Treatment FAQ

treatment when a dog eats something bad

by Willy Gibson Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Treatment depends entirely on what your dog has eaten, and may include:

  • An injection to make them sick (given by your vet - never try to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically tells...
  • Activated charcoal in a meal (helps absorb any remaining toxins and gas)
  • An overnight stay on a fluid drip
  • Blood tests
  • Any medicines that may help reduce the effects of the...
  • X-rays

Go to the vet immediately
If your dog ingests a foreign object, you should take her to the vet. If your normal vet is unavailable, call a 24-hour emergency animal clinic and describe the situation. According to Shari Brown, DVM, the best measure is to allow the professionals to properly assess the situation.
Jun 18, 2015

Full Answer

What to do if your dog eats something you shouldn’t?

If you realize that your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have—a plant, food, toy, or chemical—you should seek immediate veterinary care. If your primary veterinarian is unavailable, call your local emergency veterinary hospital. They will be able to advise whether your pet needs to be seen or whether you can continue to monitor him at home.

What should I do if my dog has food poisoning?

Since food poisoning can be a serious issue, it is important to consciously keep your dog away from other things that might make them severely sick. This is usually a problem if you live in the country or on an acreage. If your dog is outside a lot, there is a chance of them getting into roadkill or dead animals in the bush.

What should I do if my dog ate spoiled meat?

The matter can contain dangerous bacteria that can lead to serious illness. If your dog ate spoiled meat, you should monitor them for at least 24 hours and give them lots of water. If they show signs of food poisoning, there are a few things you can do.

What should I do if my dog swallowed something?

With your support, some potential obstructions can move through your dog's body without harming the animal and without intervention from a veterinarian. However, taking your dog to the vet as soon as you realize it swallowed something it shouldn't will create the best outcome for your pet.

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What can I give my dog if he ate something bad?

If your dog ate something bad in the last 2 hours: get 3% hydrogen peroxide solution. Don't get anything higher than that because the higher concentrations can be very dangerous for your dog. 2. Contact your veterinarian, see what dosage they think is best for your dog.

How long after a dog eats something bad will they get sick?

Please note that some signs and reactions may take 6 to 12 hours to occur or affect your dog's behavior. It's important to monitor your dog for any signs of illness as the day continues.

What happens when a dog eats something he shouldn t?

Davison, symptoms can include “vomiting, diarrhea, not eating, lethargy, seizures or just odd behavior.” There are some typical signs to watch out for if your dog ate something toxic, which include the following: Vomiting. Diarrhea.

What are the signs of poisoning in dogs?

Signs & Symptoms of Poisoning in DogsAgitation.Tremors.Convulsions.Nausea and/or vomiting.Seizures.Heart problems.Diarrhoea.Kidney failure.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning in a dog?

Food poisoning can take on many appearances with very different clinical signs, but typically it results in nausea, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, inappetence, and dizziness. Often a low-grade fever is present.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?

Some toxins cause reactions right away, while others cause symptoms several hours or days later. For instance, the first symptoms of antifreeze poisoning can appear in as little as 30 minutes, whereas the symptoms of chocolate poisoning take between 6 and 12 hours to show up.

Common Causes of Upset Stomach

There are many reasons your dog may have an upset stomach, though there’s one common cause: he ate something he shouldn’t have, said Kathy Backus,...

Remedies For Upset Stomach

While it’s crucial to consult with your veterinarian before administering any home remedies to soothe your pup’s tummy problems, here are a few you...

When to Worry About Upset Stomach

An upset stomach every once in a while is normal in every dog, but when a dog suffers often, it could signal that something is wrong in his gastroi...

How to stop a dog from chewing on things?

Although it’s almost impossible to stop dogs from putting things in their mouth, here are some preventive measures you can take: 1 Always supervise your dog while they’re chewing on toys or treats. 2 Avoid keeping moisture-swollen (well-chewed) dog chews around your home that can break apart easily. 3 Be diligent in picking up items like socks and underwear. 4 Remove large pits from fruit and dispose of them safely. 5 Take away chew toys and natural chews before they reach a size small enough to fit fully inside your dog’s mouth. 6 Don’t leave dog toys lying around when you are not home to supervise.

What to do if my dog swallows antifreeze?

Reviewed and updated for accuracy on October 7, 2019, by Dr. Jennifer Coates, DVM. If your dog swallowed something toxic or potentially toxic, such as antifreeze, chocolate, medications or marijuana in any form, contact your veterinarian or ASPCA poison control ( 888-426-4435 ) immediately.

How to treat a dog that swallowed a corn cob?

Treating a dog that has accidentally swallowed an object can vary widely from simply plucking the object from the mouth or throat while sedated to performing gastrointestinal surgery that may require the removal of large portions of bowel. The potential severity of a swallowed corn cob or sock cannot be underestimated.

How to do a Heimlich maneuver on a dog?

If the dog is lying down on her side, place one hand on her back for support and use the other hand just below the rib cage to squeeze the abdomen upwards and forwards. After performing the Heimlich maneuver, check the dog's mouth and remove any objects that may have been dislodged using the steps described above.

What to do if my dog is having trouble breathing?

If your dog is having trouble breathing, contact your veterinarian right away. Dogs frequently swallow things they shouldn’t, especially inquisitive pups, but also dogs whose chewing drive is high ( Labrador Retrievers , Pit Bulls, etc.). Although some objects may be small enough to swallow and pass through the digestive tract with minor ...

How to get a dog to stop chewing on fruit?

Be diligent in picking up items like socks and underwear. Remove large pits from fruit and dispose of them safely. Take away chew to ys and natural chews before they reach a size small enough to fit fully inside your dog’s mouth. Don’t leave dog toys lying around when you are not home to supervise.

Can you leave a dog with toys lying around?

Don’t leave dog toys lying around when you are not home to supervise. If your dog is a known chewer, he may need a basket muzzle when left unsupervised unless he is crated or in another safe environment.

What to do if your dog eats something?

Your veterinarian is the best person to tell you what to do when you have concern over what your dog may have eaten. The veterinarian’s office will ask you a series of questions and can help advise how to best handle your situation. Be sure to share: 1 Your dog’s age, breed and weight 2 What food or item was eaten 3 How long ago 4 How much 5 Any strange behavior (pacing, shaking, etc.)

How to keep a dog away from poisonous food?

The best thing pet parents can do to keep your four-legged friend away from harmful foods or substances is to take preventative measures. Make sure anything that can be potentially poisonous for your dog is far from their reach.

What to do if your vet office is closed?

Any strange behavior (pacing, shaking, etc.) If your veterinarian’s office is closed, they may suggest an emergency vet in your area. If your vet’s office is closed and they do not have an emergency veterinarian on their after-hours message, search for an emergency pet hospital near you and contact them by phone.

How long does it take for a dog to react to food?

The way your dog reacts to consuming something he shouldn’t will vary depending on the food or substance, but dogs showing any of the following signs can help a pet parent know when to be alarmed: Please note that some signs and reactions may take 6 to 12 hours to occur or affect your dog’s behavior.

What is the number to call for pet poisoning?

If you are unable to take your pet to the emergency hospital yourself, you can call the Pet Poison Helpline at 855-764-7661 ( Please note: There is a charge a per incident fee, so be sure you know what the costs are when you call and have a credit card on hand).

Can a dog end up in contact with something they shouldn't?

While no pet parent wants to think their dog could end up in contact with something they shouldn’t, the realization that they have can put you in a panic. Acting quickly in these situations and being prepared is one of the best ways to help your furry friend.

What to do if your dog eats socks?

What to do if your dog ate socks, clothes, toys or other inedible objects. If you suspect your dog may have eaten something he (or she) wasn’t supposed to, take heart. Your dog is in good company! A glass light bulb (it passed all the way through the dog’s system without breaking!)

How do you know if your dog ate something?

Your dog may be: Vomiting. Not eating. Acting lethargic. Stretching his butt in the air and staying in that pose (he may be trying to get pressure off his belly) Stretching a lot. Grunting like a pig or moaning (it likely hurts when your dog moves)

Why does my dog throw up?

Typically, the only time we’ll consider making your dog throw up is when your dog has eaten something toxic, like a high dose of chocolate. But even then, it can be better to leach it out of your dog’s system (for example, if your dog licked bleach). So, be observant… and don’t wait to call the vet.

Why do dogs need X-rays?

It helps to get an X-ray to see what’s going on. If you think your dog ate something and he still seems to be feeling okay, it helps to get a proactive X-ray. There are things we can give your dog to help him pass the object. But it’s important to see what you’re dealing with.

Can a dog have surgery if he eats something?

Just because your dog ate something, this doesn’t mean your dog has to have surgery to get it out. But it’s helpful to know what’s going on, so you can watch your dog and make sure he’s acting normal. Some objects are small enough that they’re likely to pass. (It usually takes a couple of days.)

Can a dog throw up something in the stomach?

If we fear the object could cause damage or it’s too big for your dog to throw up, we’ll try to catch the object while it’s still in the stomach. It’s easier to go in and remove the object from the stomach than from the intestinal tract. Things tend to become a bigger problem in the intestinal tract.

What to do if my dog eats a plant?

If you realize that your dog has eaten something he shouldn’t have—a plant, food, toy, or chemical—you should seek immediate veterinary care. If your primary veterinarian is unavailable, call your local emergency veterinary hospital.

What is the best food for a dog with food allergies?

There are many options on the market, but examples may include beef, buffalo, venison, or lamb.

Why does my dog eat grass?

If your dog is nauseous, you may also see him eat grass to soothe his stomach or try to induce vomiting , says Jody Bearman, DVM at Anshen Veterinary Acupuncture, Madison, Wisconsin. Watch for other signs of upset stomach in dogs, such as: Decreased appetite or loss of appetite. Fatigue.

Why does my dog eat so much water?

When your dog is vomiting or has diarrhea, you want them to stay hydrated, but giving him too much water may make his stomach even more upset, Dr. Backus says.

How long should I fast my dog?

Fasting. When your dog’s stomach is trying to get rid of something, it can be helpful to stop putting more things in their stomach for 12-24 hours, Dr. Backus says. “If the gastrointestinal (GI) system is having a tough time, you don’t want it to digest things.”.

How to tell if my dog is uncomfortable?

Watch for these signs: Increasing discomfort. Vomiting or having an episode of diarrhea more than twice. Blood in their vomit or stool. Toy or other foreign object in their vomit or stool. Weakness or collapse.

Can dogs take probiotics?

There are both prebiotics and probiotics that are made specifically for dogs, some of which are available over the counter . Be sure to ask your veterinarian if they have a particular brand recommendation. Always talk to your veterinarian first to find out the best course of action.

How to prevent food related illnesses in dogs?

Another easy way to avoid food-related illnesses for your dog is to dog-proof your house, so to speak. Make sure your pet will not have access to any toxic foods. This can be done by not leaving dangerous foods in any bottom cupboards, drawers, or on the floor.

What to do if my dog is hungry?

If your dog appears to be hungry and is not showing signs of food poisoning, make sure they only eat bland and wet food. When going back to their hard food, make sure to do it slowly just in case they are not feeling well.

Why does my dog shiver?

Uncontrollable shivering is something to watch for as a symptom of illness. Whimpering – Food poisoning can be very uncomfortable for your furry little friends, so they may whimper as a reaction to the pain. Aggression – Sometimes, uncomfortable pain or illness can cause your dog to act differently than usual.

How do you know if your dog has food poisoning?

Your dog can also have a fever as well. Reduced Appetite – An easy way to tell if your dog has food poisoning is to try and place kibble/food in front of them.

How to tell if a dog eats spoiled meat?

An easy way to check if the meat is spoiled is to check it’s smell, texture, and color. When you smell the meat, the smell will be very strong and pungent if it is spoiled.

Why is my dog not moving?

If your dog is tired and will not move a lot, it could be a symptom. Dehydration – If your dog is not drinking the regular amount of water they usually do, it could be a sign that they are reacting badly to food. Increased Drooling – Another more common symptom of food poisoning is increased drooling.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

This could mean your dog has trouble walking and seems to be more clumsy than usual. Seizures and Loss of Consciousness – The most serious symptom of food poisoning are seizures and loss of consciousness.

What to do if your dog is poisoned?

Seek Veterinary Advice. Again this might seem obvious, but if you suspect your dog has been poisoned, call the vet right away. You should never take a “wait and see” approach with suspected poisoning, because the longer you wait the more damage the toxic substance could be doing.

What to do if poison is in your pet's stomach?

According to Pet Place, these include, pumping the stomach, administering activated charcoal, or giving an appropriate antidote, if one is available.

How many cases of dog poisoning per year?

That said, there are about 200 cases of intentional poisoning of dogs per year, according to the National Animal Poison Control Center, so you shouldn’t completely rule out that possibility.

What are some poisonous substances for dogs?

According to the UK Kennel Club, these are some of the most common substances in the home and garden that are poisonous to dogs: 1 Chocolate 2 Raisins 3 Xylitol (a form of sweetener used in low-calorie products) 4 Bleach 5 Oven cleaner 6 Laundry detergent 7 Paracetamol/tylenol 8 Antidepressants 9 Snail, slug or rodent poisons 10 Fungi 11 Yew trees 12 Acorns 13 Spring bulbs

What happens if a dog eats petroleum based food?

For example, some people believe that the best thing to do if your dog has ingested something poisonous is to induce vomiting but, as PetMD points out, if you induce vomiting in a dog who has eaten something petroleum-based, they can easily aspirate into their lungs, causing acute pneumonia.

How long does it take for a dog to show signs of poisoning?

PetMD explains the symptoms of poisoning can vary wildly depending on the type of poison that your dog is exposed to, but common signs to look out for include: It’s worth noting, the average amount of time that it takes for symptoms of poisoning to show up is three to four days.

What are some of the most common poisonous substances in the home and garden that are poisonous to dogs?

According to the UK Kennel Club, these are some of the most common substances in the home and garden that are poisonous to dogs: Chocolate. Raisins. Xylitol (a form of sweetener used in low-calorie products) Bleach.

How to treat a dog that eats something it shouldn't but it seems healthy?

1. Check your dog for common symptoms of a blockage. If your dog has eaten something it shouldn't but it seems generally healthy otherwise, then you may elect to treat the possible obstruction at home. However, if your dog is acting ill, then it requires more immediate treatment.

What to do if my dog eats something that is obstructing his digestive system?

Take your dog to the vet. If your dog is acting unwell and you think that it has eaten something that is obstructing its digestive system, it's a good idea to have the animal seen by a vet. The vet can do an x-ray, ultrasound, or endoscopy to assess whether there is indeed an obstruction in your dog's system.

What to do if your dog has an obstruction?

2. Discuss treatment options. If your dog does have an obstruction and it is making the animal ill, then immediate veterinary treatment is necessary. Talk to the vet about the treatment options open to you, which usually include endoscopic and/or traditional surgical removal.

What is the procedure that puts a camera down the throat of a dog?

An endoscopy is a procedure in which the vet puts a camera down the dog's throat and into its digestive tract to look for an obstruction. With an endoscopy , your vet may also be able to remove a small obstruction with tools connected to the scope.

How to stop a dog from causing an obstruction?

If you are committed to letting your dog pass an obstruction naturally, then you need to be vigilant about watching the animal's health and vital signs. Monitor the dog's breathing, heart beat, appetite, bathroom schedule, and general demeanor.

What to do after a dog has surgery?

Give post-treatment care. After your dog has surgery it will need special care at home. This care typically includes tending to the incision site, feeding an adjusted diet, and giving lots of love and attention. After your dog has recovered, try to stop it from eating foreign and indigestible objects in the future.

What to do if my dog eats glass?

If your dog eats a rough or sharp item, such as glass, you should get it veterinary care immediately. You won't always know what your dog has eaten when it has a bowel obstruction. However, if you do know then you have the ability to assess the situation more clearly.

What to do if a dog eats a dog's stool?

Doctors will also give your dog fluids to correct dehydration and appropriate medications to lessen nausea and vomiting as well as pain. If an object does not pass into the dog’s stool, or if your veterinarian feels the object has been lodged too long, your dog may need surgery under anesthesia.

How to stop a dog from eating sticks?

Bowel Obstruction Prevention. The best way to prevent bowel obstruction is to discourage and block your dog from trying to eat certain types of bones, sticks, rocks, and similar objects. Keep foods that are toxic to dogs and other temptations, including garbage cans, out of reach. Teaching the “Leave It” command can prevent your dog ...

Why do dogs put things in their mouths?

Puppies tend to be more eager to put every object into their mouths, often because they are often teething and are looking for something to chew. If a bowel obstruction does occur, treating your dog with prompt care and medical attention can help minimize the consequences.

What causes a dog's bowel to be blocked?

These include masses or tumors, twisting of the intestines around the membrane that separates them from the abdominal wall, pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the passage from the stomach to the small intes tine), hernias, and intestinal parasites.

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