When Something Just Feels Wrong
Most dog owners know their pet's personality down the the last tail wag. That's why even small changes (refusing food, hiding, or acting strangely) can trigger worry. Sometimes it's nothing, Other times, it's the first hint of poisoning.
In South Africa, where criminal poisoning and toxic exposure are sadly common, knowing how to spot early warning signs can mean the difference between quick recovery and tragedy.
But it's important to remember: symptoms can overlap with other illnesses. Vomiting, for instance, might follow a change in diet or stress, not just poison. The key is recognising patters and acting fast when several signs appear together.
Early Signs to Watch For
While symptoms vary depending on the toxin, these are the most common early indicators veterinarians see in poisoning cases:
- Sudden Drooling or Foaming at the Mouth: A classic reaction to bitter or chemical substances. Excess saliva is the body's attempt to flush toxins, but can also occur from nausea or oral irritation.
- Vomiting or Diarrhoea: The body's natural defense against ingestion of toxins. Look for repeated, forceful vomiting, sometimes with blood or an unusual odour. Occasional vomiting without other signs may not indicate poisoning, but it's still worth monitoring.
- Weakness, Trembling, or Loss of Coordination: Aldicarb (the illegal 'Two-Step' poison) and some rat poisons quickly affect the nervous system, causing muscle tremors, stumbling, or sudden collapse.
- Seizures or Unresponsiveness: Severe neurological toxins can trigger fits or unconsciousness within minutes. This is a medical emergency, call a vet immediately.
- Excessive Panting or Laboured Breathing: Respiratory distress may occur when toxins affect the heart or lungs. If breathing appears shallow, irregular, or noisy, it's critical to act quickly.
- Pale, Blue, or Darkened Gums: A change in gum colour can signal oxygen deprivation or internal bleeding, both potential outcomes of poisoning or anticoagulant ingestion.
- Unusual Behaviour or Anxiety: Pacing, whining, sudden aggression, or restlessness may appear before physical symptoms do. Trust your intuition, dogs often sense distress before we do.
What These Signs Don't Mean
Seeing one of these symptoms doesn't guarantee poisoning. Dogs vomit for harmless reasons, drool can follow excitement or heat, tremors might be fear or pain.
That's why context is everything, recent walks, access to the garden, neighbour's bait traps, or strange food can all provide clues.
If several symptoms appear together, or if your dog's condition worsens quickly, assume the worst and treat it as an emergency.
What To Do If You Suspect Poisoning
- Stay calm, but act fast. Panic wastes precious time.
- Remove your dog from the area to prevent further exposure.
- Do not force vomiting unless a vet explicitly instructs it. Some toxins (like caustic chemicals) can cause more harm coming back up.
Call your nearest vet immediately. Describe your dog's symptoms and ant possible substance ingested. - Use your PawShield kit if directed, it's designed for emergency stabilisation, not a diagnosis.
Your goal isn't to replace veterinary care, it's to keep your dog alive until they can receive it.
Why Preparedness Matters
Poisoning cases progress quickly, often in under 30 minutes. That's why vets emphasise readiness over reaction.
A dedicated poisoning kit like PawShield gives owners access to safe, guided first-response tools created for local risks like “Two-Step” and other common South African toxins.
Remember
Not every symptom means poisoning. But every minute counts when it is.
Learn your dog's normal habits, act fast when something's off, and keep your emergency kit within reach, because you'll never regret being prepared.
