Know the Signs and Symptoms of Pet Poisoning
The symptoms of poisoning can vary from one pet to another. Depending on the poison, the amount of intake, and the pet’s health condition, you may observe signs such as the following:
Gastrointestinal Issues
Some of the gastrointestinal symptoms you may notice in a poisoned dog or cat include:
- Vomiting and loss of appetite due to eating toxic plants such as English holly. These symptoms are also caused by lead paint or garbage ingestion.
- Diarrhea occurs due to snake bites, medications, chocolate, or toxic plants such as pokeweed and iris. If you notice such issues, get urgent care to save your pet’s life.
Heart Problems
The heart is vital in blood circulation, supplying the pet’s body with nutrients and oxygen. When your pet ingests poison, it affects the functioning of the heart causing an irregular heartbeat. An irregular heart rhythm is a consequence of many medications or plants like jimson weed, milkweed, and mountain laurel. If your dog has an irregular heart rhythm, our veterinarians at Waldorf Emergency Care can give you first aid instructions over the phone before you reach our office.
Seizures and Neurological Symptoms
Pets are fond of eating foreign objects, especially when they have pica. They may ingest substances or medicines like tobacco, marijuana, aspirin, flea repellents, insecticide, antidepressants, alcohol, detergents, and gasoline. These can cause seizures or other neurological symptoms. Your pet may not be safe in the presence of some animals. For example, some snakes, frogs, and spiders can release toxic substances which may harm your pet, causing seizures. You should get emergency pet care to prevent fatal damage to your pet’s organs.
What To Do If Your Pet Gets Poisoned
Step 1. Keep the Source of Poison Away
Start by making sure the source of the poison is out of reach. Your animal may not realize the thing it is eating or drinking is causing harm.
Step 2. Perform First Aid
After removing the poisonous substance from your pet’s reach, perform first aid to keep your pet’s life out of danger. If you do not know the specific procedure, contact our veterinarians for proper instructions.
Step 3. Get Emergency Pet Care
First aid is only meant to minimize the effects or to slow the damage. Thus, you should visit Waldorf Emergency Care for urgent care to ensure your furry friend is safe.
Visit Waldorf Emergency Care for Pet Poisoning Treatment
If your pet is exhibiting symptoms of poisoning, do not panic. Call us at (301) 705-9700 for instructions on how you can help your pet stay alive before arriving at our office. We will walk with you through this troubling time to keep your pet alive and healthy.