How to know if Your Pet has been Poisoned

You never want to think something bad could happen to your furry friend. But unfortunately, pet poisoning does occur. Knowing the signs of poisoning in pets can help you get veterinary treatment as soon as possible. Our team at Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital in Bossier City, LA, wants you to be prepared. As your local veterinarian near you, we’re always here to help your pet in an emergency.

Watch For Changes In Behavior

If you notice your pet acting differently, lethargic, or confused, poisoning may be the cause. Specifically, look for symptoms like:

- Vomiting or excessive drooling

- Diarrhea

- Tremors or seizures

- Difficulty breathing

- Collapse or unconsciousness

Sometimes the symptoms depend on the type of toxin. For instance, antifreeze poisoning causes drunk-like behavior in pets. Just one lick can be deadly. So if you notice anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call us or bring your pet into our vet hospital right away. The sooner we can diagnose poisoning, the better chance we have of treating it successfully.

Check Your Home For Hazards

Take a look around your house and yard for potential poisons your curious pet could get into. Make sure all chemicals and medications are locked up and out of paw's reach. Toxins like insecticides, weed killers, and antifreeze have a sweet taste that may attract pets but can quickly cause irreversible organ damage.

Also, be careful with foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, and foods containing the artificial sweetener xylitol. While fine for people, these can be toxic for dogs and cats. And don’t forget about poisonous plants, either inside or outside. Lilies and sago palms, for example, are extremely toxic to cats. Removing dangers from your home reduces the risk of poisoning emergencies.

Act Fast If Poisoning Occurs

If you believe your pet may have ingested something toxic, take immediate action. First, safely remove your pet from the source if possible. For example, if they've eaten a poisonous plant, remove any remaining leaves from their mouth.

Next, contact your emergency vet right away. Here at Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital, our emergency animal hospital is open 24/7 for pet trauma like poisoning. We have the training and tools to diagnose the problem and start treatment quickly. The sooner toxins can be identified and addressed, the better your pet's chance of recovery.

Contact Us If You Suspect Your Pet May Have Been Poisoned

Don't wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own. Save time by calling us first before coming in, so we can advise you on any initial care to provide at home. With rapid veterinary intervention, our team at Jimmie Davis Animal Hospital can help your pet recover and avoid lasting organ damage. Don't take chances with suspected poisoning—let us help your furry friend. As your veterinarian near you in Bossier City, we’re here for your pet’s emergency needs.