Toxins, Poisons & Dogs
This could happen to your dog…..
The other day I saw a 7-month-old puppy named Buddy that came in with a bit of lethargy. He just wasn’t his normal self. He was breathing just a little faster than normal and acting groggy but overall didn’t look too bad. His temperature was normal and he was walking around the exam room. He ate some but not his full meal. Normally he scarfs down everything he can find. He had all his vaccines, too.
I asked questions about if he could have gotten into anything. I was told “No – absolutely not.” Any possibility for trauma? “No – absolutely not.” They take him out on a leash only. Buddy’s owners were very careful.
So we did an x-ray of Buddy’s chest to look into his breathing. There was a dark spot, that looked abnormal in his lungs. Just about that time, Buddy collapsed and coughed up a little blood.
Oh NO!
This just about scared me to death. I got authorization from the owner to run blood work and place an IV catheter, then admitted Buddy to the hospital.
This was bad.
There was Buddy, getting weaker by the minute. I looked at my watch – their appointment only started about 25 minutes before. I knew Buddy didn’t have much time for me to find the answer. The results of the blood test told me what was going on. His blood wasn’t clotting normally. This can happen for a number of reasons, but my number one suspicion was that he got into rat poison.
Rat poison, frequently called rodenticide, is one of the most common sources of poisoning in dogs. A curious animal can get into even the smallest areas where humans have placed the rat poison. Read more about rodenticide poisoning in dogs.
I asked the owners again if he could have gotten in to anything. They told me no. Then they thought about it. He was out in the yard and ran to the neighbors about 7 days before. They noticed the next day he had green stuff in his poop.
Yep – he was passing some of the rat poison through.
The most common types of rat poison, such as Decon, interferes with blood clotting and causes the rats to bleed to death. The same can happen to dogs. Generally it takes a few days for the bleeding to start, and I think this is what happened to Buddy.
I’m very happy to say we got a quick diagnosis and quickly started treatment. Buddy lived! It was his owners’ fast response that enabled us to quickly start treatment. I hope that nothing ever happens to your dog, but it can only help to be prepared. Read “Poisoning in Dogs – What You Should Know” by clicking here.
Learn about common toxins that can affect your dog.
What are common toxins that could hurt my puppy?
- Pesticides, insecticides, (and fertilizers) are not harmful when applied according to directions or by a qualified lawn care service. However, pets may be primarily poisoned by contact with concentrated products. This can occur if the product is not stored properly or if too much is used on the lawn. Insecticides are particularly dangerous because they have a higher degree of toxicity.
- Rodenticides. Products used to kill mice and rats are very toxic.
- Prescription drugs. The container may be child-proof, but your dog may be persistent in chewing off the lid and getting to the pills inside. All drugs should be placed out of reach of dogs and children.
- Over-the-counter medications. The same risks apply with OTC drugs. It is also important to remember that certain OTC drugs won’t have the same effect on pets. (Aspirin, for instance, can be dangerous.)
- Plants. Pets are infamous for their creative destruction of plants. For dogs, most grasses are non-toxic, while ingesting poinsettia stems and leaves may cause some stomach upset and vomiting.
- Household products and cleaners. Household products and cleaners vary quite a bit in chemical makeup and toxicity. Soaps, detergents, shampoos, alcohols, petroleum distillates and acids are some common ingredients. They can cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea or chemical burns, leading to organ damage.
- Antifreeze is especially dangerous.
If you suspect a poisoning, call your veterinarian immediately.
P.S.: Make sure to keep the number for a veterinary poison control hotline posted near your phone, as well as a copy of your dog’s medical records. This can really cut down response time in case something happens.
