“Cases of animal poisoning are occurring throughout the city.” How to protect your pet from poisoning

Author Peter Deryabin

Updated: 04/15/2020 10:37 Published: 08/11/2010 12:02

Zoosphere » Veterinary

Summer is traditionally the season for poisoning. This is often due to the fact that many animals are taken out into the wild and are sometimes left to “freely graze”, which is why they can taste everything that comes their way along the way.

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Brutal life. How to protect animals from the heat

Food poisoning, caused by various substances, begins suddenly and progresses quickly, often causing seizures or even death - so it is necessary to act quickly in such a situation.

Veterinarian Natalya Viktorovna Loginova told Pravda.Ru readers what to do in such a situation

“The main signs of poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea . There may also be profuse drooling, a depressed state, or, conversely, agitation that is unusual for an animal. When these symptoms first appear, you should immediately consult a doctor. It is better for the owners of a poisoned animal not to do anything on their own - because nothing can be used internally during poisoning, especially when vomiting occurs.

If there is no vomiting, then you can give a little water - if the animal asks to drink. The maximum that can be given in the absence of vomiting from medications is an activated carbon tablet at the rate of 1 tablet per ten kilograms of live weight. The main thing is not to self-medicate. Only a doctor can provide more qualified assistance.

In the summer, pets can get poisoned by anything. For example, if a dog or cat walks on grass that grows near highways, or on a city lawn - and it is very dirty there, because a large amount of heavy metals settles on it, and eats this grass, it can also become poisoned, and quite severely. Therefore, if an animal walks on such grass, it is better not to let it eat it.

Poisoning from stale food often occurs in the summer. Food placed in bowls quickly deteriorates in hot weather and causes severe poisoning. This is especially true for natural meat products or wet ready-made food - canned food. Therefore, food in bowls, as well as water, must be changed as often as possible, and all pet food must be stored in the refrigerator.”

How does poisoning manifest itself in animals?

Just like in humans, poisoning in animals is caused by toxic substances that enter their bodies.
Most often, it is caused by eating toxic foods. Although intoxication sometimes occurs through the respiratory tract and skin. Individuals at a young age, weak and sick, that is, those with an unstrengthened body, are at greater risk of getting poisoned. Poisoning in animals is often acute, when the intoxication process occurs quickly. There are also chronic poisonings, in which the symptoms appear gradually. In any case, this is dangerous for the health, and sometimes even for the life of the animal. The poisoned body reacts with disruption of various functions, pathological changes and toxic shock.

Depending on the causative agent of intoxication, its symptoms differ. It is based on symptoms that poisoning in animals is diagnosed. They cannot say what could have caused the illness. They also won’t explain where it hurts. Therefore, pet owners should be especially attentive to the clinical picture manifested in the patient.

By affecting different systems of the body, intoxication causes characteristic symptoms. On the part of the nervous system, the animal may experience depression, which is expressed by drowsiness, apathy, weakened reflexes, and depression. Or, on the contrary, it may come into an excited state, which is characterized by anxiety, muscle twitching or trembling, and convulsions.

The animal's breathing and pulse change their rhythm, urinary incontinence occurs - these are signs of damage to the cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal disorders are characterized by lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, intense salivation, bloating, constipation or diarrhea, sometimes with blood.

The skin and mucous membranes react to poisoning with redness, ulcers on the skin and tongue, swelling of the muzzle and limbs, an itching sensation that manifests itself in licking and the desire to rub against a foreign object. Body temperature can either rise or fall.

How intoxication manifests itself in animals largely depends on their species.

Read more about the types of poisoning of various animals

The same toxic substance will have different effects on a horse and a cat. In this effect, the dose of poison that enters the body matters. Once toxins have entered the gastrointestinal tract, they begin to dissolve under the influence of digestive enzymes and affect the entire body.

The solubility of the substance plays an important role, so quickly dissolving toxins quickly enter the blood, which carries them to other organs. It happens that it is impossible to save an animal from death due to poisoning with these poisons, because the process occurs quickly and irrevocably.

Toxins with a weak ability to dissolve act more slowly. They provide a greater chance of saving your pet. Although in any case, assistance must be provided immediately.

When is urgent veterinary care needed?

Depending on the severity of the poisoning, first aid to the dog can be provided by its owner independently. But if the animal is poisoned by a large amount of toxin or self-medication does not bring positive results, the victim will need the help of a veterinarian.

It is necessary to immediately take your pet to the clinic if he has:

• heavy and rare breathing;
• complete refusal of water;
• anuria (cessation of urination);
• paralysis of limbs.

For mild intoxication, home treatment may be sufficient, but the owner must carefully and constantly monitor the dog's condition. If vomiting and diarrhea are over, the animal begins to move and show interest in food and water - hurray! the poisoning has passed.

Substances that cause poisoning in animals

Poisoning in animals can be caused by different types of toxins. All toxic substances are divided into three groups:

• slightly toxic - a dose of 2 g per kilogram of weight has a toxic effect on the animal,
• moderately toxic - 0.5-2 g per kilogram of weight can lead to death,
• highly toxic - fatal when up to 5 mg per kilogram of weight enters the body.

Among all the possible toxic substances that can affect an animal, veterinarians most often encounter the following:

• Zookoumarin. Is a rodent bait. Not only the bait is dangerous for the animal, but also the rodent that ate it. In this case, the poison is most harmful when consumed in small quantities, but often. A dose of 20 to 50 mg per 1 kg of weight is considered lethal.
• Petroleum products. It is harmful if there is more than 1 ml of the substance per 1 kg of weight.
• Antifreeze. Possessing a sweetish taste, the substance attracts animals. The time for symptoms to appear depends on the amount consumed.
• Detergents. Often attracted to small pets, which are characterized by increased curiosity.
• Houseplants. Some types of plants contain poison that is dangerous to the health of pets.
• Iodine. Just a few milligrams can be fatal if taken orally.
• Organophosphorus substances (OPS). They are part of dichlorvos, chlorophos and other products. Intoxication is possible not only through entry into the digestive tract, but also through the skin or respiratory tract.
• Belladonna (belladonna). The plant is rarely eaten by animals. Much more often, poisoning can occur with substances containing belladonna. Some medicines are made on its basis.
• Medicines. If the animal has access to medications, it may consume them and become poisoned. Hazardous substances include potassium permanganate, boric acid, male fern and others.
• Veratrine and carbolic acid. Included in products against skin parasites. Therefore, there is a danger of intoxication if you wash an animal in a preparation with such components.
• Chocolate. Contains theobromine alkaloid, which is not at all dangerous to human health, but in large quantities is harmful to animals. At the same time, dark chocolate is considered more toxic than milk chocolate.
• Arsenic. Often used with the intention of leading to the death of the animal.
• Naphthalene. Also toxic. Therefore, it is important to keep it away.
• Nicotine. Poisoning can occur if your pet eats cigarette butts.
• Vapors and gases. If they contain toxic substances, they destroy mucous membranes and can enter the body through the skin and breathing. Exhaust gases with prolonged exposure to the animal also poison it.
• Salonin. Found in potatoes that have sprouted or become green.
• Pesticides and pesticides. Often used in agriculture to protect plants. There are different toxicities, depending on the composition.
• Food products. If food is of poor quality or spoiled or contains poison, it can lead to poisoning.

When an animal becomes intoxicated, it is important to know what specific substance caused it. The correct provision of assistance depends on such information.

Symptoms of food poisoning

The first signs of food poisoning in dogs do not appear immediately. After eating spoiled foods, symptoms of intoxication can be noticed after 7-8 hours. If the concentration of the substance ingested by the dog was high, warning signs will appear much earlier.

Symptoms indicating food poisoning in a dog:

• apathy and lethargy, the animal does not respond to stimuli such as loud sounds, bright light;
• nausea and vomiting with foam, blood, bile;
• intestinal upset (diarrhea) develops, stool may have a watery consistency, a foul odor and an unnatural color;
• the dog refuses food, in severe cases even water;
• the animal tries to hide in a dark corner;
• mucous membranes are pale, sometimes cyanosis may appear;
• body temperature drops, skin becomes cold to the touch;
• coordination of movements is impaired: unsteady gait, movement in a circle, falling to one side;
• Convulsive conditions may occur, and sometimes paralysis of the hind limbs develops;
• a putrid odor emanates from the mouth;
• the abdomen is enlarged and painful to the touch.

If you do not provide assistance to the animal in a timely manner, the dog’s body will suffer from dehydration, as a result of which the pet will quickly die.

The severity of poisoning directly depends on the weight and age of your four-legged friend. As a rule, miniature dogs, puppies and older animals suffer from intoxication much more severely than adults.

If there is a suspicion that the dog has become a victim of dog hunters (poisoned), the owner needs to take a close look at his four-legged friend and note the presence of the following signs:

• breathing is heavy and intermittent;
• the dog becomes lethargic, movements are difficult;
• vomiting blood appears;
• convulsive conditions develop.

An important difference between food poisoning and poisoning (in particular, isoniazid) is the speed of onset of symptoms. Therefore, always compare the time of the dog’s last walk or feeding to clarify the diagnosis. As a rule, after isoniazid enters the digestive tract, the first signs of intoxication appear after 30 minutes, and in the absence of qualified assistance, after 1.5-2 hours the dog will fall into a coma and die from lack of oxygen.

First aid for animal poisoning

To find out what poisoned your pet, pay attention to such information as the remains of uneaten food, the smell of the place where the pet could have been poisoned, medication packaging, etc. Even if it is impossible to determine the substance that poisoned the animal, it needs to be helped as quickly as possible.

First aid for a poisoned animal consists of the following steps:

• Stop the poison from entering the body. This also applies to the skin or mucous membranes, from which the poison must be washed off with water. If necessary, trim the fur in that area.
• Take steps to induce vomiting if toxins are ingested. To do this, use either a large amount of water or a saline solution. Sometimes they resort to a solution with hydrogen peroxide.
• Give more fluids to reduce toxic effects in the gastrointestinal system.
• Give an enema to cleanse the intestines.
• Give the animal adsorbents to neutralize toxins.

There are contraindications for inducing vomiting. These include:

• lethargy,
• lack of swallowing function,
• cardiac dysfunction,
• convulsions,
• poisoning with alkalis or acids.

When a substance that causes harm to health is known, antidotes can be used - drugs that neutralize the poison.

For further assistance, it is worth calling a veterinarian. To make the diagnosis of intoxication more accurate, it is important to provide the specialist with the following information:

• a sample of the substance with which the animal was poisoned,
• Tell the doctor about all the symptoms that the patient experienced.

A competent and timely approach to providing assistance can save the health and life of your pet.

How to prevent poisoning?

To protect your pet from health problems, you need to follow certain rules. Firstly, give him only proven food. The introduction of new food into the diet can lead to health problems. It is worth noting that food that is absolutely safe for people is not always safe for animals.

Secondly, store household chemicals in a place where your pet has no access. Also try to use airtight packaging so that the smell does not attract the animal to the dangerous substance. Store medications responsibly. If you use them for the animal itself, strictly follow the instructions.

When the house is undergoing renovations and the process of clearing parasites, pay special attention to your pet. The substances used can cause irreparable harm. It is best, of course, to temporarily relocate the animal to another place.

Also be careful when your pet spends time outdoors. Keep it away from suspicious objects. This is the only way to protect your pet from poisoning.

First aid for pet poisoning

It's summer outside, and therefore all seasonal problems are still relevant. Last time I talked about the big summer disaster - colds and myositis, and now I want to focus on poisoning.

In summer, cases of poisoning are more common than in the rest of the year. I can immediately say that when a dog or cat is poisoned, the owner is almost always to blame! All accidents with animals most often occur due to the fault of their owners.

WHAT CAN ANIMALS BE POISONED BY?

Missing food is the most common cause of poisoning in dogs and cats. Fearing that the animal will go hungry during the day when the owner is not at home, many try to put more food in their pet’s bowl. But food left in a bowl for the whole day spoils very quickly. And if the cat still thinks about whether to eat it or not, then the dog, most likely, will not pay attention to the suspicious smell and will eat everything clean.

Drug poisoning. Sometimes owners leave their medications in a place accessible to dogs, and puppies are especially often affected. Or there are situations when owners independently prescribe treatment and begin to mindlessly stuff their pet with various medications, not thinking that dosing a human drug for an animal that weighs ten times less than a person is very difficult! In addition, some drugs are simply prohibited to be given to animals! By choosing self-medication, you risk killing your pet with your own hands.

Poisoning by poisonous plants. Cat lovers are not allowed to grow indoor plants at home. Many may say that this is all nonsense. We had a woman at our appointment with a cat with signs of poisoning. When we started asking her about indoor flowers, she admitted that she grows Dieffenbachia, azalea, and almost the entire list of plants that are poisonous to cats.

Rat poison . Both cats and dogs suffer. Baits placed to remove rats in the house have a very attractive smell for all animals, not just rats. In addition, an animal can become poisoned by eating a poisoned rodent. Poisoning with rat poison is very insidious. The fact is that the drug, which is part of almost all rat poisons, contains an anticoagulant that disrupts blood clotting in the person into whose body it enters. Therefore, the first symptoms of poisoning do not appear immediately, but after a few days.

These are the main causes of poisoning in animals, but not all. An animal can also be poisoned by an overdose of veterinary drugs (for example, when treated for fleas or worms), or by sniffing household chemicals (powders, detergents and disinfectants), or chemicals (varnishes, paints, solvents, pesticides). In addition, there are people who call themselves dog hunters who have dedicated their lives to exterminating dogs and cats, purposefully placing baits filled with poison in dog walking areas.

SIGNS OF POISONING IN AN ANIMAL

The most common signs of poisoning in cats and dogs are vomiting, diarrhea, and excessive drooling; if the central nervous system is damaged, there may be muscle tremors, convulsions and even paralysis; breathing is frequent, shallow, the animal’s state is sluggish. But this is not at all necessary. In some cases of poisoning, the state of the animal, on the contrary, is very active, one might even say that it is overexcited.

FIRST AID FOR POISONING

1) Induce vomiting. Table salt is usually used as an emetic - 2 teaspoons per glass of warm water; mustard – 1 tbsp. spoon per glass of warm water; hydrogen peroxide - in equal quantities with water. These drugs are poured into the animal's mouth. In case of poisoning in dogs, you can also induce vomiting by forcing them to drink a large amount of water or by placing a piece of table salt or baking soda on the root of their tongue.

2) Give adsorbents to cleanse the stomach of residual toxins (activated carbon, Enterosgel, kaolin (white clay) or egg white). You can give your dog a faint pink solution of potassium permanganate, strong tea, or milk. It is good to give the dog Vaseline oil along with the adsorbent.

3) Enema. The enema is done with salted water (1 teaspoon per glass of water), water temperature – +25°. +30° C. At higher temperatures, the toxin will dissolve in water and be absorbed into the intestinal walls. The procedure is repeated until the water coming out of the intestines is clean.

This is first aid for poisoning. All other actions depend on the condition of the animal and are prescribed by the veterinarian. If the pet is very weak, then a glucose drip will be required. When cardiac activity weakens, cardiac medications are used. If respiratory activity is impaired, drugs that stimulate the respiratory center are prescribed (for example, Atropine, Cititon and their analogues). To speed up the elimination of poisons, diuretics are given.

There are still important points! If you suspect that the animal has been poisoned by rat poison, or you see diarrhea with blood or nosebleeds, immediately inject vitamin K (preferably Konakion, if you can’t find it, then Vikasol) at a dose of 2.5-5 mg per 1 kg of animal weight. This is the only antidote for rat poisoning.

If your dog has become a victim of dog hunters, most often they use one specific drug, the name of which, for obvious reasons, I will not write.

Symptoms of poisoning: confusion, loss of coordination, white foam coming from the mouth (may be mixed with blood), respiratory depression, convulsions, coma.

The antidote for this poisoning is the banal vitamin B6 - Pyridoxine. You can buy it at any pharmacy without a prescription. It is best to keep it at home, especially if you have not very friendly neighbors or there have been cases of poisoning in your area. You need to inject Pyridoxine in a dosage of 10 ml for every 10 kg of the animal’s weight, and also follow the scheme - induce vomiting, give adsorbents, do an enema and run to the doctor!

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Poisoning in dogs. Cat poisoning

A poison is any substance that has a harmful effect on the body.

Dogs are very curious, so on walks many of them constantly pick up some kind of dirt and then eat it. Train your dog to eat only what the owner offers. Exclamations like: “Oh, you dirty dog!” usually lead to nothing, since the dog should only be punished when an offense is committed.

Dogs are usually poisoned only due to negligence of the owners. But some harmful substances cause dogs' appetite, so these poisons are easily found and eaten.

So what should you do if you know for sure that your dog has been poisoned?

• firstly, induce vomiting (this will remove the poison from the stomach) secondly, give the dog a laxative (this will remove the poison from the intestines)

But if the dog walks lethargically or has convulsions, then do not rush to induce vomiting, consult a specialist.

There are different poisons and different symptoms after poisoning.

• Strychnine - it is used against rats and other rodents. Animals become excited and fearful, irritable, and then convulsions follow, during which it is difficult for the dog to breathe.
• Lead - found in paints. Acute poisoning begins with abdominal cramps and vomiting. In any case, in case of poisoning, you should consult a doctor.

Poisonings and help with them

The most common substances that cause poisoning in dogs and first aid (names of poisons are given in alphabetical order)

Part 4

Adrenaline (ephedrine). Symptoms: dog restlessness, body tremors, shortness of breath. The mucous membranes are pale. The animal's pulse is initially slow, then quickened. Palpitations.

First aid: give the injured dog rest, cover the body and limbs with warm heating pads, and wrap them up. Give papaverine and dibazole orally. Urgent veterinary care.

Silver nitrate (lapis).

Symptoms: the dog’s oral mucosa becomes gray or white; the dog sits hunched over and groans; Vomiting of white masses, which quickly darken, and diarrhea, in which the stool is black, are observed. Convulsions of the body or individual limbs may occur.

Help: give the dog a solution of table salt, prepared at the rate of 1/2 teaspoon of salt per 1 liter of water; You can add small pieces of ice to the saline solution; milk is given abundantly; A cleansing and therapeutic milk enema is given. Urgent veterinary care.

Aminazine.

Symptoms: the dog is in a state of sleep all the time, sometimes vomits, and convulsions are possible.

First aid: rinse the stomach, give a saline laxative. If the animal is conscious, give it strong warm tea.

Anabasine. Poisoning in dogs is observed in the summer, during the period of treatment of berry and vegetable crops with preparations containing anabasine. Poisoning occurs in a dog that gets into the plant processing area. The oily liquid adheres well to the dog’s fur and paws. And when the animal begins to clean its fur and paws, poisoning becomes inevitable. The drug is very stable in the external environment and extremely toxic. Even 1-3 drops that enter its body can cause the death of a medium-sized dog.

Symptoms: the dog is constantly vomiting, she lies down all the time, and does not even try to get up. Palpitations. The tongue, mucous membranes of the lips, and the eyelids are bluish in color. Consciousness quickly darkens, the dog ceases to recognize people close to it, and does not respond to a nickname or treat. The death of the animal occurs due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles.

First aid: copious gastric lavage with activated charcoal, then a saline laxative. Urgent assistance from a veterinarian.

Analgin, pyramidon, phenacytin.

Symptoms: the dog is vomiting and lethargic; pupils dilated; breathing is difficult, there may be convulsions; A rash may appear on the skin of the abdomen.

First aid: the dog should be given cold, but not ice water with activated carbon, plenty of milk, strong sweet tea.

Aniline (chemical pencil, etc.).

Symptoms: the dog vomits quickly; she is lethargic; visible skin of the abdomen, mucous membranes are initially pale, then gray-blue; pupils are dilated, breathing is difficult; body temperature drops by 1-2°C; urination is difficult, there is often blood in the urine; in severe cases of poisoning - convulsions.

First aid: you need to take the dog out into the fresh air; give strong cold tea and milk inside; Apply an ice pack or cold compress to your head. Urgent medical care.

Antiparasitic collar.

Recently, many dog ​​owners have used a special collar as a means of repelling skin parasites: fleas, lice, ticks. This anti-parasitic collar, produced in various foreign countries, is impregnated with a toxic substance containing an organophosphorus compound (for example, 2,2 dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate). After wearing an anti-parasitic collar, some dogs experience a picture of poisoning: the dog becomes lethargic, the appetite disappears, drooling and vomiting are observed, and the gait becomes unsteady (wobbly). Also, after 3-7 days, dry or weeping eczema develops on the dog’s neck, where the collar contacts the skin. The animal feels restless and scratches the affected areas.

Required assistance: free the dog from the anti-parasitic collar and consult a veterinarian.

Apomorphine.

An emetic, which is usually administered to stimulate the vomiting center. Symptoms: the dog constantly vomits, it experiences weakness, due to which it cannot get up.

First aid: give the dog warm milk, give activated charcoal, warm it with heating pads and quickly take it to a veterinary hospital.

Atropine

found in plants of the nightshade family (belladonna, sleepy stupor, henbane, datura). Atropine is a strong toxic substance that acts on the dog’s nervous system, causing motor and mental agitation, body convulsions, and even visual and auditory hallucinations.

Read also:  May lily of the valley - a delicate flower with poisonous berries?

Poisoning is most often observed in the summer, when owners take their four-legged friends into the bosom of nature and, trying to compensate for the lack of vitamins, cook jelly and decoctions from the leaves and fruits of these plants.

Symptoms: vomiting; the pupils are sharply dilated; hoarse barking; constant thirst; the skin of the abdomen is reddened. Pulse is frequent. The dog is excited. Body convulsions resembling epilepsy. The death of the animal occurs within 3-12 hours.

First aid: rinse the stomach with water several times, give activated charcoal, laxatives. Drink strong sweet tea and coffee. Urgent medical attention is needed.

Boric acid.

Symptoms: repeated vomiting; body temperature is reduced - 36-37°C; decline in cardiac activity; A rash may appear on the skin of the abdomen.

First aid: the dog is given milk, liquid starch jelly, and burnt magnesia is given.

Veratrine (white hellebore).

Poisoning often occurs when dogs are washed in a hellebore solution to combat fleas and other parasites of the skin and coat.

Symptoms: drooling, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, there may be convulsions; mucous membranes of the eyes and lips are pale; the breathing process is disrupted.

First aid: inside - tannin solution, strong tea, iodine water (for 1 glass of cool water - 2 drops of iodine tincture).

Gases and vapors.

The greatest danger to dogs are poisonous gases and vapors: chlorine, bromine, iodine, phosgene, chloropicrin, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, nitric acid, carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), aniline, nitrobenzene, arsenic hydrogen. All of the listed gaseous and vaporous poisons, with the exception of arsenic hydrogen, have a destructive effect on the mucous membranes and enter the dog’s body through the respiratory tract and coat. In everyday life, poisoning of both people and dogs with carbon monoxide (carbon monoxide), which is formed during incomplete combustion of firewood, coal, kerosene, diesel fuel and other fuels, is also observed.

Carbon monoxide

, as is known, is lighter than air and initially it accumulates near the ceiling and only at high concentrations becomes toxic to the dog, usually located in the lower part of the room.

Poisoning of dogs caused by car exhaust fumes also occurs. This happens when dogs are transported long distances in a closed car with a faulty exhaust system. Light gas penetrates through cracks in the floor and, in the absence of proper ventilation of the body, causes poisoning in animals.

Symptoms: lacrimation, salivation, sneezing, paroxysmal cough, vomiting with blood, severe shortness of breath, visible mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth are bluish. The gait is shaky and unsteady.

Required assistance: Remove the affected dog from the atmosphere of toxic fumes as soon as possible. Abundant rinsing of the mucous membranes with a 2% solution of baking soda, prepared at the rate of one teaspoon of soda per glass of water. Take any antitussive medication internally, and artificial respiration if necessary.

Mushrooms are poisonous.

Poisoning occurs when dogs are fed soups made from poisonous mushrooms. Poisonous mushrooms for dogs are: white or pale toadstool, red fly agaric, false gray-yellow honey fungus, false white mushroom. Poisonous mushrooms or their alkaloids have a toxic effect on the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, i.e. on almost all vital organs of the dog.

Symptoms: the dog constantly feels sick, vomits, moans due to abdominal pain, diarrhea is usually bloody; increased thirst; body temperature drops to 36°C; the pulse is slow and barely detectable; consciousness in severe conditions is darkened; The dog does not recognize the owner, lies down, does not respond to the name.

First aid: rinse the stomach with water or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate; introduce activated charcoal into the stomach; give strong sweet tea, coffee with milk, then pour castor oil inside from 1 teaspoon to 100 grams, depending on the weight of the dog; Briefly apply a cold compress, cold water heating pad, or ice pack to your head.

Inkstone.

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea (black feces); The dog is moaning due to stomach pain.

Necessary help: give the dog plenty of milk, mucous decoctions, egg whites, table soda solutions at the rate of one teaspoon of soda per glass of water; give a laxative.

Iodine (iodine tincture).

Symptoms: excessive salivation; vomiting brown or blue masses (depending on the starch content of the food); diarrhea; the mucous membrane of the oral cavity and tongue are brown and swollen; possible nosebleeds; rash on the stomach, cramps.

Necessary first aid: abundant gastric lavage with water, then the dog is given milk, activated carbon, liquid starch paste, mucous decoctions.

Carbolic acid (creolin, lysol, etc.).

Poisoning occurs when dogs are washed with carbolic acid-based drugs to combat skin parasites. Symptoms: when exposed to high concentration solutions, blisters, ulcers, and eczema form on the body; if a toxic substance gets inside - vomiting, constriction of the pupils, a sharp decline in cardiac activity, and a decrease in body temperature.

Essential first aid. For skin lesions, apply compresses with neutral oils: vegetable, olive, vaseline; if the poison gets inside, forcefully give the dog burnt magnesia, water with pieces of ice, egg white, activated carbon, mucous decoction, Glauber's salt (10 g of salt per 200 g of cool water); keep the dog warm.

Castor bean (seeds, cakes).

Poisoning develops when dogs are fed food with the addition of cakes, which contain a highly toxic substance - toxalbumin.

Symptoms: 3-8 hours after eating poisonous food, the dog begins vomiting and diarrhea. The animal experiences abdominal pain and groans.

Required help: rinse the stomach with water, give laxatives, warm the dog with heating pads, and wrap it up. The help of a veterinarian is required.

Potassium permanganate.

Poisoning in dogs occurs when crystals of the substance or strong solutions are ingested. Symptoms: decline in cardiac activity, swelling of the oral mucosa, larynx, abdominal pain.

Necessary assistance: rinse the stomach with milk and water; introduce activated carbon and egg white inside. If there is a decline in cardiac activity, give the dog cordiamine - at the rate of 5-40 drops per 1 teaspoon or tablespoon of water, depending on body weight. The help of a veterinarian is required.

Arsenic and its compounds.

Poisoning develops in the event of its malicious use or careless storage and use.

Poisoning appears 0.5-2 hours after the poison enters the dog’s body. The dog begins to rub its face with its paws, there are violent bouts of vomiting, and diarrhea with feces the color of rice water. The barking is hoarse, turning into silent. The dog moves with difficulty, mostly lies down, and there are convulsions of the limbs. Poisoning ends in death if help is provided late.

Emergency first aid is to give the dog water (250 g) with the addition of one teaspoon of table vinegar or three to four grams of citric acid, then give the dog warm milk until vomiting occurs. Seek veterinary help immediately.

The prevention of poisoning in dogs by arsenic and its compounds should be given primary attention.

The dog should be weaned from eating food from the ground, from accepting food from strangers, etc. Taking into account that arsenic and its compounds are similar in appearance to flour, salt and can accidentally be used in food, their storage among other food products.

When treating plants against insect pests or exterminating rodents, the dog should be isolated.

Naphthalene.

Symptoms: increased thirst, vomiting; the animal is trembling, excited; possible diarrhea; in severe cases, cyanosis of the mucous membranes, involuntary urination and stool discharge are observed; there may be blood in the urine.

Required help: drink plenty of water with a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate or activated carbon, after an hour - a saline laxative. It is strictly forbidden to give fats and food containing any fats to your dog during the day.

Nicotine.

Poisoning usually occurs in puppies when they eat cigarette butts. Symptoms: excessive salivation, vomiting; the animal lies down, limbs tremble or twitch; the pupils are constricted, the pulse is slow.

Necessary help: gastric lavage with water, then inside - activated charcoal, saline laxative.

Male fern and its preparations.

Poisoning is the result of inept use of anthelmintic drugs. Symptoms: drooling, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, breathing problems, increased body temperature.

Necessary help: inside - activated carbon, mucous decoctions; place the dog in a darkened room; warming the body; It is strictly forbidden to give milk and other foods containing fats to the affected dog during the first two days. Serve with cooled strong sweet tea.

Food poisoning

occur in dogs due to eating foods containing toxic substances. Symptoms: thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, increased body temperature to 39.7-40°C.

Necessary help: give the dog a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate, activated charcoal, then a laxative, and give a cleansing enema of water.

Satonin, or citvar seed,

- a drug that is used to treat ascariasis. In case of an overdose, dogs experience respiratory depression and weakened cardiac activity.

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, the dog mostly lies down, and there are convulsions of the front and rear limbs.

Required assistance: gastric lavage with water, saline laxative, cleansing enemas, diuretic tea. Medical consultation.

Potassium nitrate (potassium nitrate).

Symptoms: diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain; breathing problems; heart failure; convulsions are possible.

Necessary help: rinse the stomach with a solution of baking soda (one teaspoon per half liter of water), give activated charcoal, drink water with pieces of ice.

Lead poisoning (lead water for lotions).

Symptoms: vomiting of whitish-gray masses, thirst, whitish coloration of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity; diarrhea; the stool is initially black, then bloody; heavy breathing; pulse increases sharply; moaning due to abdominal pain; convulsions and blackouts in the dog are possible.

Necessary help: if possible, quickly rinse the stomach with water or a solution of baking soda (one teaspoon of soda per liter of water); Give the dog plenty of milk, strong sweet tea, coffee with milk, and give him egg whites.

Sleeping pills.

Symptoms: state of drowsiness, turning into deep sleep; pallor of the mucous membranes; slow breathing, weak and rare pulse; The dog's body temperature decreases; the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes are pale; breathing is slow and shallow; the pulse is barely palpable, rare; in severe cases, the mucous membranes and tongue turn blue, and the dog falls into an unconscious state.

Necessary help: if possible, rinse the dog’s stomach with water and activated charcoal and give it any laxative, then strong tea or coffee (cold); warm the animal, give heart medicine - 5-30 drops of cordiamin (depending on the dog’s body weight).

Solanine (greened or sprouted potatoes).

Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea; the dog sits hunched over or lies down, groans; breathing is heavy, pulse is uneven - arrhythmic.

Required assistance: gastric lavage; laxatives, enemas, cordiamine drops (5-30 drops depending on body weight); cold strong tea, coffee. To prevent such poisoning, potatoes should be stored out of the reach of dogs.

Strychnine.

Symptoms: all the muscles of the dog’s body are tense; convulsions occur periodically; the animal lies with its head thrown back; pulse is weak but frequent.

Necessary help: rinse the stomach with water with activated carbon, or a solution of iodine water (10 drops per 0.5 liters of water), or a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate. Under no circumstances should you give your animal tea, coffee or other stimulants.

Sublime (calomel).

Symptoms: swelling of all mucous membranes with a grayish-white coating; salivation; Possible vomiting of blood; diarrhea up to 10 times a day; greenish stool; body temperature is sharply lowered, pulse is slow.

Necessary help: if possible, rinse the stomach with water with crushed activated carbon, burnt magnesia, milk with beaten egg whites; give the dog water with ice cubes; Cordiamine orally: 5-30 drops per teaspoon of water (depending on body weight).

Sulfadimezin, streptocide (sulfonamide drugs).

Symptoms: refusal to eat, lethargy, trembling, vomiting, the dog itches intensely; body temperature is slightly elevated; jaundice is possible.

Needed help: stop giving the dog this medicine; apply an oil laxative, drink a solution of table salt at the rate of 1 teaspoon per liter of water. If the mucous membranes of the oral cavity turn blue, give the dog strong brewed but cooled tea or coffee; give cordiamine: 5-30 drops (depending on body weight).

Pesticides or pesticides.

They are used in gardening and agriculture to protect cultivated plants from weeds, diseases and other pests or in everyday life. Pesticides are divided into: insecticides - means of combating harmful insects; herbicides - means for destroying weeds; acaricides - means to combat ticks that feed on plant food; nematicides are pesticides used to destroy roundworms in the soil and on plants; Zoocides are means used to control animals and birds in order to protect crops.

Currently, there are more than two hundred different pesticide-based pesticides. In agriculture, in particular in household plots, organophosphorus compounds are most often used - chlorophos, metaphos, etc.; organochlorine - hexachlorane, hectachlor, etc.; organomercury - mercuran, granosan; copper preparations - copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture. Preparations of chlorine, iron, and hydrocyanic acid are also used. These preparations are manufactured in the form of emulsions, powders or dusts, aqueous and oily solutions, pastes, and granules.

All these drugs are poisonous. Based on the degree of toxicity, pesticides are divided into four groups.

The first group is the most toxic and, therefore, the most dangerous for both dogs and humans. It includes drugs that, even in small quantities, cause severe poisoning and death of the animal. This group includes pesticides containing mercury, chloropicrin and other compounds.

The second group includes highly toxic pesticides: hectachlor, methyl mercaptophos and others.

They cause severe poisoning, leading to the death of the dog.

The third group includes drugs with moderately toxic properties. These include hexachlorane, chlorophos, karbofos.

The fourth group is pesticides that are poisonous to dogs only in large quantities, i.e. preparations of copper, iron, sulfur.

The most dangerous for dogs and humans are pesticides of the first and second groups, so they must be handled with extreme caution.

The toxic effects of pesticides on the body depend on many factors. The better the drug is sprayed, the more dangerous it is, since its content in the inhaled air increases. On the other hand, the higher the air temperature, the more volatile the drug. An equally important factor is the durability of the drug in soil, water, and grass. Persistent drugs (even in small quantities) can remain in the dog’s body for a long time and cause chronic poisoning.

Before moving on to the presentation of first-aid care for a dog poisoned by pesticides, it is necessary to dwell on the prevention of this type of poisoning.

Work with pesticides permitted for sale to the public, at a summer cottage or at home, must be carried out in compliance with all safety precautions. It must be remembered that pesticides should be stored in places inaccessible to dogs, as well as other animals and children. Moreover, powdered substances must be stored in hermetically sealed plastic bags.

Before spraying or pollination, dogs and other animals must be removed from the premises or from the summer cottage. It is also recommended to take out food products, dishes, bowls of water, and equipment (leashes, harnesses, muzzles). Containers containing toxic chemicals should not be used on dogs for any purpose. After treating premises with pesticides, dogs should not be immediately introduced into them: first, the premises are ventilated and the floors are washed.

Signs of poisoning in a dog can be different, but the main picture is this: the dog shakes its ears, sits hunched over, hides in a dark corner, and may have diarrhea mixed with blood. Poisoning is often accompanied by twitching of individual muscles of the body.

First aid should be prompt and carried out depending on the route of entry of the poison into the dog’s body. If the pesticide enters through the respiratory tract (when working with aerosols or powdery substances), then the dog must be taken out into clean air or into a well-ventilated area, remove the collar and muzzle from it, carefully bring a cotton wool moistened with ammonia to the nose to stimulate breathing, and if breathing has stopped, try to restore it by twitching the tongue or artificial respiration.

If pesticide gets on your dog's coat, you should quickly wash it off with cold water and soap. If the area of ​​contact with the fur is limited, then in order not to spread the poison, it must first be removed with a piece of cotton wool or a rag, and then washed with cold water with the addition of baking soda (1 teaspoon per 1 liter of water). Only after this can the dog be completely bathed.

If the poison gets into the dog’s eyes, they must be thoroughly rinsed with a solution of baking soda, boric acid (one teaspoon per liter of water) or plain water.

If pesticides enter the dog's gastrointestinal tract, a pale pink solution of potassium permanganate must be immediately poured into the mouth. If the dog vomits, this procedure is repeated several times to thoroughly rinse the stomach, then the dog is given water with crushed activated carbon, after which a saline laxative is given.

Quinine.

Quinine poisoning develops in dogs when, during training in order to wean them from accepting food from strangers, animals are fed meat or other bait stuffed with quinine.

Symptoms: unsteady gait, excitement turning into aggressiveness, cyanosis of the visible mucous membranes of the lips and eyelids. The animal stops responding to its name and commands due to developed deafness.

First aid: abundant gastric lavage with water and activated carbon, oral laxative, warming the body with heating pads, wrapping. The help of a veterinarian is required.

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Pets often suffer from poisoning, and in most cases the blame falls entirely on their owners. Puppies and cats that have free access to the street are especially often affected. Let's take a closer look at how to prevent an accident and provide first aid to a pet if trouble does happen.

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Cat poisoning: signs and first aid

If your beloved cat, who until recently was affectionate, active, cheerful, but began to behave unusually, unnaturally, became lethargic, refuses food and favorite treats, this cannot but be alarming. Any changes in behavior, decreased physical activity, and the appearance of uncharacteristic clinical symptoms such as high fever, chills, vomiting, diarrhea may indicate functional disorders in the functioning of organs and systems, as well as the development of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections.

Often, similar symptoms in animals are observed with food poisoning or severe intoxication of the body. Basic knowledge of symptoms is necessary in order to provide your beloved pet with the necessary assistance as quickly as possible before the arrival of a veterinary specialist.

Causes

Poisoning in cats is a fairly frequently diagnosed phenomenon, usually occurring at lightning speed or acutely. It should not be ruled out that this condition can also occur in a severe, protracted form. If appropriate measures are not taken, poisoning can cause serious functional disorders in the digestive tract and other organs and systems.

The main reason that can provoke poisoning in furry purrs is the hunting instinct inherent in nature, the thirst for independent research. Cats are very curious, inquisitive and very smart creatures, with well-developed hearing and sense of smell.

Cats, freely walking the streets, happily hunt for mice, birds, insects, and other attractive “prey.” In addition, furry purrs are not averse to tasting plants, new substances or game. Do not forget that rodents, pigeons, and other types of birds can be carriers of dangerous bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

In addition, it must be taken into account that infection of pets occurs not only through contact with infected individuals, but also through nutrition, by eating food contaminated with bacteria, forbidden “delicacies”, which can lead to severe food poisoning.

The main causes of poisoning in cats:

• entry into the body of potent toxic substances, poisons, chemicals;
• overdose of pharmacological drugs;
• ingestion of heavy metals (lead, aluminum);
• eating plants that are dangerous to animals;
• bites of poisonous insects, snakes;
• low-quality feed, stale food;
• severe helminthic infestations.

Poisoning in cats can be caused by poor-quality, stale, moldy food, water infected with viruses and bacteria. The cats will not refuse to try the culinary delights from our table. At the same time, you need to remember that smoked foods, sausages, spicy, salty foods, and other forbidden delicacies can provoke poisoning of your pet. Therefore, strictly remember that you need to feed cats with special professional industrial food of “premium”, “elite” class or natural food prepared especially for your beloved cat.

The greatest danger to the life and health of cats is observed when poisoning with potent chemicals - herbicides, insecticides, rat poison. For example, when hunting for a mouse, you should not rule out the fact that it is infected with dangerous viruses that release endotoxins, which contribute to the development of severe intoxication.

Cats by nature are very clean animals that constantly take care of their hygiene by licking their luxurious fur coat. At the same time, when washing your face with your paw, if there are particles of dangerous chemicals on the surface of the hairs, if they get on the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, through microcracks, wounds, abrasions, cuts on the skin, they can cause poisoning.

Poisoning in cats can be caused by tobacco smoke, household chemicals - detergents, bleaches, powders used in the household, antifreeze. Some types of indoor plants can cause severe poisoning in cats.

Dangerous indoor flora for cats:

• dieffenbachia;
• ivy;
• dracaena;
• alocasia;
• scindapsus;
• digitalis;
• philodendron;
• syngonium;
• spatephylium;
• ficus;
• exotic plant species.

Advice! Cats that do not leave their house or apartment try to clear their stomachs of hairballs and other substances by eating indoor plants that can cause harm to the body. Taking into account the physiological needs of animals, purchase special ready-made food that promotes hair removal. You can also germinate a special “grass” in containers, the seeds of which are sold in veterinary pharmacies.

The cat's body is susceptible to the effects of various acids and alkalis. Mercury, phosphates, and nitrogen-phosphorus fertilizers used for garden crops and ornamental plants are especially dangerous for cats.

We should not forget the fact that many people treat our smaller brothers inhumanely. Dog hunters appropriately add deadly baits, poisoned “treats” for animals containing strong poisons.

For example, for the intentional poisoning of cats and dogs, the drug most often used is isoniazid, a drug prescribed for the treatment of tuberculosis in humans. And this, unfortunately, is the most pressing and pressing problem of modern society.

Important! In order not to provoke the development of poisoning in a cat, when carrying out therapeutic, preventive deworming, using insecticidal and acaricidal drugs, sedatives, strictly adhere to the established dosage, which is indicated in the instructions.

Representatives of the cat family, unlike dogs, cannot be forced or taught not to pick up food from the ground, much less prohibited from hunting birds, rodents, and insects. Of course, if your pet is well-fed and happy with life, the animal will not look for food or pick up tidbits outside the home. However, no one has canceled natural instincts. A cat, kitten, cat can easily become poisoned by picking up inedible food from the surface of the ground or catching the desired prey.

Owners of furry purrs should have a good understanding of the symptoms of poisoning and know how to help the animal at home before the veterinarian arrives. In some cases, especially when cats are poisoned with strong poisons or chemicals, you need to act extremely quickly, noticing the first appearance of characteristic symptoms.

Causes of food poisoning

Dogs are not picky eaters, so pets often chew and swallow spoiled food, poisonous rodent baits, household waste, and medications. Sometimes the owner himself can inadvertently provoke poisoning in his four-legged friend by feeding him food from the human table. The most common causes of food intoxication in animals (not counting poisoning):

1. Poisoning from rotten food . Dogs are attracted to the smell of spoiled food; often while walking, the pet picks up something from the ground or a trash can and eats it. Spoiled food contains pathogenic microorganisms that can cause severe poisoning in animals.
2. Feeding food from the human table . Most foods consumed by humans are contraindicated for dogs; for example, a chocolate bar eaten by a pet can be fatal.

Most owners prefer to give their charges ready-made industrial food, which can also cause serious poisoning. Improper storage, expired expiration dates, and the use of preservatives and dyes can make industrial feed dangerous for animals.

Theobromine in chocolate is harmful to dogs. Unlike humans, the dog’s body is not able to quickly process this alkaloid, and it fully exerts its toxic effect.

First aid

Undoubtedly, having noticed the first signs of poisoning in a pet, it is necessary to immediately take the animal to a veterinary clinic. After a comprehensive examination and diagnostic tests, the veterinary specialist will select adequate effective treatment aimed at normalizing the physiological state. For successful treatment, it is very important to determine the root cause that provoked this condition.

Still, we should not forget that poisons and chemical reagents can have different effects on the condition of animals, provoking the development of various disorders in the animal’s body. Before the veterinarian arrives, you can help your cat in case of poisoning yourself.

If you are sure that the cause of poisoning is caused by low-quality, stale food, to normalize the general condition you need to give your pet emetics (Apomorphine, Detox) in order to neutralize the effect of toxins and poisons as quickly as possible.

To neutralize the effect of toxins, the cat needs to pour a weakly concentrated solution of potassium permanganate, baking soda, table salt into the oral cavity through a syringe without a needle in a ratio of 1:4 (one part salt/soda per liter of water) to provoke vomiting.

In case of food poisoning, infusion of hydrogen peroxide in equal proportions with water will help eliminate the symptoms of intoxication. This solution should be poured slowly, every 15-20 minutes, 150-200 ml orally. Dosage – 20 g (teaspoon) per 1 kg of animal weight.

To provoke vomiting, warm boiled water and a decoction of medicinal chamomile are injected into cats with a disposable syringe every 10-15 minutes to cleanse the stomach. The main thing is to provoke the gag reflex (vomiting) as quickly as possible to prevent symptoms of intoxication and dehydration.

If you have experience, warm enemas based on decoctions of medicinal plants (chamomile, St. John's wort, yarrow, plantain) will help alleviate the suffering of your pet.

After cleansing the body of toxins that caused food poisoning, cats are given absorbents crushed into powder - White, activated carbon at the rate of one tablet per 5 kg of animal body weight, Enterosgel, Atoxil.

Intravenous infusions - intravenous administration of glucose, Ringer's solution (saline solutions) will help normalize the general condition and water-salt metabolism in the pet's body. Such measures will have the desired effect if the medical manipulations are carried out by a veterinarian.

Advice! When animals are poisoned, a good result is achieved by the introduction of mucous enveloping solutions that cover the gastric mucosa, preventing the absorption of poisons. The cat can be infused with a solution of flax seed, tannin, rice water, and egg white every two to three hours, if there are no contraindications).

The action of heavy metals will help neutralize the raw egg white, after which the animal is given a warm saline solution or a large amount of boiling warm water to induce vomiting.

If the cat's poisoning is caused by household chemicals that have got on the fur, before treatment you need to wash the fur with laundry soap or animal shampoo. To provoke vomiting, place 8-10 g of table salt on the root of the tongue. After vomiting, the cat is given sorbents and infused with decoctions of medicinal herbs.

Even if the cat was poisoned in a timely manner at home, if the condition is completely stabilized, be sure to consult a veterinarian and take the animal to a veterinary hospital. The veterinarian will select symptomatic therapy for your pet, depending on the root cause and symptoms.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to take samples of vomit and feces into sterile containers, which can be purchased at a veterinary pharmacy or clinic. Still, it should not be ruled out that vomiting and other symptoms may indicate the development of an infection in the body. In this case, when making a more accurate diagnosis, differential diagnosis will be carried out.

When visiting a veterinary hospital, four-toed patients will be prescribed a therapeutic diet, special professional ready-made food, probiotics, enzyme preparations, and diuretics. Hepatoprotectors will help reduce the toxic effect on the liver and normalize the functions of the organ.

If cats are poisoned by medications, household chemicals, or chemical components, it is necessary to immediately perform a gastric lavage and call a veterinarian at home. Animals at the veterinary clinic undergo gastric lavage and are given maintenance drips, which will help neutralize the effects of toxins as quickly as possible and restore the animals’ general condition.

First aid or what to do if your cat is poisoned

Fluffy beauties have an excellent sense of smell, however, cases of poisoning in pets occur frequently. If a cat is poisoned, what should you do at home? In order to competently help an animal and understand when to seek professional help, the owner needs to know the symptoms and types of poisoning.

Types of poisoning

Veterinary specialists distinguish between acute and chronic forms of intoxication. Before treating a cat for poisoning, you need to understand which substances and agents pose a danger to the animal:

• Food . The cause of food intoxication is poor quality, spoiled foods. Animals often suffer from eating stale kitchen waste or rotten or moldy food.

• Medicines . They are dangerous when medications are calculated incorrectly (overdose) or individual intolerance has occurred. Poisoning is often observed when treating a pet for helminths and fleas if the instructions for the drug are not followed.

• Poisoning can be caused by eating poisonous plants . Most often, such a nuisance occurs in the summer when pets are taken to the country. The most common and dangerous plants for cats are azalea, cyclamen, clematis, and chrysanthemum.

• Pesticides . Phosphorus-containing pesticides, arsenic, and copper are dangerous. An animal can be poisoned not only by the drugs themselves, but also by the plants treated with them.

• Rat poisons . Cats often become victims of owners' fight against rodents using toxic substances. Poisoning occurs both when eating a rodent that has consumed poison, and when the cat itself consumes poisonous bait.

• Household chemicals. In everyday life, a cat may encounter toxic substances such as acids, fungicides, solvents, household chemicals, cosmetics and many others.

Toxic substances can enter the animal’s body in various ways: with food, water, through the skin, and with inhaled air. The variety of poisons and the various ways they enter the body make diagnosis difficult, but the owner should understand what to do if the cat is poisoned. First of all, you need to know what symptoms the animal is experiencing.

For information about what can cause poisoning in a pet, watch this video:

Signs and symptoms of poisoning

Signs of intoxication in an animal are determined by the form of the disease. In chronic poisoning, the symptoms are subtle due to prolonged exposure to the poison on the body. The cat experiences lethargy, apathy, and decreased appetite.

Pronounced clinical signs appear in acute forms of poisoning. The pet notes:

• increased salivation and foam at the mouth;

• digestive dysfunction (vomiting, diarrhea, bloody diarrhea);

• abdominal pain on palpation;

• loss of coordination, convulsions;

• drowsiness, apathetic state;

We recommend reading about why a cat is vomiting. You will learn about the possible causes of vomiting, what the composition of the vomit can tell you, how to help your pet, and how to prevent it. And here is more about the main reasons for a cat’s lack of appetite and complete refusal to eat.

Diagnostics

The symptoms of poisoning in domestic cats largely depend on the toxic substance. Before you figure out what to give your cat if he is poisoned, it is worth determining the type of poison. Some specific clinical signs may indicate a particular toxic substance:

• When rat poison enters the body, a cat experiences vomiting mixed with blood and bile, cyanosis (blue discoloration of the mucous membranes).

• If your pet has had contact with poisonous plants, you may notice increased salivation, foam at the mouth, and nervous system disorders are common.

• Poisoning with organophosphate poisons is characterized by severe agitation, increased blood pressure, convulsions and paralysis.

• Food intoxication usually occurs with disruption of the gastrointestinal tract. The cat has vomiting, diarrhea, and severe thirst. The pet is depressed and refuses food.

• Signs of drug poisoning are: weakness, vomiting, depression, constriction of the pupils.

Animal treatment

Therapy for intoxication of an animal with toxic substances has a number of principles, the implementation of which will help save the life of a pet:

• Stopping the toxin from entering the cat's body.

• Rapid removal of toxic substances. For these purposes, the animal is vomited. To reduce the adsorption of poison, laxatives and diuretics are prescribed.

• The use of specific drugs for a specific poison - antidotes.

• Treatment of associated symptoms (heart and anticonvulsant medications, vitamins, dehydration therapy, etc.).

To learn about what reasons cause vomiting in a cat, what kind of help should be provided depending on the reason, watch this video:

First aid at home

If a cat is poisoned, what should you do at home before receiving qualified treatment? Having discovered signs of poisoning in a pet, the owner is able to provide first aid.

Initially, it is necessary to detect a toxic substance and protect the cat’s body from its further penetration.

In the event that intoxication is associated with carbon monoxide or inhalation of toxic fumes, the pet should be taken to fresh air. If a toxic substance gets on the cat's fur and skin, it is necessary to wash it off with plenty of water.

In case of food poisoning and pesticides entering the cat's body, it is necessary to induce vomiting. To do this, the animal is forcibly fed a large amount of liquid with added salt. To reduce the absorption of poisons, it is advisable to do a cleansing enema. In case of acid poisoning, vomiting should not be caused, as this will worsen the animal’s condition.

The most common adsorbent that can be treated at home when a cat is poisoned is activated carbon. The drug is given in the form of a tablet; if resistance occurs, it can be crushed into powder. The recommended dosage is 500 mg per 1 kg of animal weight.

If the poison is unknown, you should not give milk to a sick pet . Contrary to popular belief, milk is not always beneficial in case of poisoning. Rice water and enterosgel are more effective and safe means.

If your pet has become a victim of dog hunters, what should you give your cat if it is poisoned? After induced vomiting, the poisoned animal should be given vitamin B6, which is an antidote for isoniazid, often used to poison cats and dogs.

For any type of poisoning, it is necessary for the animal to consume a lot of water. You should not treat yourself.

Veterinarian actions

After providing first aid, the pet must be taken to a specialized institution or a veterinarian called to your home. In the clinic, an antidote will be selected for your pet:

• in case of heavy metal poisoning, sodium thiosulfate is administered intravenously;

• if pesticide poisoning is suspected, atropine is used;

• If rat poison enters the body, the animal is prescribed vitamin K and iron-containing preparations.

Vomiting and diarrhea usually lead to dangerous dehydration. In this case, the veterinarian conducts a course of intravenous infusions of isotonic solutions.

Poisoning, as a rule, affects many functions of the body, so heart medications and drugs to improve kidney function are used in therapy. In the presence of nervous symptoms, anticonvulsants and B vitamins are prescribed.