There are many potential hazards lurking in your home. Many pets ingest toxins each year, with common culprits being common household items. At Summit Dog & Cat Hospital, we offer urgent care for pet and pet emergency care in Summit, NJ. Our veterinarian is here to help.
What Are the Most Common Pet Poisons?
One of the most common causes of toxin ingestion is medication. These include over the counter medications, like cough medication. Prescription medications are also dangerous for pets. These include medication for blood pressure, pain medications, and anti-depressants.
Some human foods also pose a danger. Chocolate, garlic, avocado, and macadamia nuts are a few examples of foods that are great for us, but harmful to cats and dogs.
Household chemicals are another hidden danger in your home. These include antifreeze, cleaning products, and paint thinner.
Signs of Pet Poisoning
The signs of pet poisoning vary based on the toxin ingested. However, there are some symptoms you should be aware of.
Stomach upset, including vomiting and diarrhea, can be the first sign your pet has consumed something toxic. However, this doesn’t occur in all cases.
A loss of coordination, shaking or tremors, and loss of consciousness are also signs. Your pet may be lethargic or agitated and hyper.
Drooling, pale gums, and irritation of the mouth can occur. Nosebleeds and excessive bruising might be also signs that your pet has ingested something toxic.
What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Something Toxic
The first thing to do if your pet has eaten something toxic is to remove access to the toxin. Next, you’ll need to call a vet immediately. Expect to get asked what you believe they ate, how much, and when.
Our vet may then recommend you bring your pet in for emergency treatment or monitor them at home.
However, you shouldn’t attempt to treat them without consulting the vet. The wrong treatment can make the situation worse.
Veterinary Treatment for Pet Poisoning
The treatment your veterinarian recommends for pet poisoning will depend on the toxin ingested, the type of pet you have, their age, and their health status.
Potential veterinary treatments include medications to induce vomiting and activated charcoal to absorb the toxin. In some cases, medication to help your pet’s body process the toxin may be needed. In severe cases, surgery may be required.
Toxic Ingestion and Poison Treatment at Summit Dog and Cat Hospital
When toxin ingestion happens, time is of the essence. Pets who receive prompt veterinary care can recover from pet poisoning. If you are in Summit, NJ or the surrounding areas of Short Hills, Millburn, Livingston, Edison, Chatham, Madison, Union, Westfield or Springfield contact us at Summit Dog & Cat Hospital for urgent care for pet. Call us at (908) 273-2200 for more information about pet emergency care.
Summit Dog & Cat Hospital
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your visit.
What is toxic ingestion in dogs?
Toxic ingestion in dogs occurs when a dog eats or comes into contact with a harmful substance. Common causes include human medications, unsafe foods, household chemicals, toxic plants, and pest control products.
What household items can cause pet poisoning?
A pet poison may be found in medications, cleaning products, antifreeze, paint thinner, chocolate, garlic, avocado, and macadamia nuts. These items should always be stored securely and kept away from pets.
What are the common signs of pet poisoning?
Signs of pet poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, pale gums, shaking, weakness, unusual behavior, poor coordination, or loss of consciousness. Symptoms vary depending on the toxin and amount involved.
What should I do after a suspected toxic ingestion?
Remove your pet from the substance and contact a veterinarian or pet poison control service immediately. Provide the product name, estimated amount, and time of exposure, and do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a veterinary professional.
What does pet poisoning treatment involve?
Pet poisoning treatment depends on the toxin, amount consumed, and your pet’s health. Treatment may include induced vomiting, activated charcoal, supportive medications, monitoring, or surgery in severe cases.