![]() In many cases, this is a life-threatening emergency. If you notice that your dog has experienced carbon monoxide exposure, then you must consult your veterinarian straight away. Being inside a garage with a car running.Learn how to handle to such an emergency. ![]() And in an enclosed space, the levels of gas can quickly become poisonous for dogs. Some of the most common circumstances that may lead to a dog inhaling carbon monoxide include: Carbon monoxide is produced by all sorts of everyday equipment: older cars not equipped with catalytic converters, barbecues, or propane heaters and cookers, to name just a few. The cause of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs is a dog inhaling too much of the odorless gas carbon monoxide. The symptoms of exposure to low levels of carbon monoxide can be similar to those of food poisoning and flu. Some of the most common symptoms include:Ĭauses Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In Dogs (Picture Credit: Chalongrat Chuvaree/Getty Images) shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning In DogsĬarbon monoxide poisoning in dogs can result in a range of symptoms. Here’s what you should know about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of carbon monoxide poisoning in dogs. In comparison, mice won’t show clinical signs until almost double that amount of carbon monoxide.If you see signs that your dog might be suffering from carbon monoxide exposure or poisoning, then you must consult your veterinarian immediately for a proper diagnosis and course of treatment. However, birds are at higher risk for poisoning due to their unique respiratory system and will show evidence of symptoms at 900 ppm carbon monoxide. The most common symptoms of CO poisoning are headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. Species SensitivityĬarbon monoxide is roughly the same density as room air, so animals close to the ground are at no more risk than taller animals. Carboxyhemoglobin levels may also be determined.Īnimals who remain asymptomatic (assuming the home has been evaluated by a utility company or fire department and determined safe to return to) may be monitored at home. Remember that a pulse oximeter (which reads oxygen saturation) is not reliable when dealing with CO poisoning however, a CO-oximeter (which reads the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin) is. If your patient is in a coma or has persistent neurological signs, a CT scan may help you find signs of cerebral edema. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm, electrolytes, lactate, and acid-base are advised for more severe cases. Intubation and mechanical ventilation may be needed in more severe cases.Īddressing other clinical signs such as seizures with diazepam or similar benzodiazepine should be done as needed. Continue oxygen until signs resolve or carboxyhemoglobin levels are less than 4%.įor humans, the half-life of carbon monoxide in ambient air is 4-6 hours but is down to 60-75 minutes at 100% oxygen and 20 minutes in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber. Oxygen is antidotal for carbon monoxide poisoning and will also help enhance elimination. For animals who recover from carbon monoxide poisoning, monitoring should continue for at least another 3-6 days (or longer) to watch for sudden worsening or return of neurological signs.ĭelayed neurologic effects have been reported in animals and may result in a poor prognosis. Permanent deafness and blindness are possible with exposures. Symptoms of poisoning may range from mild or moderate (depression, vomiting, weakness) to severe (coma, seizures, dyspnea, arrhythmias, acute lung injury, ARDS, and death). Organs such as the heart and brain are most affected since they use the most oxygen.Ĭommon sources of carbon monoxide include vehicle exhaust, household fires, home furnaces, stoves, and water heaters. This can lead to cellular hypoxemia and ischemia. While similar statistics for animals aren’t available, we know that more than a third of the country’s households have either a dog or cat.ĬO binds to hemoglobin at 250 times the rate of oxygen and creates carboxyhemoglobin, which impairs the oxygen-carrying capacity of hemoglobin. Unintentional, non-fire-related carbon monoxide poisonings cause around 15,000 emergency department visits and nearly 500 deaths every year in this country. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, carbon monoxide is the leading cause of unintentional poisoning deaths in people in the United States-and, of course, animals are in danger as well.
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