Larger exposures can result in high body temperature, increased breathing rate, dehydration, seizures, fluid in the lungs, liver injury, and even coma. Signs of acute overdose in dogs may take up to 4 days to occur and are the result of gastrointestinal bleeding: vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes with blood, as well as abdominal pain, lethargy, weakness, and pale gums. Salicylates may be found in topical analgesic ointments, sunscreen, acne treatments, tanning agents, and wart removal products. Support care also includes administration of liver protectants, IV fluids, medications to correct low potassium and high phosphorus, and vitamin B12.Īspirin and NSAIDS are used to treat humans for inflammation, fever, clotting, and pain. Low blood sugar is treated with an injection of dextrose through an IV catheter. Since xylitol is absorbed rapidly into the bloodstream, we only induce vomiting if ingestion has occurred within 30 to 60 minutes. Liver failure presents as jaundice, low potassium and high phosphorus levels, and internal bleeding. Life-threatening low blood sugar may result in seizures. It stimulants an exaggerated insulin release that may cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and acute liver failure. Xylitol is safe for people but dangerous for dogs. Always check the label before you give your dog peanut butter as a treat! Xylitol is a sugar alcohol used in a wide variety of human products: some sugar-free candies and gum, peanut butters, baked goods, drink powders, condiments, jellies, syrups, baking mixes, protein mixes and bars, toothpaste, mouthwash, vitamins, supplements, cosmetics, deodorants, sunscreen, and hair care products. Further treatment may require IV fluids, nutritional support, and medication to correct electrolyte deficiency. Treatment includes inducing vomiting and several doses of activated charcoal. As the kidneys shut down, a dog may urinate abnormally small amounts, stop urinating altogether, and have high blood pressure. If the kidneys begin to fail, within several days symptoms will include increased drinking and urination, ataxia, weakness, swelling, and trembling. Clinical signs appear within 24 hours and include vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy, dehydration, excessive drooling, and abdominal pain. Signs of kidney issues will show up shortly after ingestion in routine blood work. Grapes, raisins, and currants can cause kidney damage and failure in dogs even in small amounts. A urinary catheter to prevent reabsorption of chocolate may also be helpful. If necessary, we can use medications to regulate body temperature, cardiac issues, seizures, and tremors. While your dog is hospitalized with us, we will regularly monitor his sodium level, heart rate and rhythm, blood oxygen level, and pancreatic enzymes. We also use several doses of activated charcoal, which binds to the chocolate and carries it out through the intestines. Treatment of chocolate toxicity includes induction of vomiting, which can be helpful even hours after ingestion since chocolate may form a firm lump in the stomach. We have seen many dogs who ate chocolate-such as Leo, who ate a dozen chocolate donuts-and recovered fully with quick medical intervention. If your dog ever eats chocolate, please call us and we’ll determine the exact circumstances. Dark chocolate is more potent, for instance, than milk chocolate.

The severity of chocolate toxicity depends on the size of your dog, and how much and what kind of chocolate he ingested. Activated charcoal is messy but highly effective.

Signs of caffeine overdose in dogs