Potpourri Exposure in Dogs - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, Recovery, Management, Cost (2024)

FAQs

How much does it cost to treat a poisoned dog? ›

Average Cost of Treatment

The cost of treatment can vary from $250 to $5,000. Cases involving the ingestion of human health medication average around $1,000 for emergency care. As a dog owner, you also have to pay the vet exam fee as well, which isn't usually covered by pet insurance.

If you believe that your dog has ingested or come in contact with essential oils or liquid potpourri, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-213-6680), a 24/7 animal poison control center, immediately. The sooner you seek treatment, the better the prognosis and outcome for your dog.

Dogs who don't ingest much of a toxic substance and those who receive treatment quickly generally have a better chance at survival. Depending on the type of poisoning, dogs may take weeks or months to recuperate, and some dogs may have permanent organ damage after recovery.

Treatment of Toxic Ingestion

Charcoal is used to neutralize the substance. In some cases, colonic enemas may be used to flush the substance from the intestines . IV fluids are administered, and pain medications may be provided. Medications to control seizures or heart rate may be needed.

Laxatives and medications used to empty the bowels may be recommended in some instances to help remove the poison from the gastrointestinal tract. If the poison cannot be physically removed, sometimes activated charcoal can be administered by mouth to prevent further absorption by the gastrointestinal tract.

In cases like this, your veterinarian may tell you to give your pet activated charcoal to adsorb the poison. Endosorb can also be used to adsorb toxins in the stomach and intestines. It is available as tablets or liquid and is less messy than charcoal. Your pet may also need IV fluids.

When something is ingested by your dog, it usually takes between 10-24 hours to move through the entire digestive tract. Some objects, however, can take much longer – even months! Sometimes, objects are too big to progress through the digestive tract, and when this is the case, they cause an obstruction.

Can toxicity be reversed in dogs? ›

Mild cases are reversible, but severe overdose can cause long term damage or death. Many different drugs can cause poisoning in dogs when they are not given as prescribed. This is especially true of medications that were intended for humans.

Typically, mild cases of poisoning have high recovery rates. In severe poisoning cases or cases where treatment was delayed the chance of recovery is extremely low. When pets do recover from severe poisoning there can also be long-term damage to their overall health.

Some common symptoms to watch for include foaming at the mouth, lethargy, shaking or unusual movements, upset stomach, unusual swelling, pale gums, or behavioral changes. If you notice your dog displaying any of these symptoms, or if you suspect your dog ingested something toxic, call your veterinarian immediately.

My pet has eaten something

If your pet has ingested a poison, try to rinse or wipe out the mouth with a damp towel/flannel. Do not give your pet anything to eat or drink before speaking with the Animal Poisons Helpline or a vet. We receive a lot of calls with pet owners asking how to induce vomiting in dogs.

Activated charcoal is a medication often used in dogs to treat intoxication. The goal of activated charcoal is to absorb the toxin that the dog has ingested to lessen its adverse effects. Activated charcoal is a commonly used treatment and is often the first line of treatment for certain intoxications.

Of the pets that take longer to recover, many can be treated at home with the advice of your veterinarian or with advice from the ASPCA Poison Control Center (telephone 1-888-426-4435). Even with treatment, one in 100 poisoned pets dies. For charcoal to work fully, give ten times as much charcoal as poison.

Symptoms caused by swallowed poisons can include vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, and heart issues. Inhaled toxins may cause breathing difficulties or loss of consciousness in dogs. If your dog's skin comes in contact with a poisonous substance, typical symptoms include irritation and pain.

Cost of Abdominocentesis in Dogs

The average cost of an abdominocentesis in dogs is about $95. Evaluation of the fluids and any postoperative medications should also be considered. Ask your veterinarian for the total cost of an abdominocentesis to match your dog's specific case.

Cost to remove and treat an embedded superficial fishhook, injury or wound may cost less than $500. If surgery or endoscopy are required, costs may increase to between $800 and $1500 or more depending on the size of the dog and location of the hook.