How can Pet Parents Help Their Pet During Toxicity?

Dogs are no less than toddlers. They both are curious beings who love exploring the world around them. Their inquisitive nature is what makes them intelligent, sensitive, and aware. However, their curiosity can sometimes take the better of them and become a significant cause of concern. No doubt, toxicity in dogs is relatively common in the U.S, with 232,000 cases registered every year. Shockingly, our homes are filled with a potentially toxic substance that may seem harmless but can be fatal for dogs and kids. 

Toxic substances can harm the pet if they ingest or inhale them. Anything from your prescribed medicines to floor cleaner, chocolates to certain fruits, insecticides to pesticides can be fatal for pets. Even some plants and flowers, like lilies, are toxic for pets. If you suspect your pet has come in contact with any poisonous substance and showing signs of poisoning, you should rush them to animal hospital Virginia Beach. 

What are the signs of toxicity in dogs?

Unlike toddlers, dogs use their mouths to hold any object they come across, making them more prone to toxicity. No matter how much we try to monitor our fur kids, we can’t watch them 24/7.

 However, signs can help you assess their condition and determine if they have ingested any poisonous substance. 

Signs to look out for in case of toxicity in pets:

Gastrointestinal Signs: Some of the most common symptoms of poisoning in dogs are loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and heaving.

Renal Failure: Kidney failure is a direct consequence of poisoning. Kidney failure can manifest in many ways, including frequent urination, excess thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. 

Internal Bleeding: Internal bleeding is not apparent. However, upon close inspection of your dog, you can deduce internal bleeding. Pale gums, weakness, blood in vomit, and coughing out blood indicate that your dog is internally bleeding due to toxicity. 

Liver Failure: Signs of liver failure due to toxicity are black and sticky stool, drop in sugar level and yellow gums. 

If your dog intentionally or mistakenly ingested any poisonous substance, it can be fatal for them. If your dog is showing signs of toxicity, you should immediately take them to the pet hospital Virginia Beach. 

If immediate professional help is not available, take the following steps:

1. Make sure your dog is alert and breathing. 
2. Remove the toxic substance and keep it away from your dog. If possible, keep the substance separate for the vets to inspect and assess the situation.
3. If the poisonous substance has stuck in the dog’s fur, give your dog a proper bath to rinse the poison. 
4. Avoid inducing vomit without consulting a vet. Also, don’t self-medicate the dog, as it can worsen the situation for the pet.
5. Contact your vet for medical assistance. If you cannot contact your vet, call a pet poisoning hotline.

Early treatment in case of toxicity is vital to increase the chances of recovery. Thus, take your pet to the nearest vet clinic. Based on your dog’s condition, the vet will suggest the best possible treatment for your dog.