Dog Poisoning: Symptoms, What to Do & Treatment in Anaheim

Dog poisoning is a critical medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention to prevent severe organ damage or death.

If you know or suspect your dog has been exposed to a toxin, call your regular veterinarian or an animal poison control service for guidance, even if your dog has no symptoms.

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately if your dog experiences continuous or severe vomiting, uncontrollable seizures, tremors, or a swollen, painful abdomen.

Do not wait for critical warning signs, such as pale, blue, or bright red gums, unresponsiveness, or sudden physical collapse.

CASE Animal Hospital provides 24/7 walk-in emergency and critical care in Anaheim. Call 657-999-1150 and come directly to our hospital at 1400 N Burton Pl, Anaheim, CA 92806.

Call NowCall Now
Driving DirectionsDriving Directions

Dog Poisoning Signs and Symptoms

Signs of dog poisoning vary depending on the toxin, amount of exposure, and your dog’s condition. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over time.

Common Signs of Dog Poisoning

  • Vomiting or Diarrhea

  • Loss of Appetite

  • Lethargy or Weakness

  • Shaking or Tremors

  • Excessive Drooling or Foaming

  • Poor Coordination or Difficulty Walking

  • Agitation, Confusion, or Unusual Behavior

  • Drinking or Urinating more or Less than Usual

Emergency Signs of Dog Poisoning

Seek emergency veterinary care immediately for serious signs such as:

  • Seizures

  • Severe Tremors
  • Difficulty or Labored Breathing
  • Pale, Blue, or Gray Gums
  • Collapse or Inability to Stand
  • Severe or Repeated Vomiting

  • Significant or Uncontrolled Bleeding

  • Vomiting Blood or Bloody Diarrhea
  • Loss of Consciousness or Unresponsiveness

Call Us Now

657-999-1150

Visit Our Hospital

1400 N Burton Place
Anaheim, CA 92806

What Should I Do If I Think My Dog Has Been Poisoned?

If you suspect your dog has been exposed to a toxin, remain calm and act promptly. Follow these immediate steps:

① Prevent Further Exposure

Move your dog away from the suspected toxin to prevent further contact or ingestion.

② Keep Your Dog Safe and Calm

Keep your dog quiet and in a safe area while you assess their condition.

③ Gather Information

Note the suspected toxin, estimated amount eaten, and time of exposure. If possible, keep or photograph the packaging, medication labels, or plant material.

④ Make the Right Call

No Severe Symptoms: Call your primary vet or Animal Poison Control for risk assessment and guidance.

Emergency Signs: Call Case Animal Hospital at (657) 999-1150 or head directly to our hospital in Anaheim, CA.

What Do at Home

Some toxins can cause internal damage before symptoms appear and may affect the kidneys, liver, heart, lungs, or nervous system. Prompt veterinary guidance can help assess the risk and determine whether treatment is needed.

If a toxic substance is on your dog’s coat or skin, remove it as quickly as possible to limit further exposure:

Wear protective gloves before you handle your dog to avoid exposing yourself to the toxin.

If the substance is a dry chemical or powder: Carefully brush or shake it off your dog’s coat without spreading it to other areas of the body.

Caution: Some chemical powders may require specific decontamination methods. Check with a veterinarian or animal poison expert before using water if you are unsure what substance is involved.

If the substance is a liquid toxin: Wash the affected area with warm water and a grease-cutting dish soap, then rinse thoroughly to remove any remaining toxic residue.

If a chemical or toxic substance gets into your dog’s eyes, begin flushing the affected eye with sterile saline or clean lukewarm water, if available. Rinse gently and thoroughly, and do not apply medications, medicated eye drops, or other treatments unless directed by a veterinarian.

What Not To Do at Home

Do not attempt to treat dog poisoning at home without veterinary guidance. There is no single food, drink, or home remedy that can safely neutralize or “flush” every toxin from your dog’s system.

Avoid these potentially harmful actions:

– Do not give milk, oil, or other home remedies.

– Do not give human medications, including products such as Pepto-Bismol, unless specifically instructed by a veterinarian.

– Never use salt or salt water to induce vomiting, as excessive salt can cause dangerous sodium toxicity.

– Do not force food or water if your dog is weak, vomiting, unconscious, or having difficulty swallowing.

Some exposures may require specific first aid based on the toxin and how your dog was exposed. (Always call a professional first).

No. Do not induce vomiting unless a veterinarian or animal poison expert specifically instructs you to do so.

Vomiting can be extremely dangerous after ingestion of certain substances, including:

– Corrosive cleaners (like bleach or drain cleaners).

– Battery acid.

– Petroleum-based products.

Vomiting is also unsafe if your dog has swallowed a sharp object or cannot adequately protect their airway. Never induce vomiting if your dog is:

– Unconscious.

– Struggling to breathe.

– Actively seizing or trembling.

– Unable to swallow normally.

Common Causes of Poisoning in Dogs

Common causes of poisoning in dogs include rodenticides, human medications, antifreeze, xylitol, chocolate and caffeine, insecticides, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, and toxic plants.

Many poisoning risks can also come from everyday foods and items found around the home.

In this video, Dr. Trostel, surgeon at CASE Animal Hospital, shares several things he would not let his pets eat, including chocolate, grapes and raisins, xylitol, onions, and garlic.

Below are some common substances that can cause poisoning in dogs and the risks associated with each.

Theobromine and caffeine directly affect the heart and nervous system. Symptoms include a rapidly elevated heart rate (often over 160 beats per minute), restlessness, hyperactivity, and severe muscle tremors.

This artificial sweetener causes a sudden, massive drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) followed by acute liver failure. Signs include severe disorientation, weakness, and seizures within just 15 to 30 minutes of ingestion.

Onions and garlic contain toxic compounds that actively destroy a dog’s red blood cells. As these cells break down, the dog’s body becomes starved of oxygen. You will often notice pale or stark white gums (a clear sign of severe anemia), extreme lethargy, and dark-colored urine.

Known to cause sudden, acute kidney failure. Initial symptoms can be vague, such as going off their food and lethargy, which quickly progresses to anuria (a complete inability to urinate).

Green potatoes or unripe tomatoes contain solanine. Toxicity leads to dilated pupils, severe confusion, and depressed motor function (muscle weakness).

Consuming too much salty food rapidly drains water from a dog’s cells, causing severe internal dehydration. This sudden fluid loss triggers extreme thirst, uncontrollable muscle tremors, and even seizures.

Even a small sip of alcohol quickly shuts down a dog’s brain and bodily functions. As the alcohol takes effect, the dog’s body temperature plummets and their breathing becomes dangerously slow and difficult.

Eating spoiled household waste often leads to acute gastroenteritis (severe vomiting and diarrhea, sometimes bloody). If the food contains mold, tremorgenic mycotoxins can trigger severe, uncontrollable muscle tremors and seizures.

Caused by a specific parasite found in raw salmon. Signature symptoms include a persistently high fever, swollen lymph nodes, and thick discharge from the eyes and nose. This requires immediate antibiotic treatment to prevent death.

Depending on the exact species ingested, symptoms can range from severe hypersalivation (profuse drooling) and neurological hallucinations to rapid-onset liver failure, which may present as yellow-tinged gums (jaundice).

The gallic acid in acorns can cause potential kidney damage, while the hard nuts themselves pose a severe risk of physical intestinal blockage.

These plants contain natural toxins (like cardiac glycosides) that directly attack the cardiovascular system. Symptoms include severe cardiac arrhythmias (erratic heartbeats), a sudden drop in blood pressure, and total cardiovascular collapse.

What Happens When You Arrive at CASE Animal Hospital

Emergency treatment depends on the specific toxin, severity of exposure, and your dog’s condition. At CASE Animal Hospital, our rapid-response protocols include:

If your dog is experiencing seizures, difficulty breathing, collapse, or other life-threatening symptoms, immediate stabilization is the top priority.

Emergency treatment may include:

  • Oxygen therapy
  • IV fluids
  • Medications to control seizures or tremors
  • Blood pressure and circulatory support

Our team reviews the suspected toxin, estimated amount, and time since exposure. We also consider your dog’s weight, symptoms, underlying health conditions, and current medications.

These details help us assess the potential severity of the poisoning and determine the next steps in treatment.

We may then perform diagnostic tests to evaluate your dog’s condition and identify possible complications, including:

  • Blood and urine tests to assess kidney and liver function.
  • Coagulation tests to evaluate blood clotting.
  • Electrocardiography (ECG) to assess heart rhythm.
  • X-rays or ultrasound when imaging is needed to evaluate specific concerns.

When appropriate, decontamination may be used to reduce further toxin absorption. The safest approach depends on the substance involved, the route and timing of exposure, and your dog’s condition.

Induced Vomiting: We may use veterinary medications such as apomorphine after selected recent ingestions when inducing vomiting is considered safe and appropriate.

Activated Charcoal: Activated charcoal may be used for selected toxins when it can safely reduce absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. It is not appropriate for every toxin or every patient.

Gastric Lavage: In selected cases, gastric lavage, sometimes called a stomach pump, may be considered under general anesthesia when the expected benefit outweighs the risks.

Topical Washing: If a toxic substance is on your dog’s skin or coat, appropriate washing may be used to remove residue and reduce continued exposure.

Some poisonings may be treated with specific antidotes or other targeted therapies. Examples include:

  • Vitamin K1 for certain rat poison exposures
  • Intravenous lipid emulsion therapy (ILE) for selected toxicities

Because treatment varies by toxin, identifying the substance involved improves treatment decisions and outcomes.

Many toxins do not have a specific antidote. In these cases, we focus on controlling symptoms, supporting vital functions, and managing complications while your dog recovers.

IV Fluid Therapy: IV fluids may be used to maintain hydration, blood pressure, electrolyte balance, kidney perfusion, and other critical physiologic functions.

Gastrointestinal Protectants & Anti-Nausea: We provide medications to control nausea and vomiting and protect the gastrointestinal tract when appropriate.

Pain Management & Nutritional Support: Depending on your dog’s condition, treatment may include pain management and nutritional support during recovery.

Advanced Organ Support: Severe poisoning can damage the kidneys, liver, blood, or other organs. Blood products may be used to manage severe anemia or bleeding disorders. Dialysis may support kidney function and, in selected cases, help remove certain toxins from the bloodstream.

Dogs with severe poisoning may require continued monitoring because their condition can change quickly, and some complications may not develop until hours or even days after exposure.

For these cases, we provide hospitalization and round-the-clock monitoring in our Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

Our veterinary team closely monitors your dog’s condition, including:

  • Heart rate and rhythm to detect sudden cardiac abnormalities.
  • Blood pressure to ensure stable and proper circulation.
  • Neurological status to watch for delayed seizures or tremors.
  • Kidney and liver function to monitor for organ injury and recovery.
  • Blood glucose and electrolyte levels to detect and manage dangerous metabolic changes.

This close monitoring allows our team to identify complications, adjust treatment as your dog’s condition changes, and determine when they are stable enough to continue recovery at home.

Why Choose CASE Animal Hospital

CASE Animal Hospital provides 24/7 emergency and critical care for severe dog poisoning, including advanced diagnostics and hospitalization when needed.

Our emergency team can also coordinate with board-certified veterinary specialists for cases requiring specialty care.

If your dog has severe or rapidly worsening signs of poisoning, come directly to CASE for emergency care.

📍 Visit Us: 1400 N Burton Pl, Anaheim, CA 92806

📞 Call Now: 657-999-1150

Continuous vital monitoring
MRI room
Ct scan
ultrasound
Digital Radiography
Dedicated operating suites

Meet Our Emergency Staff

Dr. Sam Rafia, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Sam
Rafia

DVM, DVSC, ECFVG
Full Bio
Dr. Ali Haghnazary, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Ali
Haghnazary

DVM
Full Bio
Dr. Esther Yang, DVM - CASE Animal Hospital in Anaheim

Dr. Esther
Yang

DVM
Full Bio
Dr Cristina Winslow, DVM

Dr. Cristina
Winslow

DVM
Full Bio
Dr Cristina Guijon DVM

Dr. Cristina
Guijon

DVM
Full Bio
Dr Kyla Arreola DVM

Dr. Kyla
Arreola

DVM
Full Bio
Emergency Care

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any additional questions, or wish to speak with someone, please contact our office today.

Symptoms of poisoning may appear within minutes or be delayed for hours or days, depending on the toxin and exposure. Because some toxins can cause internal damage before symptoms appear, do not wait for signs of illness after a known or suspected exposure.

Some dogs can recover from poisoning, but you should not wait to see if your dog improves on their own. Recovery depends on the toxin, dose, severity of exposure, and your dog’s overall condition.

After gastric lavage, your dog is monitored as they recover from anesthesia and may receive IV fluids, medications, or additional supportive care. Hospitalization may be needed if the toxin has already been absorbed or complications develop.

Hospital stays vary depending on the toxin, severity of poisoning, symptoms, and response to treatment. Some dogs may go home after treatment and observation, while severe cases may require overnight or multi-day hospitalization and ICU monitoring.

Costs depend entirely on your pet’s specific needs, from basic triage to ICU support. We provide a transparent estimate before any major procedure and partner with CareCredit, Scratchpay, and Cherry for flexible financing.

Dogs and Cats Helped

89,626

Immediate Emergency And Specialty Veterinary Care

Walk in 24/7 or Call 657-999-1150 Now

CASE Animal Hospital

1400 N Burton Pl
Anaheim, CA 92806
657-999-1150

Office Hours

Monday through Sunday
Open 24 Hours a Day