4 Facts You Need to Know to Keep Your Dog Safe From Food Poisoning

Posted on: 6 April 2021

Every dog owner wants nothing more than to keep their furry friend safe, secure, and protected. That's why it's important to stay up to date on common canine health problems — including food poisoning. Here's everything you need to know to keep your dog safe from food poisoning.

1. What causes food poisoning in dogs?

Dog food poisoning is most commonly caused by ingesting spoiled or tainted meat, chicken, fish, or dairy. Mouldy or old dog food that's been left out too long, particularly in a hot or moist environment, is equally dangerous. There are also several common human foods that are toxic to dogs even when they're fresh, including chocolate, nuts, onions, garlic, and excessively salty foods.

2. What are the symptoms of food poisoning in dogs?

Since food poisoning primarily affects the gastrointestinal system to begin with, the most common symptoms of food poisoning in dogs are diarrhea, vomiting, and gas. Other common symptoms include loss of appetite, excessive thirst, panting, salivating, accidental pooping and peeing, and cries of pain. In the most severe cases of food poisoning, especially when toxic foods are involved, your dog may even experience heart palpitations or seizures.

3. What should you do if you think your dog has food poisoning?

If your dog is experiencing any symptoms of food poisoning after eating a potentially tainted meal, you should take them to the vet immediately. While many cases of food poisoning will subside on their own in time, others can be fatal if left untreated. Thankfully, with fast treatment from a professional veterinarian, there's a good chance that you'll be able to stop the complications before they become too severe. A veterinarian may induce vomiting, pump your dog's stomach, or provide medication as part of their treatment. While you're on your way to your vet clinic, it's also a good idea to call your local poison control centre for more information.

4. How can you prevent canine food poisoning?

Thankfully, food poisoning is completely preventable if you take the right precautions. It's important to always check food for signs of spoilage before feeding it to your dog. On top of that, make sure to replace their dog food often, even if they haven't finished it. It doesn't take long for bacteria to multiply to dangerous levels. Likewise, it's important to keep unsafe foods out of your dog's reach at all times. This includes keeping a tight lid on your trash can to prevent your dog from rummaging in it. Lastly, don't forget to check your dog food supplier for information on potential recalls, just in case you buy a contaminated batch.

For more information, talk to a vet.

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