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Merle Dog Names
Classic merle dog names will include Amber and Bambi, but you can go for something a little more uncommon like Artemis or even Galaxy. We’ve also got cutesy names for your cuddle bug such as Apple, Bubbles, and Blueberry.
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Help! My Dog Ate An Ant Trap – What Should I Do?
Dogs are always getting themselves into trouble with their ravenous appetites and intense food curiosity. From rummaging through trash for treats to chewing on your shoes, it can sometimes feel like a constant battle to keep stuff out of their mouths.
In some instances, it could be poisonous in which case ant traps are the biggest problem you may have to deal with. Strictly speaking, ant bait may not be in high enough levels to kill your dog. However, it could have serious toxic effects which requires prompt action.
Fortunately for you, you have come to the right place for all the tips on how to respond if your dog eats an ant trap. Let us take a look at remedies like feeding them neutral and easy to digest foods, giving anti-diarrhea medication, and even taking them to the vet as well as 8 other ways you can manage the ensuing toxicity.
11. Go Out For Some Air
Poison used in ant bait can be very irritating and could cause nausea. Of course your pooch will not tell you that they feel like vomiting. However, it is to be expected, which is why a dose of fresh air will do the doggy a lot of good.
While it does nothing to directly relieve the gut irritation, it has been known to visibly reduce the discomfort. So take them out for a walk. And if you can’t, simply crank up the AC.
10. Give The Dog A Quick Clean
There are very high chances that your dog touched the ant bait with their paws or got some of the toxic substance on their face while they ate it. It is therefore absolutely necessary to give your doggy a quick clean.
It doesn’t have to be a full wash as this will often not be very comfortable for them. Instead, use something like a wet towel with some dog shampoo or even neutral pet wipes if you have any.
9. Keep The Dog Calm
The dog may get very agitated as a result of the discomfort which definitely doesn’t make matters any better. You therefore have to do your best to keep them as calm as possible.
Sometimes all you have to do is keep them company as they ride it out while petting them or even offering cuddles. Your presence and attention are invaluable in such instances and just might be what the doggy needs to make it through.
8. Try Soothing Herbs
Essential oils in herbs are useful in dealing with an irritated gut.
Some of the best herb sources in this case include ginger and peppermint. They help to reduce nausea and soothe any inflammation in the digestive tract.
You could also give the dog some chamomile which in addition to physical soothing has a powerful calming effect.
Whatever you choose, just add a drop or two to their drinking water and it should be enough.
7. Give The Dog Some Bland Food
Ant poison is often very irritating to the digestive system. Feeding your dog anything after the ordeal could be an unnecessary punishment to the already suffering dog. The best alternative in this case is bland foods that are easy to digest.
Boiled chicken is the best option here. Do not forget some starch to replenish the lost energy in which case boiled potatoes or rice would do just fine.
6. Get Some Probiotics In Their System
Probiotics have a lot to offer when it comes to dealing with poisoning as is the case with ingestion of ant bait.
The friendly gut bugs help not only in the healing process but also in promoting functionality in the system. With all the irritation and poor functioning going on, it goes without saying that your dog’s gut will need all the help it can get.
For a quick fix, we recommend the Zesty Paws Probiotic treats. Their soft chew formulation makes them easy to chew and digest which is ideal in this case.
Zesty Paws Probiotic for Dogs - Probiotics for Gut Flora, Digestive Health, Occasional Diarrhea & Bowel Support - Clinically Studied DE111 - Functional Dog Supplement Soft Chews for Pet Immune System
- Support Fido's Tummy - These functional soft chew supplements have a base of pumpkin and papaya (sources of enzymes) plus probiotics for digestion, bowel, and immune support to care for canine pets.
5. Keep Your Pooch Hydrated
Your dog will probably be vomiting and having the runs after consuming ant bait. This means that they are losing a lot of water and are therefore at risk of developing dehydration and other serious complications.
The poisons used in ant bait also often have a drying effect which triggers further intense thirst.
With all this to worry about, you have to make sure that your dog has constant access to clean water.
4. Reach Out To The ASPCA Poison Control
It never hurts to get some professionals involved. With cases of poisoning in particular, the ASPCA (American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) should be your go-to for any questions you may have.
Their poison control center offers round the clock support for any queries you may have. They will offer you all the information you need about first aid options, key signs and symptoms to look out for, and so much more.
3. Temporarily Change To A Gut-Friendly Diet
You may have to switch your doggy’s diet after an incident of poisoning with something like ant bait. While the symptoms may go away in a couple of days, the gut will need a bit more time to fully recover.
A gut-friendly diet goes a long way towards promoting healing and restoration to optimal functionality.
We recommend the Raw Wild dog food line in this case for raw dog food that is essentially chemical-free and therefore easier on the tummy.
2. Give Them Anti-Diarrhea Medication
Diarrhea is one of the most serious issues that you have to worry about with poisoning from ant bait with dogs. This is not only uncomfortable for the dog but also leads to massive losses of both fluids and electrolytes.
Stopping the diarrhea or at least reducing its frequency should therefore be your number one priority. Vets Preferred Advanced Anti-Diarrhea Liquid is one of the best options in this case for both reducing diarrhea and abdominal cramps that cause discomfort in the dog.
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Vets Preferred Advanced Anti-Diarrhea for Dogs - Dog Diarrhea Medicine with Pectin and Kaolin (8 oz.) | Once every 12 hours for Dog Diarrhea & Dog Gas Relief
- QUICK AND EFFECTIVE: Soothe your pet’s upset stomach and stop their diarrhea with the advanced diarrhea medicine for dogs. It provides quick relief for dogs and helps them get back on their feet in...
1. Consult Your Vet
Sometimes, it is better to be safe than sorry in which case taking the dog to a vet is not a bad idea.
Many will advise monitoring and keeping the dog hydrated and well rested which can be done with a quick consultation over the phone.
However, if your pooch has excessive diarrhea and vomiting and looks extremely lethargic for a long time then it may be time to take them physically to the vet.
Related Questions
How Much Ant Poison Will Kill A Dog? It would take as much as 25 mg per kg of body weight of ant poison and other bug baits to kill a dog. Fortunately, most bait systems only use a little of the minimally potent stuff for the bugs. As a result, you are more likely to have your dog suffer food poisoning-like effects than fatal toxicity.
What Are The Signs Of A Dog That Has Been Poisoned? Three of the most important signs of poisoning in dogs are lethargy, vomiting, and diarrhea. Your index of suspicion should also be very high if these symptoms follow ingestion of something whether or not it is edible. In such cases, just remove monitor the dog and keep them comfortable and hydrated.
How Long Does It Take For An Ant Trap To Affect Dogs? The effects of ingesting ant traps in dogs will become visible within 30 minutes to an hour of them consuming the bait. One of the first symptoms will be vomiting and general distress. Several hours later, you may notice signs of abdominal tenderness as well as diarrhea as the irritation spreads throughout the gut.
