Do you keep kerosene around the house? Is it stored safely, where your dog can’t get it? If you’re not sure, then this article’s for you! We’re going to take a look at kerosene poisoning in dogs.
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What is Kerosene?
Kerosene is known as a hydrocarbon, which is a substance that contains hydrogen and carbon chemicals. Kerosene also goes by other names such as lamp oil or coal oil. It’s flammable and is derived from petroleum.
Kerosene is used as a fuel in planes but is also a common substance in homes. In places some places around the world, kerosene is still used to fuel lamps and lanterns. It’s also used for cooking around the world and is sometimes used in portable stoves used by campers. And it’s used for heating home in places like Japan.
Kerosene is also used at home to remove adhesive left by stickers, remove candle wax, clean bicycle chains, and even used by artists to clean the paint from their brushes.
No wonder it’s found in many of our homes—kerosene has multiple uses! But is kerosene bad for dogs?
Kerosene is Toxic to Dogs
Unfortunately, kerosene is very toxic to dogs. It can cause pneumonia if aspirated during inhalation. Not only that, but it can also cause skin irritation, ulceration of the mucus membranes, and more. Ingestion, skin and eye irritation, and aspiration are all very dangerous for dogs who find kerosene and/or drink it, etc.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Kerosene Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has been poisoned by kerosene:
Skin contact:
- Inflammation
- Corneal ulcers
- Blisters
- Burns
Ingestion:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Choking
- Shaking of the head
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Oral ulcers
- Excessive drooling
- Pawing at the face
- Abdominal pain and sensitivity
- Rapid heart rate
- Rapid breathing
- Weakness
- Fever
- Tremors
- Convulsions
- Coma
If your dog is showing any of these symptoms, then it’s time to call the vet immediately. This is a medical emergency.
Treatment of Kerosene Poisoning in Dogs
If your dog has ingested kerosene, the vet will treat the symptoms with various medications as required. Your dog may also need supplemental oxygen and may need to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on the severity of his symptoms.
The prognosis is good for dogs that are treat quickly for less severe forms of kerosene poisoning. However, for dogs that have a more severe form of poisoning, the outlook isn’t as good, especially if they have developed pneumonia and/or are comatose.
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Julie
Julie is a graduate of the University of North Carolina, Wilmington, where she studied Animal science. Though contrary to the opinion of her parents she was meant to study pharmacy, but she was in love with animals especially cats. Julie currently works in an animal research institute (NGO) in California and loves spending quality time with her little cat. She has the passion for making research about animals, how they survive, their way of life among others and publishes it. Julie is also happily married with two kids.
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