What to Do if Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous
Dogs are naturally curious creatures, and unfortunately, this curiosity often leads them to get into things they shouldn’t. From household cleaning products and human food to small objects and plants, the list of potential hazards is long. If your dog eats something dangerous, it can be a stressful and frightening experience. Knowing what to do in such situations is crucial for your dog’s safety and well-being.
In this blog, we’ll take you through the steps you should take if your dog eats something dangerous. We’ll also provide expert advice from veterinarians, explaining how to handle common poisoning and ingestion scenarios, as well as how to prevent these accidents from happening in the first place.
Why Do Dogs Eat Dangerous Things?
Before diving into the "what to do" aspect, it’s helpful to understand why dogs sometimes eat dangerous items. Dogs are known to be scavengers, and they often explore the world around them by sniffing and chewing. Some of the most common reasons why dogs eat something dangerous include:
- Curiosity: Puppies, in particular, are naturally curious and will often put things in their mouths as part of their exploration.
- Hunger or Pica: Some dogs have a condition called pica, which compels them to eat non-food items like dirt, wood, or plastic.
- Boredom: Dogs who are left alone for long periods may chew or eat inappropriate things as a way to pass time or release pent-up energy.
- Anxiety: Dogs with separation anxiety or stress-related behaviors may chew on harmful items to self-soothe.
- Accidental Ingestion: Sometimes, dogs eat something harmful by mistake, especially if they find food or items left out where they can reach them.
Understanding these behaviors is important for addressing and preventing dangerous ingestion in the future. However, even the most cautious dog owners can find themselves in a situation where their dog has eaten something dangerous.
What to Do If Your Dog Eats Something Dangerous
If you catch your dog in the act of eating something dangerous, it’s important to stay calm. Panicking won’t help the situation, and your dog may sense your anxiety, which could make the situation worse. Here’s what to do step-by-step if your dog eats something harmful:
1. Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is quickly assess what your dog has ingested. The type of item and the amount consumed will influence the severity of the situation and determine the appropriate course of action.
- Identify the item: Try to figure out exactly what your dog ate. This might involve retrieving any remaining pieces or looking at the packaging of any food or substance involved.
- Estimate the quantity: How much of the substance did your dog consume? This will help a veterinarian assess the risk.
- Check for expiration dates: If it’s something like medication, food, or cleaning products, check to see if it’s expired. Some substances can be more harmful after their expiration date.
The more details you can gather, the better. Keep in mind that some items, like chocolate, certain human foods, medications, and household cleaners, can be especially toxic to dogs.
2. Call Your Veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline
Once you’ve identified the substance your dog has ingested, your next step should be to call a veterinarian immediately. If it’s after hours or if you’re unsure of where the nearest emergency vet is located, you can contact a pet poison hotline. There are several 24/7 pet poison helplines available that can provide immediate guidance. Some options include:
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 1-888-426-4435
- Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680
The vet or poison control expert will ask you a series of questions to help determine the severity of the situation and what steps to take next. They will need to know:
- The type of substance ingested.
- The amount your dog consumed (if known).
- The time the ingestion occurred.
- Your dog’s size, breed, and age.
Based on this information, the veterinarian or poison control will advise you on the next steps. They may recommend monitoring your dog at home, bringing them into the clinic for treatment, or even inducing vomiting in some cases.
3. Don’t Induce Vomiting Without Guidance
In some cases, inducing vomiting can be beneficial to expel harmful substances before they are absorbed by the body. However, it’s important to only do this under the advice of a veterinarian or poison control center.
Inducing vomiting in the wrong situation can make things worse. For example:
- If your dog swallowed something sharp: Inducing vomiting could cause an object like a piece of glass or a nail to damage your dog’s esophagus or throat.
- If your dog ingested caustic substances: Substances like bleach, gasoline, or battery acid can burn your dog’s throat and esophagus if vomited back up.
- If your dog is unconscious, weak, or having trouble breathing: Vomiting could cause choking or aspiration pneumonia.
Your vet will guide you on whether to induce vomiting and, if so, how to do so safely.
4. Observe Your Dog for Symptoms of Poisoning
Even if your dog appears fine initially, they may start showing symptoms of poisoning after a while. Common signs that your dog may have ingested something toxic include:
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy or weakness
- Drooling excessively
- Uncoordinated movements or stumbling
- Tremors or seizures
- Abnormal breathing or rapid heart rate
- Changes in gum color (e.g., pale or bright red gums)
- Excessive thirst or urination
If your dog starts showing any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
5. Follow Your Veterinarian’s Instructions
Based on the information you provide and the symptoms your dog is exhibiting, your vet may recommend several different treatments. Some common interventions include:
- Activated Charcoal: If your dog has ingested toxins, the vet may administer activated charcoal to help absorb the harmful substance before it can enter the bloodstream.
- Intravenous Fluids: If your dog is dehydrated or has ingested a large amount of a toxic substance, they may require IV fluids to help flush the toxins out of their system.
- Medications: Some toxins require specific antidotes or medications to counteract their effects, such as vitamin K for anticoagulant rodenticide poisoning.
- Hospitalization and Monitoring: In severe cases, your dog may need to stay in the hospital for observation and treatment.
Always follow your veterinarian’s instructions closely to ensure your dog’s best chance for recovery.
Common Dangerous Items Dogs Ingest
Knowing what your dog is most likely to get into can help you prevent accidental ingestion. Here are some common dangerous substances and objects that dogs often consume:
- Chocolate: Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death.
- Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers (acetaminophen, ibuprofen), antidepressants, and heart medications, can be harmful to dogs.
- Xylitol: A sugar substitute found in gum, candies, and baked goods that can cause liver failure and death.
- Household cleaners: Many cleaning products contain chemicals that are toxic if ingested.
- Plants: Some plants like lilies, azaleas, and oleanders are toxic to dogs. Be sure to keep plants out of reach.
- Bones and small objects: Items like small toys, bones, and rocks can get lodged in your dog’s digestive system, causing blockages or choking.
Preventing Dangerous Ingestion
The best way to keep your dog safe is to prevent them from eating dangerous items in the first place. Here are some tips for dog-proofing your home:
- Store harmful items out of reach: Keep medications, household cleaners, and food products in cabinets or areas where your dog cannot access them.
- Use childproof containers: Store food and medications in childproof containers to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Supervise your dog: When outside or in unfamiliar environments, keep a close eye on your dog to ensure they aren’t chewing or swallowing dangerous objects.
- Provide appropriate chew toys: Giving your dog appropriate items to chew on can help satisfy their need to chew without putting them in danger.
Conclusion
It can be frightening when your dog eats something dangerous, but by staying calm and taking the appropriate steps, you can help ensure that your dog stays safe. Always call your veterinarian or a pet poison helpline if you suspect your dog has ingested something harmful. With quick action, many dogs can recover from such incidents with minimal long-term effects.