DR. ABHISHEK KALUNDIA
Poisoning in Cats & Dogs :
Dogs are naturally curious and they sniff n taste almost anything in their environment, whether inside the home, in the garden or outside during walks. The inevitable problem is that poisoning is a common problem in dogs.
Often the effects of ingesting or absorbing toxins are fairly minor, such as stomach infections or vomiting due to painkillers designed for humans and not for the dogs.
In some cases however poisoning can be a serious issue to the extent of dangerous internal bleeding, seizures and even death within 24 hrs!
Here is chart of a wide range of substances which can be hazardous for your DOG/CAT :
source (http://www.cyberpethospital.blogspot.in/)
Dogs are naturally curious and they sniff n taste almost anything in their environment, whether inside the home, in the garden or outside during walks. The inevitable problem is that poisoning is a common problem in dogs.
Often the effects of ingesting or absorbing toxins are fairly minor, such as stomach infections or vomiting due to painkillers designed for humans and not for the dogs.
In some cases however poisoning can be a serious issue to the extent of dangerous internal bleeding, seizures and even death within 24 hrs!
Here is chart of a wide range of substances which can be hazardous for your DOG/CAT :
source (http://www.cyberpethospital.blogspot.in/)
INDUCING VOMITING IN YOUR PETS :
At one time or another I have treated dogs that have swallowed (eaten) women's tights, packets of birth control or hair bands, balloons, a ten inch rubber Donald Duck (whole), tennis balls, socks, bars of soap, bars of chocolate, undergarments and fruit stones..! Most of these items are simply foreign bodies that do not belong to the dog's digestive system but others, such as lead, medicines, and surprisingly dark chocolate are poisons.
If your dog has swallowed any toxic substance, your first objective is to save his/ her life! If the poison has been swallowed within past two hours, it is usually best to induce vomiting cause in most of such situations your busy Vet may not be available on spot! In practice i usually educate my clients to use 3% hydrogen peroxide or a crystal of washing soda (easily available at the chemist).
Step 1 : If a dog has swallowed a non-caustic, non-corrosive substance such as rat poison, dark chocolate, poisonous lizards toads or non-sharp soft toys/ rubber toys, give a washing soda crystal. (You can use 3 % hydrogen peroxide). To administer it, lift the upper jaw with one hand (usually your left hand), squeezing the lips on the teeth. And with the other (right in this case), drop the crystal/ flush slowly (Hydrogen peroxide in a 5 cc syringe) in the throat.
Step 2 : Hold the mouth shut for about 15 seconds, and stroke the neck. The dog swallows it when it tries to lick its lips and will vomit within 10-20 minutes.
Step 3 : Mix Activated Charcoal (Cap Carbon) with a little water to make a slurry (paste) and give to your pet 1-2 teaspoons, which will help to absorb any remaining poison.
3% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
This substance induces vomiting by fizzing in the stomach. If you buy a solution that is more concentrated, dilute it down to 3 %.
MY ADVICE:
At one time or another I have treated dogs that have swallowed (eaten) women's tights, packets of birth control or hair bands, balloons, a ten inch rubber Donald Duck (whole), tennis balls, socks, bars of soap, bars of chocolate, undergarments and fruit stones..! Most of these items are simply foreign bodies that do not belong to the dog's digestive system but others, such as lead, medicines, and surprisingly dark chocolate are poisons.
If your dog has swallowed any toxic substance, your first objective is to save his/ her life! If the poison has been swallowed within past two hours, it is usually best to induce vomiting cause in most of such situations your busy Vet may not be available on spot! In practice i usually educate my clients to use 3% hydrogen peroxide or a crystal of washing soda (easily available at the chemist).
Step 1 : If a dog has swallowed a non-caustic, non-corrosive substance such as rat poison, dark chocolate, poisonous lizards toads or non-sharp soft toys/ rubber toys, give a washing soda crystal. (You can use 3 % hydrogen peroxide). To administer it, lift the upper jaw with one hand (usually your left hand), squeezing the lips on the teeth. And with the other (right in this case), drop the crystal/ flush slowly (Hydrogen peroxide in a 5 cc syringe) in the throat.
Step 2 : Hold the mouth shut for about 15 seconds, and stroke the neck. The dog swallows it when it tries to lick its lips and will vomit within 10-20 minutes.
Step 3 : Mix Activated Charcoal (Cap Carbon) with a little water to make a slurry (paste) and give to your pet 1-2 teaspoons, which will help to absorb any remaining poison.
3% HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
This substance induces vomiting by fizzing in the stomach. If you buy a solution that is more concentrated, dilute it down to 3 %.
MY ADVICE:
- If your dog is not alert, DO NOT try to induce vomiting.
- Do not induce vomiting if the dog shows signs of neurological problems, such as disorientation or loss of balance. If a dog in this condition vomits, some of the vomit may enter the animal's windpipe, causing aspiration pneumonia (inflammation of the tiny air sacs inside the lungs).
- Do not attempts to induce vomiting by using salt because you could inadvertently cause salt poisoning.
