Poisoning

These pages are for guidance only, if you are in any doubt over your pet's health please consult your veterinary surgeon.

As part of her final year research project, one of my friends from the Royal Veterinary College is doing research into breed-related problems in dogs. If you own or have owned a dog, please fill in her questionnaire or visit the Facebook group.

What are the common signs of poisoning?

Symptoms of poisoning are not very specific but include:

Nervous system Digestive system Other signs
  • Blindness
  • Incoordination
  • Fitting
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea
  • Excessive salivation
  • Painful abdomen
  • Skin burns
  • Nose bleed
  • Collapse
  • Sudden death

If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, take him straight to your vet's along with the full packaging of the poisonous substance if possible.

Before encouraging your dog to vomit, please read this.

What things are poisonous to dogs?

Possible sources of poison include:


Household chemicals
Dog having catheter placed.

Pesticides and Weed killers
Food poisonous to dogs: raisins, onions, garlic, chocolate.

Plants and food
Drugs poisonous to dogs: paracetamol, carprofen, ibuprofen.

Medicines and drugs