If a dog is lethargic, withdraws, and exhibits vomiting or diarrhea, it is possible that the four-legged friend is suffering from poisoning. Dog poisonings can be caused by a variety of substances. For example, rat poison is often ingested by dogs. The following sections explain which other substances lead to poisoning in dogs and how to recognize signs of poisoning in dogs.

What types of poisoning occur in dogs?

Both indoors and during walks, dogs can come into contact with substances that are toxic. Outdoors, pesticides, fertilizers, bait, or inedible plants and fungi pose a danger to dogs. Inside the house, it can be cleaning and antifreeze agents, medications, alcohol and nicotine, certain foods, and some houseplants.

What humans consider to be treats, such as chocolate or coffee, can cause severe poisoning symptoms in dogs. If a dog is part of the household, it is essential to be aware of all dangers and keep potential toxins out of reach of the animals. Further information on proper dog care can be found in this dog guide.

Poisoning from pest control products

The use of insecticides, rodenticides, or herbicides can lead to poisoning in dogs. Whether in the backyard, on the neighbor’s property, or in the fields: dogs can directly ingest the substances or indirectly through eating poisoned animals or treated plants.

Rat poison can cause severe bleeding

Especially in spring or fall, when these agents are more frequently used, attention should be paid to what dogs consume outdoors. Poisonings with rat poison or slug pellets are very common. Many rodenticides are based on anticoagulants (blood clotting inhibitors).

If a dog ingests such rat poison, the contained substances inhibit important enzymes for the synthesis of vitamin K. Vitamin K is essential for the formation of certain blood clotting factors. Once the store of these factors is depleted, the blood can no longer clot. Severe bleeding in internal organs can be the result. Treatment includes the administration of vitamin K, among other measures.

Neurological poisoning with slug pellets

Slug pellets, on the other hand, contain metaldehyde. Poisoning symptoms in dogs that have consumed slug pellets occur more quickly – often within two to three hours of ingesting the poison. As metaldehyde passes the blood-brain barrier, central nervous symptoms such as depression, seizures, or fits occur.

Accompanying this, there is usually hyperthermia (body temperature of 105,8°F (41 degrees Celsius) or higher), which can cause multi-organ failure. Treatment involves removing the poison from the body. Dogs that survive the first 24 hours generally have good chances of recovery.

Signs of Fertilizer Poisoning

Even mineral fertilizers can pose a danger to dogs. Blaukorn, an NPK (nitrate, phosphate & potassium salt) fertilizer used in both agriculture and hobby gardens, can cause poisoning in dogs. Sometimes direct ingestion occurs, but poisoning can also happen through drinking from puddles at field edges or licking paws after contact. Irritation of the mucous membranes of the digestive tract can result, as well as reduced oxygen transport through the blood. Poison residues must be removed from the gastrointestinal tract, and circulatory-stabilizing measures are usually taken.

Poisoning from Household Products and Foods

In households, dogs most commonly poison themselves by ingesting chocolate, medications, grapes or raisins, as well as cleaning or antifreeze agents. Chocolate contains the methylxanthine theobromine, which can affect various organ systems.

Chocolate is toxic to dogs

Initial signs of chocolate intoxication are often vomiting or diarrhea. Additionally, restlessness, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, or seizures can occur. If treatment is administered within two to four hours after ingestion, the prognosis is usually good.

Symptoms of Poisoning from Stone Fruit

Grapes or raisins can cause acute kidney failure in dogs within 24 hours. The initial signs often include vomiting or diarrhea, which do not differ from the symptoms of many other poisonings. The amount needed to cause poisoning symptoms varies from dog to dog. For some dogs, a few grapes or raisins are sufficient, while others remain clinically unaffected.

If there is suspicion of grape poisoning, dogs should receive sufficient fluids (usually through infusion therapy for at least 48 hours in a veterinary clinic) to support and maintain kidney function.

Alcohol Poisoning in Dogs

For humans, a glass of wine is an absolute pleasure. Unfortunately, not for our dogs. Alcohol is very dangerous for dogs, and its ingestion can be fatal. Dogs can also suffer from chronic liver and kidney damage, similar to humans. Symptoms such as acute vomiting, difficulty breathing, and seizures are often observed.

Caffeine Poisoning

Many people can’t imagine a Monday morning without caffeine. For dogs, accidentally ingesting coffee can be deadly. Coffee contains methylxanthine, which is toxic to dogs. It affects the nervous system and primarily leads to symptoms such as vomiting, restlessness, or rapid heartbeat in case of poisoning.

Symptoms of Poisoning from Plants

Whether in the garden, at home, or during a walk, dogs can come into contact with poisonous plants in many places. If a dog has eaten such plants, the plant residues should be removed from the oral cavity, and the dog should be taken to a veterinarian. The list of plants that can cause poisoning in dogs is extensive.

Here are some examples of these plants:

Especially young animals often nibble on plants in the garden, and boredom can lead even adult dogs to do so indoors. It is crucial to teach your dog not to eat plants and to provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation to avoid such situations.

How and when does poisoning become apparent?

The symptoms of poisoning in dogs vary, depending on the substance and the amount ingested. For many substances, the rule is: the more consumed, the more severe the symptoms.

If the dog is apathetic and withdraws, this may indicate poisoning, but it could also be a sign of other illnesses. Dogs often react to the ingestion of toxic substances with vomiting or diarrhea.

The following list shows additional symptoms that may occur with poisoning:

How to react correctly in an emergency?

Due to the variety of substances that can cause poisoning, it is impossible for laypeople to provide targeted assistance in an emergency. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian.

The goal is to calm the dog and let him know you are there for him. If the animal is unconscious, it should be laid flat on its side. Its head should be turned so that it can move, and saliva and vomit can drip out of the mouth.

It is crucial not to induce vomiting in the dog. It is not possible to induce vomiting in a dog using the finger-down-the-throat method. Moreover, it can be dangerous if the toxic stomach contents rise. Do not administer milk or oil, as some poisons can be absorbed even faster!

Please call the vet if something is wrong with the animal and take it to the practice immediately if necessary! If possible, bring the substance the animal ingested for examination.

How is poisoning treated?

If the ingestion of toxic substances has been observed, or if poisoning is suspected due to the dog’s symptoms, a veterinary clinic should be visited as soon as possible. Early treatment improves the prognosis.

If the poisoning has just occurred or is no more than two hours old, vomiting can be induced to remove the substances from the stomach. In cases of severe poisoning, gastric lavage is often performed under anesthesia. Subsequently, the dog remains hospitalized for intravenous therapy to stabilize circulation and monitor organ functions.

The costs of veterinary treatments following poisoning can be reimbursed with a dog health insurance.

Can activated charcoal help?

As a first aid measure for poisoning, activated charcoal (medicinal charcoal) can be administered. The dosage is one gram per kilogram of body weight. The administration of charcoal should only be done if the dog can still swallow and willingly takes the tablets or suspension. Even after administering charcoal, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable to check blood clotting and organ values. To aid recovery of the gastrointestinal mucosa, it may also be necessary to feed a special diet for a while.

Can I protect my dog from baited poison?

To avoid poisoning a dog with baited poison, pet owners should heed the following advice: