Sometimes situations arise when dogs swallow something on the street or drink something. This can result in serious poisoning or even a threat to the life of your pet. Owners of four-legged animals should know that they urgently need to induce a gag reflex in their dog so that poisonous and toxic substances do not have time to be absorbed into the animal’s blood.
You need to know how to induce vomiting in a dog correctly, and when you should never do this, so that your pet’s condition does not worsen.
In what situations is this needed?
The gag reflex is a natural and completely normal reaction of the pet’s body to dangerous substances. Often, a pet can vomit once, but he will feel quite well. However, sometimes he needs help to provoke such a process. Otherwise, the situation may become life-threatening for your four-legged friend.
In case of poisoning, vomiting must be induced as quickly as possible, otherwise toxic substances will enter the intestines, be absorbed into the blood and spread throughout the dog’s body, which can lead to irreparable consequences.
It is necessary to induce vomiting in a dog when it has eaten toxic substances - chemical or natural. The most common poisonings are caused by eating:
- rat poison (or the poisoned rodent itself);
- substances to combat various insects;
- substances for controlling weeds in garden beds;
- chocolate (contains substances hazardous to the cardiovascular system and digestive system);
- antifreeze (often attracts dogs with the smell);
- leaves, stems, fruits of poisonous plants (domestic and wild);
- various medications.
Usually, vomiting should be induced no later than in the first 1.5 to 2 hours after toxic substances enter the body of the affected pet.
Veterinarian advice
Is it possible to limit yourself to home measures in case of serious signs of intoxication?
No, you cannot rely on self-treatment. The animal (at the first symptoms of poisoning) must be taken to the veterinarian as quickly as possible so that he can provide qualified assistance. The exceptions include food poisoning, accompanied by rare and short-term vomiting/diarrhea, when you can get by with adsorbents and a strict starvation diet.
What diet is recommended after poisoning?
The dog is not fed anything for a day (or a little more), but is given a lot of water, making sure that there is no vomiting. After the dog’s condition returns to normal, he is limited in food, giving small portions when appetite appears. Meat, preferably boiled, begins to be introduced in the form of minced meat, gradually moving into slices and larger pieces. Anything that significantly burdens the liver and kidneys is strictly prohibited - fish, pickles, smoked foods, fried and fatty foods.
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What you can use at home
There are both pharmaceutical and improvised means to induce vomiting in a dog. You should not use several methods at the same time; you need to choose one most suitable option and do not hesitate to provide assistance.
Water
A large volume of plain drinking water that enters the stomach leads to its elimination back out. For large breed dogs, the amount of water required to induce vomiting can be about three liters. It is often difficult to force a pet to drink so much liquid, so you often have to pour it in by force. For a better effect and a more comfortable feeling for your pet, you should warm up the water a little.
Hydrogen peroxide
It should be noted that despite the fact that some owners practice dropping undiluted peroxide into the dog’s mouth, only a 1.5% solution is suitable for oral use (pharmacies sell solutions with a concentration of 3%).
If you give your dog peroxide in its pure form, you can cause damage to the mucous membranes and thereby further harm the pet’s health.
The solution is made by mixing 1:1 clean drinking water and hydrogen peroxide. Place it on the root of the tongue so that the dog swallows the mixture. 1 teaspoon of product is calculated for approximately 5 kg of dog’s body weight. If vomiting does not occur within 5–10 minutes, the peroxide solution in the same dosage is given again.
Potassium permangantsovka
A weak solution is prepared (the color should be pale pink) and the dog is force-fed with this liquid. Depending on the size of the dog, the volume of potassium permanganate solution drunk varies - from about 0.5 liters. up to 3 liters, as in the case of plain water. Vomiting usually occurs within a very short time.
Vaseline oil
This product has an enveloping effect, so it additionally protects the gastric mucosa from damage and reduces absorption. You can also induce a gag reflex in a dog using purified petroleum jelly. You need to give your pet 100–200 ml of this substance to drink, which will provoke the necessary reaction.
Decoctions of chamomile, St. John's wort
Sometimes dogs are given decoctions of these medicinal herbs to induce vomiting. In terms of volume, the pet needs to drink 0.5 - 3 liters of liquid, depending on the size of the dog. Chamomile and St. John's wort do not have pronounced emetic properties; they are more gentle compared to many other drugs.
Hellebore tincture
Causes increased gastric peristalsis and, as a result, belching and vomiting. The product is used in a dosage of 0.05 - 2 ml for one dog, depending on its weight. The action comes quite quickly.
Salt
Simple kitchen salt can help induce vomiting. Can be used in two ways:
- Pour about 2 - 3 g of salt (half a teaspoon) onto the root of the tongue to influence the taste buds. There is no need to force your dog to swallow the powder;
- Prepare saline solution. For representatives of small and medium breeds of dogs, a less concentrated solution is used (20–30 g of salt per 500 ml of drinking water), while for large breeds the salt concentration is increased (50–60 g of salt per 500 ml of water). The liquid is given to the dog in one go.
1 teaspoon contains 5 - 7 g of salt without a slide, 10 g with a slide; in 1 tablespoon - approximately 20 g without a slide, 30 g with a slide.
Salt also reduces the absorption of various substances into the blood, thereby inhibiting the process of poisoning. However, many experts still do not recommend using salt to induce vomiting in dogs, since it itself is quite toxic for pets. In addition, if vomiting does not occur, salt has a detrimental effect on the mucous membranes of the dog’s body and can cause irritation, sometimes even ulcers.
Ipecac (emetic root)
Syrups, extracts, infusions and tinctures are made from this plant. The drugs have expectorant properties and can also cause vomiting. To provoke nausea in a pet, the dog is given vomit root syrup in a dosage of 1 teaspoon per 5 kg of live weight.
Very small dogs and puppies are allowed to swallow just a few drops. Vomiting occurs within a few minutes. At the moment, ipecac root syrup is practically no longer used as an emetic for a number of reasons: vomiting from such a remedy lasts a long time and is exhausting; if the pet does not vomit, the drug that is not excreted has a bad effect on the gastric mucosa - it causes irritation; An incorrectly calculated dose can lead to complications.
Apomorphine (apomorphine hydrochloride)
A medicine that is administered subcutaneously in a dosage of 0.002 - 0.005 g, depending on the dog’s body weight. Apomorphine acts directly on a specific area of the brain, which causes severe vomiting. After introduction into the body, the reaction occurs instantly - no later than the first couple of minutes. However, the medication should be used with caution, carefully calculating the dose, since apomorphine also affects the respiratory center. In addition, the medicine is difficult to obtain - it is sold by prescription.
Causes of intoxication
According to observations, dogs are poisoned due to the fault of their owners. Because dogs are not able to sort through food, as cats can do, they eat everything that their owner gives them. In addition, they can try what they find on the street.
But let's still establish the reasons why dogs are poisoned. So, poisoning can occur in several cases:
- Eating spoiled food. If the owner gives the dog something that should simply be thrown away. Don’t think that a dog’s stomach is so strong that it can digest everything. Missing products can have a detrimental effect on the animal’s body, even to the point of death.
- Incorrect diet of the animal. It should be understood that this is a predator, but you cannot feed it only meat, because protein poisoning will occur.
- If you allow an animal to pick something up from the ground on the street or rummage through a trash bin. So, the dog, by his actions, shows that he is not fed at home or is not given what his body requires. For example, he lacks vitamins, minerals or other nutrients.
- Do not leave medications or other toxic substances in a place where an animal can get them.
- Improper storage of animal food, which causes it to become unusable. Also, you should not buy cheap food that is produced by a dubious company.
- Be careful when treating your animal; you do not need to give it more medications than required.
- Do not allow the animal to lick fruits treated with poison against insect pests.
- You need to carefully watch the animal while walking so that the dog does not eat poisonous plants.
When is it prohibited to induce vomiting?
Sometimes, under no circumstances should you induce vomiting in dogs, so as not to aggravate the situation. These moments include:
- poisoning with gasoline, kerosene, bleach, strong alkalis and acids (repeated passage of such substances through the esophagus can severely damage it, as well as the respiratory tract);
- pregnancy;
- ingestion of hard, sharp, rough objects (moving through the digestive tract of such pieces easily injure the walls of organs);
- difficulty breathing;
- bleeding from the mouth or nose (pulmonary, stomach);
- severe weakness;
- convulsions;
- unconscious state of the dog.
In case of any poisoning, you must contact your veterinarian without delay!
You need to clearly tell him what exactly the dog swallowed, how long ago he was poisoned, what symptoms are present and how severe, what measures were taken, and also answer all the questions asked - the outcome of the treatment depends on this.
Types of poisoning
Veterinarians divide animal poisoning into two types:
- Food. Statistics show that food poisoning accounts for the largest number of all cases. This occurs when any poison or other toxic substance enters the dog's body. For example, an animal may pick up discarded medications on the street or eat spoiled food.
- Non-food. This species is characterized by the fact that toxic substances enter the animal's esophagus through the pores, respiratory system or mucous membrane.
Methods of therapy
If you cannot help your pet, then wait for the veterinarian. He will provide your dog with emergency assistance and do everything necessary to save the animal, for example:
- In case of poisoning, and the owner knows exactly what kind, the doctor will administer an antidote.
- In some cases, you will need to rinse your dog's stomach.
- He will put on an IV to cleanse the body.
- Administration of other medications.
After providing emergency assistance, drinking large amounts of fluid, using diuretics, and a special diet are prescribed.
Further actions
After you have managed to make the dog vomit, you need to give it any adsorbent, for example, activated carbon. Then give him some water, calm him down and take him to the veterinarian (or call him to your home). First aid for poisoning is very important, but in the future the animal may need systemic treatment.
Thus, by performing a few simple steps, you can achieve the desired result. The most important thing is to choose the right method for inducing vomiting in your pet so that it is as effective and safe as possible for him.
FAQ
What to do if a person is on a drinking binge?
If your loved one is a binge drinker, you should immediately seek drug treatment help. Persuasion to go together to a drug treatment clinic often causes a reaction of protest. In order to cut a person off from alcohol for a long time, one must create motivation for recovery.
Upon arrival at home, the narcologist provides medical measures and resorts to psychological assistance. During the intervention, a social worker or psychologist at the Narcologist-24 clinic creates motivation for getting rid of alcoholism, which becomes a reliable basis for recovery.
How to stop a woman from drinking?
In order to get a woman out of her binge, you should call a narcologist to your home. A narcologist performs professional detoxification using saline solutions and medications.
In difficult situations, it is recommended to resort to hospitalization.
Inpatient therapy has the following advantages:
- Social isolation preventing alcohol relapse;
- Guaranteed anonymity;
- 24-hour supervision by experienced medical staff;
- Possibility of using hardware techniques (UBI, plasmapheresis, etc.).
Is it possible to drink after delirium tremens?
After delirium tremens and other acute psychotic reactions, alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited. Failure can lead to irreversible consequences such as heart attack, stroke or death.
How to stop drinking beer?
Quick withdrawal from beer drinking involves detoxification using infusion solutions. In addition, as a result of beer alcoholism, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract develop, which require timely diagnosis and therapy.
How to get your husband out of binge drinking?
A man can only be brought out of a drinking binge with the participation of an emergency drug treatment team. Some relatives of alcohol addicts mix dietary supplements into food, hoping that this will help develop an aversion to alcohol.
In fact, the use of dietary supplements does not help get rid of addiction. Contact narcologists to develop an individual treatment plan for alcoholism.
How to get out of a long drinking binge?
Binge drinking can have varying durations, from two days to several weeks. Prolonged binge drinking leads to rapid destruction of organs and systems, as well as brain functions. Over time, memory loss, difficulty concentrating and thinking processes occur. Coming out of a long-term binge has several nuances:
- Need for hospitalization
. As a result of the formation of mental dependence and being in an unfavorable environment, there is a risk of breakdown. This means that the patient should be isolated from the environment for a while;
- Comprehensive detoxification
. Pharmacotherapy, hardware detoxification methods and infusion solutions are used to cleanse the body of ethyl alcohol metabolites;
- Intensive psychotherapy
. People in the later stages of alcohol addiction often lose criticality of their condition. A qualified psychotherapist helps you recognize the problem and get on the path to recovery;
- The need for an integrated approach
. Alcoholism is a disease that affects not only the physical and mental health of a person, but also the spiritual and social spheres. In a rehabilitation center, addicts find new interests and life aspirations that make integration into a sober life easier.
How to reduce alcohol consumption when binge drinking?
A gradual reduction in the dosage of alcoholic beverages does not always lead to the desired result. In some cases, a low concentration of ethyl alcohol in the body causes alcohol withdrawal: the desire to drink alcohol rapidly increases. Such consequences can only be prevented through detoxification in a drug treatment clinic.
Feeding the animal after poisoning
For two days after intoxication, the dog should only drink plenty of fluids. This will have the same effect on the body as when washed.
In addition, try not to give your dog milk.
On the second day, give a mild broth with a small amount of rice. For seven days, feed your dog food that is high in vitamins and easy to digest.
After some time, you can and should give boiled eggs, cottage cheese, boiled liver and lean meat. If a dog refuses food in the first days, there is no need to force it.
Prevention of poisoning
Experts offer some tips on how you can avoid poisoning your animal. Accordingly, from these recommendations, you can understand what can poison a dog.
- You should not bathe your dog with household chemicals. Special shampoos are sold for this, which also must be used only according to the instructions.
- Try to hide all medications and household chemicals away so that the animal cannot get them.
- Before using any vitamin, consult your doctor.
- Buy food for your pet only from manufacturers who have earned a good reputation. Always check the shelf life and storage conditions of all products.
- Choose a place to walk away from garbage dumps. If you notice that your pet likes to pick up something from the ground, then put a muzzle on it.
- Try to keep your dog's diet balanced and contain enough minerals and vitamins.
So, to summarize, in order for first aid to be provided to your dog as expected, everything should be done quickly and confidently. Because every minute counts, this is the only way to preserve the health and life of your pet.
If you are just thinking about getting a pet, you need to understand that you will be responsible for its health and life. Therefore, try to be more vigilant and watch where you hide everything toxic so that your dog does not become poisoned.
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Some specific signs
Acute poisoning in a beloved dog can occur due to various poisons. In addition to the usual symptoms, specific ones also arise, for example:
- Hypoglycemic coma. Appears three hours after consuming toxic drugs. In this situation, emergency care must be provided because the dog may die.
- Dehydration.
- Heart dysfunction.
- Severe convulsions, this condition can result in paralysis.
- Bleeding.
- Blood in the urine.
- Pupil reaction to light.
- Changes in blood composition.
It should be said that serious complications and symptoms appear when acute poisoning occurs, that is, not food poisoning. Based on specific signs, experienced doctors determine what exactly the dog was poisoned with.
