Intoxication in dogs

Intoxication is a common problem in dogs. Speak to a vet straight away if you think your dog has ingested or been exposed to something dangerous.

Dogs are naturally curious, especially at a young age. They will often play with or taste new things they find. This can expose them to dangerous substances. Additionally, many medications and human foods are flavoured in a way that appeals to dogs. If contact with a dangerous substance or an overdose happens, early treatment and decontamination have the best chance for success.

Overview

What is intoxication or poisoning in dogs

Intoxication or poisoning is when a dog is exposed to a substance in sufficient quantity to cause damage to the body. Some of the most common causes of intoxication in dogs are:

Pest poisons, such as slug or rat poisons
Human foods that are dangerous to dogs, such as chocolate, grapes, onions or products containing Xylitol
Human medications or supplements, such as Ibuprofen and creams or tablets containing Vitamin D
Household products, such as antifreeze or fertiliser
Some plants and mushrooms can also be poisonous
Accidental overdose of prescribed medications

Symptoms

Symptoms of intoxication in dogs

Symptoms will vary greatly depending on the toxic product. Some common symptoms are:

Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Drooling
Excessive drinking and urination
Restlessness or excitability
Seizures or uncontrolled tremors
Disorientation or confusion
Weakness
Heart problems
Breathing problems

Risk

Are some dogs more at risk of intoxication than others?

Any dog can suffer from an intoxication.

Younger dogs are more likely to be exposed to toxins or poisons while they explore the world.

Older dogs are likely to have more serious symptoms when exposed to toxins, especially if they have ongoing liver, kidney or heart disease.

Diagnosis

How is an intoxication diagnosed in dogs?

In many cases, the product the dog was exposed to is known. If exposure to a toxin isn’t known, diagnosis is very difficult.

Usually a combination of symptoms and blood test results points to a diagnosis.
In some cases, samples of vomit or urine can be sent to a lab to look for specific poisons.

If the toxin is known, blood tests or other procedures can still be useful to determine how the body is being affected and to measure progress over time.

Vet treatment

What’s the veterinary treatment for intoxication in dogs?

In most cases, eliminating as much of the toxin from the body as possible is the most effective treatment. This implies a process called decontamination:

If the toxin is on the skin or coat:
- A buster collar should be put on as soon as possible to prevent ingestion
- Prevent contact with other animals or people
- Consider clipping contaminated hair if feasible and time-effective
- Bathing with warm water and a gentle soap eliminates many toxins
If the toxin was ingested:
- Inducing vomiting can be very effective in preventing absorption of a toxin, especially within 1-2 hours of ingestion.
- This should be done by a vet using medication otherwise there is a significant risk of serious complications
- In cases where inducing vomiting isn’t safe, such as an unconscious dog, a stomach lavage can be performed instead
- Once as much as possible of the toxin has been eliminated, blocking any remaining absorption with activated charcoal can be useful in many cases.

Further treatments may include:

Hospitalisation for intravenous fluids, to help the kidneys eliminate the toxin from the body
Rectal or injectable medications to treat seizures or tremors
Blood or plasma transfusions, if there are bleeding issues
Monitoring of heart function and treatment with appropriate medication if needed (antiarrhythmic)

Home treatment

What’s the home treatment for intoxication in dogs?

Contact a vet or the Veterinary Poisons Information Service immediately for advice regarding the specific poison or toxin affecting your dog.
If the toxic or poison is on their skin or coat:
- Wash it off with a wet cloth or give them a bath
- Put a buster collar on or a vest or t-shirt to prevent licking if washing or bathing is not an option
- Avoid contact with other pets and humans
If the toxin or poison was ingested:
- Note how much they have eaten
- Take the packaging with you when going to the vet if possible. This will help with diagnosis and treatment.

Prevention

Tips to prevent intoxication or poisoning in dogs

Always assume your dog may ingest anything they can find, and take appropriate precautions:

Potentially toxic food items should be out of reach
Everyone in the family should know what foods aren’t safe for dogs
Check labels for problematic ingredients like xylitol and raisins
Keep medications and household products safely locked away
Avoid using pest poisons anywhere your dog can access
Monitor your dog on walks and be vigilant for potentially toxic plants or mushrooms

When to worry