Oriental Poppies (Papaver orientale) are toxic to dogs due to the presence of isoquinoline alkaloids, mainly sanguinarine.
Symptoms of Oriental Poppy Poisoning in Dogs:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory distress (difficulty breathing)
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Death (in severe cases)
What to Do if Your Dog Ate Oriental Poppies:
- Call your veterinarian immediately. Explain the situation and provide as many details as possible, including the amount of poppy your dog ate, when they ate it, and any symptoms they are exhibiting.
- Induce vomiting: If your veterinarian instructs you to do so, induce vomiting by giving your dog a mixture of equal parts 3% hydrogen peroxide and water (1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight). Do not induce vomiting if your dog is unconscious or if they have ingested other toxic substances recently.
- Monitor your dog: Keep your dog calm and comfortable while you wait for veterinary care. Monitor their breathing, heart rate, and any other symptoms.
- Bring samples: Bring any remaining poppy petals or plants to the veterinarian for identification and to aid in treatment.
Treatment for Oriental Poppy Poisoning:
Treatment will depend on the severity of the poisoning and may include:
- Activated charcoal to absorb the toxins
- Intravenous fluids to support hydration and electrolyte balance
- Medications to control vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures
- Oxygen therapy for respiratory distress
- Blood transfusions in severe cases
Prevention:
- Keep oriental poppies and other toxic plants out of reach of your dog.
- Supervise your dog closely when outdoors.
- Be aware of the plants in your yard and neighborhood, and know which ones are potentially toxic to dogs.
The article was created by AI.
We received responses from Google Gemini to the following questions.
My dog ate an “oriental poppy”. What should I do? Answers should be in English.
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