.
How Veterinarians Treat Poisoning
Treatment largely depends on the type of toxin involved, and identifying the substance can inform both diagnosis and care. For example, some poisons, including certain rodenticides and antifreeze products, have specific antidotes.
If you’re unsure which toxin your dog consumed, your veterinarian may perform blood work and other diagnostic tests. However, laboratory testing cannot identify every poison.
The main goal of treatment is to prevent further absorption of the toxin while supporting any organs it has already affected. A veterinarian may give your dog activated charcoal to help absorb poison from the stomach. In some cases, they may induce vomiting or prescribe medications to help flush toxins through the urine if a dog isn’t showing symptoms yet.
Other treatment options may include an enema to flush toxins from the intestines or gastric lavage, a procedure in which a veterinarian inserts a tube into a dog’s stomach to remove its contents. Additional supportive care, such as IV fluids and monitoring, may be necessary depending on the severity of the poisoning.
Protecting Your Dog From Medication-Related Poisoning
Many cases of poisoning involve medications found around the home. Human prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbal products, and essential oils can all be dangerous to dogs.
Store all medications in sealed containers and keep them in secure cabinets that your dog cannot access.
Commonly reported medication toxins include:
- Antidepressants
- Birth control pills
- Heart medications
- Blood pressure medications
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Naproxen
- Cold remedies
Pet medications also require careful storage. Manufacturers often flavor veterinary medications to make them appealing, which may encourage dogs to chew through containers and consume excessive doses.
“Remember a childproof container does not mean pet-proof,” Dr. Klein says.
Teaching your dog a reliable “leave it” command may help prevent accidental ingestion if you accidentally drop medication on the floor. Always follow your veterinarian’s dosing instructions and never give a medication prescribed for another pet.
Foods That Can Poison Dogs
Many foods that are safe for people can be toxic to dogs. Common examples include:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Grapes and raisins
- Xylitol
- Chocolate
Xylitol is a sweetener found in some chewing gums, peanut butters, candies, and toothpastes. Ingesting large amounts can result in hypoglycemia, meaning blood sugar levels fall below the normal range, and may also cause liver failure.
Pet owners should also be cautious with marijuana and CBD products, which pose their own poisoning risk.
“Edible products are not regulated and may contain a high amount of THC (i.e., the main psychoactive compound in cannabis), which can lead to low blood pressure, coma, and even death,” Dr. Klein says.
Because many cannabis products resemble treats, such as brownies or cookies, dogs may consume them unintentionally.
You can lower the risk of accidental poisoning from either category by keeping everything well out of your dog’s reach. Store food in sealed, airtight containers, keep countertops and dining tables clear, and make sure garbage cans have secure, dog-proof lids. If you have cannabis or CBD products in your home, lock them in a cabinet or store them on a high shelf your dog can’t reach.
Yard, Garden, and Plant Hazards
Many plants can cause digestive upset when eaten, while others are highly toxic to dogs. Examples of toxic plants include:
- Tulips
- Holly
- Oleander
- Sago palms
- Daisies
Dr. Klein recommends checking reliable plant safety resources before introducing new plants to your home or landscape. When planning outdoor spaces, choose dog-safe plants whenever possible.
Lawn and garden products also present risks. Fertilizers, herbicides, insecticides, and other landscaping chemicals may contain ingredients that are harmful to pets. When using these products, always follow label directions and keep your dog away from treated areas for the recommended period.
If you use mulch in your yard, avoid cocoa mulch, which is poisonous to dogs.
Potential hazards also exist beyond your property. Stay alert when visiting parks, public spaces, or friends’ homes, where toxic plants or chemicals may be present.
Reducing Risks From Household Chemicals
Many common cleaning products contain ingredients that can harm dogs. Common examples include:
- Bleach
- Dishwashing detergents
- Fabric softener sheets
- Window cleaners
- Bathroom cleaning products
Whenever possible, choose pet-safe cleaning products and carefully follow manufacturer instructions. Keep your dog out of the room when you’re cleaning to minimize exposure to chemical vapors.
After cleaning, wait until floors and surfaces are completely dry before allowing your dog back into the area. This helps reduce the risk of exposure through paw contact and grooming behaviors such as licking.
This article is intended solely as general guidance, and does not constitute health or other professional advice. Individual situations and applicable laws vary by jurisdiction, and you are encouraged to obtain appropriate advice from qualified professionals in the applicable jurisdictions. We make no representations or warranties concerning any course of action taken by any person following or otherwise using the information offered or provided in this article, including any such information associated with and provided in connection with third-party products, and we will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death.