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Symptoms and Measures for Poisoning (Intoxications)

What Symptoms Can Indicate Poisoning?

Fortunately, poisonings are a rather rare event, so the symptoms mentioned are in the vast majority of cases due to illnesses.

Redness or other abnormalities of the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. mucosaMucosa, also called mucous membrane, refers to the moist lining of body cavities that are connected to the outside world, such as the mouth, nose, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract. It serves to protect and facilitate the absorption of nutrients.
Altered odor of the animal or its breath
Drooling
Vomiting
DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems.
Difficulty breathing
HyperactivityHyperactivity refers to an excessively high level of activity that goes beyond normal behavior. In dogs and cats, hyperactivity can be caused by behavioral problems, neurological disorders, or reactions to medications or toxins.
Muscle tremors
Seizures
Fatigue
Shock
ComaA coma is a deep state of unconsciousness where an individual cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli. In dogs and cats, it can be caused by severe illnesses, poisoning, or neurological problems.

What General Measures are Appropriate for Poisoning?

Remove your pet from the danger zone.
Remove visible toxins without endangering yourself.
Rinse or wipe out the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity, but your animal must be responsive so that you can be sure that the protective reflexes (swallowing reflex, cough reflex) are functioning.
Keep the label if your pet has eaten the contents of a package.
In case of skin contact with a toxinA toxin is a poison produced by living cells or organisms that can be harmful to the body upon contact or ingestion. Toxins can originate from bacteria, plants, animals, or fungi., wash or preferably shower your pet thoroughly for at least 15 minutes. If you clean your pet in a bathtub, use fresh water repeatedly. Wear gloves yourself.
In case of eye contact with a toxinA toxin is a poison produced by living cells or organisms that can be harmful to the body upon contact or ingestion. Toxins can originate from bacteria, plants, animals, or fungi., rinse your pet’s eyes with lukewarm water for at least 15 minutes.
If vomiting occurs, ensure that the animal’s muzzle is the lowest point. Conscious animals will assume this position on their own. For animals that are not fully mobile, you must support your pet. To do this, lift your animal by its abdomenThe abdomen, also known as the abdominal cavity, is the part of the body located between the rib cage and the pelvis. It houses several important organs, including the stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines, and spleen. and pelvis so that the vomited stomach contents can drain and do not enter the airways.
Afterward, clean the oralOral means “through the mouth” and refers to the intake of food, medication, or other substances through the mouth. In veterinary medicine, many treatments are administered orally. cavity with a paper towel or similar. Make sure the throat is clear. Do not push food chunks towards the back of the throat.
Do not administer anything, not even milk!
Do not try to induce vomiting in your pet yourself.

If possible and without endangering yourself, consider the following if poisoning is suspected:

Take the suspected poison and/or its packaging, label, and package insert with you to the vet.
Note when your animal ingested the poison, the (estimated) amount, and how it ingested the poison (eaten, inhaled, through the skin).
Are there poisonous plants in the household, garden, or was there clear contact during a walk?
Have insecticidesInsecticides are chemical or natural substances used to control insects. If used improperly or with excessive exposure, insecticides can be toxic to dogs and cats., plant poisons, or rat baits been used in the household or in areas accessible to the pet?
Is the animal currently receiving medication, and if so, which ones?

What Potentially Toxic Substances are Present in our Animals' Environment?

For all listed poisons, we inform you about the specific effect of the poison, the respective typical symptoms, what to do, and what recovery prospects exist for your animal.

We highlight the specifics for dogs and cats.

This information should not deter you from seeking professional veterinary help as quickly as possible if serious poisoning is suspected.

Which Poison Control Centers are there in German-Speaking Regions?

Knowledge regarding poisoning in dogs and cats has steadily improved in recent years. Nevertheless, there is currently no specific information service for poisoning in small animals in Germany. The poison control centers available in German-speaking regions have been developed for humans. The specific needs of dogs and cats are not taken into account.