05 Sep Harmful Chemicals for Pets (Part 2)

In the previous part, we described eight types of chemicals that are harmful to your dog. We said that if your dog comes in contact with these substances, there is a possibility of poisoning or death. These chemicals include bleach, antifreeze, kerosene, diesel and other flammable materials, insecticides, floor cleaners, washing machine liquid, fertilizer and Carbolic acid. We explained the details and manner of poisoning of each separately. In this section, we explain two other chemicals called xylitol and alcohol. Then we explain how to diagnose, prevent and treat this poisoning in pets, especially dogs.

Other harmful chemicals for pets

Alcohol

It may be fun for some people to see a dog drunk, but alcohol isn’t good for pets at all and makes them very sick. Even small amounts of alcohol are very toxic to smaller animals. Alcoholic beverages that don’t have a specific odour are more dangerous for pets. So keep alcoholic drinks out of the reach of your pets, and don’t let your friends get your dog drunk just for fun and laughter.

Xylitol

Xylitol is used as an artificial sweetener, and you can find it in candy and chewing gum. Pets, especially dogs, eat anything that smells sweet. Xylitol disrupts the dog’s digestive system. Side effects of high consumption of xylitol include seizures and lethargy.

Diagnosis of dog poisoning

A veterinarian needs to know the source of the poison to diagnose and treat dog poisoning. So if, for example, your dog accidentally eats a piece of chocolate, take the chocolate coating to the veterinary clinic so that the veterinarian can check all its contents. In most cases, a blood test can help diagnose the cause of the poisoning.

Treatments

The veterinarian must first check the dog’s condition to decide on treatment. The veterinarian’s priority is to keep the dog’s condition stable until he can reach treatment and diagnosis.

The three types of toxins that dogs are poisoned after swallowing are:

• Toxins such as grapes, raisins, chocolate and human medicines.
• Poisons, acidic substances such as bleach.
• External factors such as toys, bones and wood.

Treatment for dog poisoning can include endoscopy and removal of the venom or surgery in more dangerous cases. In some conditions, antidotes can also be helpful. For example: to treat car antifreeze poisoning and rat death. The veterinarian should do his best to minimize damage to the dog’s body.

Treatment with activated charcoal

In veterinary medicine, vets sometimes use activated charcoal to absorb toxins. Charcoal acts like a magnet, meaning it absorbs toxins before they reach the digestive tract. You should never use charcoal to treat dogs poisoned with ethanol, fluoride and manure.

Treatment by vomiting

Sometimes forcing a dog to vomit can help treat the poisoning. Vomiting helps flush toxins out of a dog’s stomach. Forcing a dog to vomit doesn’t apply to all cases. Note that a veterinarian should only do this with special medication. For example, a dog that has been poisoned by acid, alkalis, corrosives, or hydrocarbons should never be forced to vomit. Also, in these cases, you shouldn’t give any oil to the dog. This can cause chemical reactions and stop the dog’s breathing.

Prevention

It would help if you kept all toxins such as medicines, detergents, herbs, flowers and forbidden dog foods out of reach. If you’re treating one of your animals, keep him away from other pets. Always make sure your dog has access to clean fresh water.

The most dangerous and common causes of dog poisoning include inhaled toxins (such as cigarette smoke, tear gas, etc.), toxins that are swallowed (such as alcohol, fertilizers, forbidden foods, etc.) and toxins that come in contact with the skin (such as diesel, oil, gasoline, etc.). Don’t forget to always keep these materials out of reach of your dog. With professional and skilled groomers, Mishka’s specialized team tries to improve your dogs’ neatness, beauty, and health. So you can enjoy being with your beloved dog more than before.