When it comes to your beloved pet, there are many issues from which they might suffer. One of the biggest problems you might encounter as a dog owner is the issue of accidental poisoning. Accidental poisoning is not an issue that you should take lightly, as a potent amount of poison could be lethal for your dog. Throughout the course of this brief article, you will learn about the process of poisoning and what to do if your dog so happens to become poisoned.
Act Immediately
If you notice that your dog has swallowed poison, you should act immediately and not wait around to see if your animal simply "shrugs it off". In addition to calling your vet's office immediately, you should also closely observe their behavior. A vet will want to know a bit about your pet's condition, how they're acting, and how they were acting prior to ingesting the poison. A vet will also want to know your dog's prior medical history, so it is best to bring a list of things from which your dog has suffered in the past. If you can remember, try to explain what your dog had ingested prior to swallowing the poison.
Provide History
As noted, you should bring any relevant medical documents to the veterinarian hospital with you. A vet will want to see what your dog has suffered from in the past. In addition to making note of what your pet had eaten during the day, it might be prudent to get your hands a bit dirty, and bring a sample of your pet's stool or vomit whether or not they had created the excrement prior to ingesting the poison. This can be invaluable for your vet. If you have time, you should freeze the samples, but if not, then simply carry them with you in an airtight ziplock bag.
As a concerned dog owner, it is your responsibility to give your vet a list of the symptoms from which your pet is suffering. Make a note of your dog's behavior and explain to your vet if your dog had been acting strange prior to ingesting the poison. It is also imperative that you let your vet known if your dog has any specific allergic reactions to medication or things that are common in a vet's office (such as latex), as well as if your dog is currently prescribed and taking any medication. A good vet will take into consideration all possibilities before deciding whether or not your beloved animal is truly suffering from poisoning.
If your pet has ingested poison, or is exhibiting signs that he or she may have ingested poison, then you should contact the services of a vet right away. If you notice any behavior that might suggest that your dog is suffering from poisoning, such as choking, vomiting, profuse diarrhea, sickly behavior, and emitting strange odors, then contact your vet.
