Dog Petroleum and Gasoline Toxicity

Petroleum products can be lethal to dogs and other household pets. These products are not among the top causes of animal poisoning, but they can cause severe problems. The most common products that are the causes of this type of poisoning are kerosene, gasoline, diesel and propane.

Petroleum products are easily absorbed due to their thin and light makeup. Gasoline is more toxic than motor oil due to this factor. Absorption can rapidly progress from the skin and stomach. Being irritants, they will cause inflammation to the stomach lining and skin. Irritation to the airways occurs if an excessive amount is inhaled.

Symptoms

Your dog will experience severe burning in and around its mouth, throat, stomach and esophagus after drinking these fluids. Dog Vomiting can occur, during which time some of the product can be inhaled which, in turn, can cause pneumonia. It is not recommended to induce vomiting at home. If your dog does begin to vomit after the ingestion of Petroleum products, you need to be observant. Breathing problems can quickly occur.

Causes

It does not take a lot of these products to cause damage. Diesel can cause illness if about 1 tablespoon per lb. of weight is ingested. That alone will cause Dog Diarrhea, an upset stomach and vomiting. With gasoline, your dog needs to take about 35mls per pound. It doesn’t take much. The majority of Petroleum products will be cleared from your dog’s body within 48 hours.

Signs

Observe the following if you notice you dog has consumed Petroleum products.

• Gasoline smell

• Shaking head

• Drooling

• Dog Coughs or choking

• Clumsiness when walking

• Irritated skin

• A blue tinge to the gums and tongue

• An increase in the amount of head shaking

• Difficulty breathing

Treating Petroleum and Gasoline Toxicity

If a small amount of the product is consumed, generally no treatment is needed. It is important, however to keep your dog as quiet and calm as possible as this will help to prevent vomiting and Dog Stress And Anxiety.

If a large amount was ingested within a two to four hour period, activated charcoal or stomach pumping may have to be done. This will empty the stomach and prevent vomiting. After this procedure your dog will probably receive a prescription for Carafate and/or Pepcid. This will protect the stomach from further damage.

Dogs with aspiration pneumonia will require hospitalization. During that time they will receive antibiotics, intravenous fluids, oxygen and plenty of rest and TLC. It is possible that this treatment will continue for up to a week or more. If the onset of breathing issues is rapid, your dog’s prognosis is not good.

If your dog’s skin has been exposed to Petroleum products, the dog should be given a warm bath with a mild soap or dish detergent. Most of the Petroleum will be removed from the skin in the bath. In order to remove the bulk of the product from a long haired dog, they may have to be sheared. In this way any skin irritation can be observed and appropriate medication can be given.

Home Treatment

There is no way to treat Petroleum or gasoline toxicity at home. When you contact your vet, know what was consumed and how much.

If your dog does not show any symptoms within the first twelve hours of exposure, they will probably not get ill. Mild respiratory problems usually resolve themselves in three to ten days. If symptoms worsen call your veterinarian immediately.

Suggested Products

LessStress for Dog Stress and Anxiety
Neem Soap – A Natural Soap for Dogs
Respiratory Aid for Dogs