Rat poison
Chocolate
Alcoholic beverages
Acorns and walnuts
Common household drugs such as Advil, NSAID’s, and Acetaminophen
Grapes and raisins
Artificial sweetener Xylitol commonly present in chewing gum
Mushrooms
Plants such as lily, yew trees, or sago palm
Onions and garlic
Bleach
Marijuana or other recreational drugs
Automotive antifreeze
Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs
The severity of symptoms of dog poisoning depends mainly on the kind of toxin involved and the quantity that entered the dog's body. It is worth mentioning that some poisoning symptoms in dogs will show up right away, whereas others might take a few hours after ingestion before they appear.
In case you know that your dog has ingested something that might potentially be toxic or poisonous, you must not wait until any symptoms appear. Some signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs are:
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting
Pale gums
Diarrhea
A racing heart rate
Weakness and lethargy
Excessive urination or thirst
Absence or decreased urination
Disorientation
Dull mentation, acting abnormally
Diagnosis of Dog Poisoning
Poisons and toxic substances, such as rat poison and antifreeze, come in several forms. Because of this is why it is usually difficult to provide an exact diagnosis when the substance is unknown. When needed, a blood work-up would be ordered to identify the precise cause of poisoning in your dog.
Average Cost of Treatment
Depending on the substance ingested and severity of symptoms, there are many treatment options. One of the most common treatment options for poisoning in dogs is inducing vomiting.Other treatment may include medication to reduce pain and symptoms, overnight monitoring, or IV’s for flushing out the toxins in the system. The cost of treatment can vary from $250 to $5,000. Cases involving the ingestion of human health medication average around $1,000 for emergency care.
As a dog owner, you also have to pay the vet exam fee as well, which isn’t usually covered by pet insurance.The cost of modern veterinary care has increased in the country. Unfortunately, in times of emergency, there is little time to act. It is important that you have an emergency fund available for yourself, but have you considered one for your pet?Knowing that eventually an emergency is likely to happen, it is a good idea to have some funds on hand to address these unexpected vet bills. In the event that you cannot readily afford this kind of emergency, consider asking your veterinarian for a payment plan, use a credit card, or even opening a line of credit could be ways to address your immediate needs.
Final Thoughts
If you suspect that your dog has been poisoned, it is better to err on the side of caution. You should contact your vet immediately if you notice signs of poisoning. Many dog owners commit the mistake of waiting too long to seek treatment as they are not sure what has happened.
While your dog may seem he is okay, keep in mind that poisonings can get extremely serious, very soon. And by the time you finally realize your pup needs help, it may be too late. So, don’t take any chances.
