Vet‑Approved Guide: Arsenic Poisoning in Dogs – Early Signs, Diagnosis & 2025 Emergency Care 🐶🐾

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

Arsenic poisoning is a veterinary emergency caused by exposure to arsenic-containing compounds (insecticides,contaminated water/soil). Symptoms often appear within hours and can progress rapidly—awareness and fast action are critical. 🛡️

🔍 Sources of Arsenic Exposure

• Wood preservatives (e.g., pressure-treated lumber), industrial or agricultural chemicals
• Contaminated groundwater or garden soils in older areas
• Antiskid compounds in herbicides/rodenticides

⚠️ Early Warning Signs (Within a Few Hours)

• Sudden vomiting, diarrhea—often with abdominal pain and dehydration
• Drooling, weakness, staggering gait, rapid weak pulse
• Bloody or mucous diarrhea leading to cardiovascular collapse and shock

📉 Later Effects (1–7 Days)

• Pale gums, elevated heart/respiratory rates, lethargy, jaundice, hematuria
• Potential red blood cell destruction (hemolysis) and kidney damage
• Skin ulcers or blistering from dermal exposure

🔬 Diagnostic Steps

• Obtain history (possible arsenic contact or ingestion)
• CBC, chemistry panels, and urinalysis to evaluate blood, liver, and kidney function
• Test stomach or vomit/diarrhea contents for arsenic; urine and, for chronic cases, hair analysis
• Mercury-like lab findings may require more advanced testing – e.g., Reinsch urine test

⛑️ Emergency Treatment

Within the First Hour

• If witnessed ingestion: prompt induced vomiting (per vet guidance) + activated charcoal and kaolin-pectin to limit absorption
• Do not attempt vomiting if your dog is weak, having trouble breathing, or unconscious

Beyond One Hour or Symptomatic

• Gastric lavage may remove remaining arsenic
• Aggressive IV fluids to flush toxins and manage dehydration/shock
• Chelation therapy with dimercaprol (BAL) or succimer (DMSA) to bind arsenic for excretion
• Blood transfusions if severe anemia or hemolysis present
• Dialysis for acute kidney failure if needed
• Supportive care: anti-nausea, antibiotics for secondary infection, pain control

📈 Prognosis & Recovery

• Early treatment improves chances; animals surviving 48+ hours often recover
• Severe or delayed cases carry a guarded prognosis due to organ failure
• Post-hospital care includes bland diet, hydration, and regular rechecks—blood, kidney, liver tests

🛡️ Prevention Tactics

• Keep arsenic-containing products (wood preservatives, pesticides) well out of reach
• Test or avoid water/soil from suspect contaminated sites
• Supervise dogs around treated wooden structures or herbicide-coated lawns

📱 Vet-Approved Support Tools

• Ask A Vet: 24/7 triage support for poisoning cases. 🩺

🧭 Final Thoughts

Arsenic exposure can be swift and dangerous, but timely diagnosis, decontamination, aggressive IV fluids, chelation, and supportive care can save lives. Treat it as a time-critical emergency—start with vomiting or lavage, and let your vet take it from there. With balanced aftercare, many dogs recover fully. 🐾

For immediate expert advice and support, download the Ask A Vet app now. 📲🐶