Dog Poisoning Emergency in Fairlawn, OH
Chocolate Toxicity, Xylitol Poisoning, and Toxic Ingestion
If your dog has eaten chocolate, gum, medication, or something toxic, you may feel panic right away. Some substances cause mild stomach upset, while others can become life-threatening quickly. The safest step is immediate evaluation.
At Copley Fairlawn Veterinary Clinic, we provide emergency care for toxic ingestion in dogs and cats. When you call, we assess the type of substance, the amount ingested, your pet’s size, and the timing. This helps determine whether urgent treatment is required.
We provide dog poisoning emergency care for families in Fairlawn, Copley, and the surrounding Akron area.
Common Causes of Poisoning in Dogs
Dogs explore with their mouths. Accidental ingestion is common.
Frequent toxic exposures include:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol found in sugar-free gum and candy
- Grapes and raisins
- Certain medications
- Rat poison
- Antifreeze
- Lilies in cats
Some toxins affect the nervous system. Others damage the liver, kidneys, or heart. The level of risk depends on the substance and the amount consumed.
What To Do If Your Dog Ate Something Toxic
If you suspect poisoning, call us immediately. Try to gather information such as:
- What was ingested
- How much was consumed
- When the exposure occurred
- Your dog’s weight
Do not attempt home remedies unless directed by a veterinarian. Inducing vomiting at home is not always safe. Early treatment can significantly improve outcomes.
Abdominal Exploratory Surgery
If your pet is vomiting, experiencing abdominal pain, or may have swallowed a foreign object, exploratory surgery allows us to identify and treat problems such as intestinal obstruction, foreign bodies, or abdominal masses. In some cases, biopsies are taken to better understand chronic digestive issues.
Chocolate Toxicity in Dogs
Chocolate contains theobromine and caffeine, which dogs cannot metabolize efficiently. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate contain higher concentrations and pose greater risk.
Symptoms may include restlessness, vomiting, diarrhea, increased heart rate, tremors, or seizures.
The severity depends on the type and amount consumed. Even small amounts of dark chocolate may require evaluation.
Xylitol Poisoning in Dogs
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly found in gum, candy, baked goods, and some peanut butters. Even small amounts can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar.
Signs may develop quickly and include weakness, collapse, tremors, or seizures. In some cases, liver damage may occur.
Because xylitol acts rapidly, immediate evaluation is critical.
How We Treat Toxic Ingestion
Treatment depends on the substance and timing of ingestion.
In some cases, we may induce vomiting safely in the clinic. Other cases require activated charcoal, intravenous fluids, bloodwork monitoring, or hospitalization.
We evaluate heart rate, neurological status, hydration, and organ function. Blood tests may be repeated to monitor changes over time.
Each toxin requires a specific treatment plan. We explain findings clearly and discuss recommended next steps before proceeding.
When Is Poisoning Life-Threatening?
Certain toxins act quickly and can cause:
- Severe neurological symptoms
- Heart rhythm changes
- Liver or kidney damage
- Internal bleeding
If your dog is trembling, seizing, collapsing, or having difficulty breathing, this requires immediate emergency care.
Even if symptoms appear mild at first, they can worsen depending on the toxin.
Why Early Treatment Matters
The earlier treatment begins, the more options are available. Once toxins are absorbed into the bloodstream, supportive care becomes the primary approach.
Calling as soon as ingestion is suspected gives us the best opportunity to intervene effectively.
If you are unsure whether something is toxic, it is safer to call and ask.
Why Families in Fairlawn Trust Us for Poison Emergencies
Toxic ingestion situations can be frightening. Families in Fairlawn and Copley trust us because we focus on rapid assessment, clear communication, and careful monitoring.
Dr. Ashley Staycheff and our team evaluate each case individually and guide you through the process step by step.
We understand how stressful it feels when your dog eats something unexpected. Our goal is to act quickly while keeping you informed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Poisoning
My dog ate chocolate. Should I be worried?
The level of risk depends on the type of chocolate, the amount eaten, and your dog’s size. Call us so we can calculate potential toxicity.
How fast does xylitol poisoning affect dogs?
Xylitol can cause low blood sugar within a short period of time. Immediate evaluation is recommended.
Should I make my dog throw up at home?
Do not induce vomiting unless directed by a veterinarian. Some substances can cause more harm if vomited.
What if my dog ate grapes?
Grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in some dogs. Prompt evaluation is recommended.
Can cats experience poisoning?
Yes. Cats are sensitive to certain toxins, including lilies and some medications.
What if I am not sure whether something is toxic?
Call us. It is always better to confirm than to wait.
Get Started with Vello
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Introducing Vello
A Better Way to Stay Connected
We’re excited to announce that starting August 4th, our clinic is using Vello, a convenient text messaging app designed to make communication with us easier than ever. With the Vello app, you can easily get appointment reminders, request visits, text our team, and enjoy faster, more convenient service - all from your phone.
We encourage all appointment requests to go through the Vello app beginning August 4th, so you can enjoy a smoother, more connected experience with our team.
Emergency Poison Care in Fairlawn
If your dog has eaten chocolate, gum, medication, or any unknown substance, call us immediately.
We will assess the situation and begin appropriate treatment as quickly as possible.
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Different Procedures We Offer
Spay/Neuter
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female dog’s reproductive organs to prevent reproduction. Neutering involves removing both testicles in male dogs to render them infertile.
Exploratory Surgeries and Biopsies
Cytology involves examining cell samples under a microscope to help diagnose tumors, fluid buildup, or issues in organs like the liver or lungs. A biopsy is the surgical removal of tissue for detailed microscopic analysis of suspicious lesions.
TTA/CCL Repairs
A common knee injury in dogs is a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament (CCL), similar to the ACL in humans. This ligament helps stabilize the knee, and when torn, it causes the shin bone to move abnormally, leading to pain, lameness, and joint damage. Over time, this instability can result in osteoarthritis.
MPL Procedures
A luxating patella occurs when the kneecap (patella) slips out of its normal position in the groove at the end of the thighbone. This condition causes instability in the knee joint and can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking.
Amputation Services
Amputation is a surgical procedure to remove a pet’s limb, often due to cancer, severe injury, infection, or chronic pain. Forelimb amputations usually involve removing the entire limb, while hindlimb amputations are done at the hip or upper thigh. In some cases, modifications may be made to allow for a prosthetic limb.
Fracture Repairs
In many cases, surgical stabilization is recommended for treating fractures in pets. Unlike humans, dogs and cats often fracture major bones like the femur or humerus, which can't be easily treated with splints or casts.
Mass Removals
Finding a lump under your pet’s skin can be alarming and should be checked by a vet. Many are harmless lipomas (fatty tumors), but some may involve mast cells, which are part of the immune system. Proper diagnosis is important to determine if the lump is benign or cancerous.
Splenectomy
The spleen is a tongue-shaped organ located below the stomach with a texture similar to the liver. While dogs can live without it, the spleen plays a supportive role in overall health.
Cystotomy
Bladder stones are mineral formations that develop in the urinary bladder, ranging in size from tiny grains to larger rocks. They often result from bladder disease or inflammation and can appear as a single stone or a mix of various sizes.
Perineal Urethrostomy (PU)
A perineal urethrostomy (PU) is a surgical procedure for male cats with urinary blockages. It widens the urethral opening to make urination easier and reduce the risk of future obstructions.
C-Sections
A caesarean section (C-section) is a major surgery to deliver puppies, often done in emergencies when natural birth is difficult. Most dogs recover quickly, but if labor was prolonged before surgery, recovery may be slower and require extra care.
