What Should I Do If My Dog Eats Weed Killer?
If your dog eats weed killer accidentally, you know instinctively that there's not a lot of time if you want to make sure he's OK. You should of course call your dog's vet, but you might want to try to do what you can for your dog first. With a case of poisoning, time is of the essence if you want to save your dog's life.
What to Do
Weed killers, also called herbicides, fall into the group of ingestible poisons that require you to induce vomiting in order to save your dog's life. Not all poisons fall into this category, because some can do extreme damage coming up. In the case of weed killer, however, it is essential to get it out of your dog's system as quickly as possible.
To do this, you should have some syrup of ipecac on hand so that you are ready in the event of an emergency. If your dog ingests weed killer, give her 2 to 3 tsp. of syrup of ipecac by mouth in a single dose. Your amount will vary depending on your dog's size, and as an extra efficiency measure, try to remember that 3 tsp. is equal to 1 tbsp.
After you have given your dog the ipecac and he has vomited, mix some activated charcoal with some water to create a mixture somewhere between a paste and a pudding. Use 1 tsp. for dogs that weigh under 25 pounds and use 2 tsp. for dogs that weigh over 25 pounds. Your dog should ingest this mixture as soon as possible after the vomiting has subsided. The activated charcoal will help to filter the poisons out of your dog's system.
If Your Dog Does Not Vomit
Some dogs might have stronger stomachs than others, and your dog might not necessarily end up vomiting even after being given the syrup of ipecac. If that is the case, you will have no choice but to go to an emergency vet. Call them, explain the situation and rush your dog to that vet immediately. It is possible that the vet to whom you take your dog might administer other substances in order to induce vomiting, such as Apomorphine. Make sure to tell the vet what you have already given your dog so that he can plan your dog's course of treatment accordingly.
Animal Poison Control Center
For additional advice when you are in this type of crisis, call the National Animal Poison Control Center. Their number is toll free from anywhere in the United States, and is (888) 426-4435. Be aware that consultation via this hotline requires a fee. As of January 2010, your credit card will be charged $65 for this service.
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