Gunpowder is a common toxic substance for dogs. It can happen that dogs who go hunting with their pet parents are exposed to gunpowder. Or they may be near fireworks and accidently ingest the gunpowder. Either way, gunpowder is not good for dogs.
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What is Gunpowder?
Gunpowder is black powder that is a chemical explosive. It can contain potassium nitrate (also called saltpeter), sulfur and carbon. Gunpowder used in fireworks may also contain chlorate, aluminum, copper, and soluble barium salt.
Is Gunpowder Toxic to Dogs?
Yes. If your dog has ingested gun powder, call the vet immediately.
Gun powder, if eaten in large enough amounts, can also cause an intestinal blockage, which is a life-threatening medical emergency.
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Symptoms of Gun Powder Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog may show some of these symptoms if he’s ingested gun powder:
- Abdominal pain
- Burns on lips/inside mouth
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Seizures
- Soft tissue injury
- Tremors
- Uncoordinated movement
- Vomiting
- Weakness
If you know for sure or even suspect that your dog has ingested gun powder, call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Gun Powder Poisoning in Dogs
When you get to the vet, they will do a physical exam of your dog, as well as lab tests. The vet may also examine your dog’s urine, vomit and poop. They may also do x-rays to check your dog for an intestinal blockage.
Treatment may involve the vet inducing vomiting (if your dog ate the gun powder within the last 1-2 hours). Additional treatment may include some type of substance that binds to the gun powder. This keeps the gun powder from further damaging the body. It also helps the body get rid of the gun powder.
If the vet finds your dog has an intestinal blockage, your fur baby may also require surgery. This is done to remove the blockage. Without treatment, this condition could cause your dog to die.
Other treatment may be supportive, and any symptoms will be addressed as they arise. Your dog may need to stay hospitalized for a few days, depending on the severity of his condition.
Recovery may take a while and your fur baby will need plenty of rest. He’ll also need to be kept away from gun powder in the future.
The dog’s prognosis will depend on how much gun powder he’s eaten, and how soon he received medical treatment. However, with prompt treatment, your dog has a very good chance of recovering and leading a happy, healthy life.
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Kyoko is from a family of 3 and moved to New York with her parents and siblings when she was 13. Kyoko is fond of spending a great amount of time with pets, specifically her beagle Luna and cat Missy. Her boyfriend often complains that she spends too much time giving attention to their animals. Kyoko has written dozens of articles concerning pets and is aiming at owning a pet shop one day!
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