So, you see your dog vomiting, acting lethargic, and exhibiting other symptoms. What could be the reason?
Well, there could be many different reasons that a dog may be feeling sick or woozy. However, one of the most common causes for dogs feeling and acting sick is food poisoning.
Dogs are very curious creatures, and it is part of their natural instincts to eat things they find. And sometimes, these things may not be too good for their system. So, how do you know if it’s food poisoning?
The best way to figure out if your dog is suffering from food poisoning is by consulting your vet. Your veterinarian knows your dog well and may be able to determine whether or not they’re suffering from food poisoning.
Though, there are still a couple of ways pet owners can check for themselves if their dog has food poisoning.
Therefore, in this article, we’ll be explaining just that. If you’re wondering if your dog has food poisoning, you’ve come to the right place since we’ll be exploring a couple of different signs and symptoms of food poisoning in dogs.
What Causes Food Poisoning In Dogs?
Before we carry on, it’s important to understand that a lot of the time, “food poisoning” in dogs isn’t true “food poisoning”. Instead, it’s just a result of your dog eating something they shouldn’t have and the ingredients not sitting well in their tummies.
With all that said, seeing a dog with an upset stomach can still be a cause of concern. The main reason your dog is exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning is that there may be bacteria or compounds in their stomach that aren’t good for their system. As a result, your dog’s body will try to expel the food from its system.
What Are The Symptoms Of Food Poisoning In Dogs?
There are many signs that your dog may be experiencing food poisoning. However, the most common symptom is arguably vomiting. If your dog starts vomiting out food, bile, or anything from its stomach, that could be a sign of food poisoning.
At times, the vomit may have white foam, which usually isn’t anything to worry about. For more information, visit whatthepup.spotandtango.com to learn more about the meaning of white dog vomit.
However, vomiting isn’t the only symptom of food poisoning in dogs. Here are a couple of other symptoms that may come with the vomiting that show that your dog is experiencing food poisoning;
- Nausea and lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain and cramps
- Dizziness
- Salivation
- Low appetite
- Fever
- Whimpering
These are the common symptoms of mild food poisoning. However, in more severe cases of food poisoning, your dog may exhibit the following symptoms;
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations
If you believe your dog is going through food poisoning, it’s best to act fast. So, if you think your dog has food poisoning, contact your vet immediately so the appropriate treatment can be administered.
Common Foods That Cause Food Poisoning In Dogs
While food poisoning may be common for dogs, there are ways you can reduce the chances of it happening. The best way to do that is to make sure that your dog is only eating safe and healthy foods. So, here are some common foods that cause food poisoning in dogs;
Garbage & Feces
Dogs will eat almost anything. So, if they find themselves near a dumpster or some feces, there’s a chance they may start eating that. It should go without saying that this is highly unsanitary.
Garbage and feces contain a lot of harmful bacteria for dogs, and it could upset their stomach and cause them to exhibit food poisoning symptoms.
Rotting Food
Spoiled and rotting food is another cause of food poisoning for dogs. This also includes dead animals they may find in the street or garden. Unlike humans, dogs don’t discern too much between rotten and fresh food, especially when presented with no other option.
So, there may be a slight chance your dog stumbled across some rotten food and that’s why they’re exhibiting food poisoning.
Human Ingredients
Another common cause of food poisoning in dogs is human food and ingredients. A lot of human foods such as garlic, onions, alcohol, chocolate, among many others are toxic to dogs in high amounts. So, make sure to keep your dog away from your pantry as they might get to something they shouldn’t eat and get sick as a result.
Conclusion
There are many signs that your dog has food poisoning. This is a pretty common occurrence, but it is still a serious one, nonetheless. So, if you believe your dog has food poisoning and they’re exhibiting some of the symptoms mentioned above, make sure to contact your vet immediately.
The best way to handle any health condition with dogs is to act as fast as possible. Calling your vet the second you think your dog has food poisoning will allow the vet to administer the appropriate treatment right away, making it much easier for your dog to recover.
