Many of us have cars with combustion engines. So, what do they all have in common? They require motor oil to run and keep the engine in good shape. But what happens when a dog drinks motor oil? Will the motor oil make the dog sick?
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Has your dog drunk motor oil? Are you worried the motor oil will make the dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when your dog drinks something like this.
In this article, we’ve put together information about motor oil and whether it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Motor Oil?
Motor oil is an engine lubricant, which contains additives to help keep the engine in good shape. The additives and the oil keep the engine from becoming damaged from high friction rates and wear on moving parts. It also keeps the engine free of sludge and other debris.
But what happens if a dog drinks motor oil? Will the motor oil make the dog sick?
Motor Oil & Dogs
Unfortunately, motor oil is highly to dogs. If your dog has had a small lick of motor oil, chances are he will be OK. However, if your dog has had a larger drink of motor oil, then he could become very sick.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Motor Oil Toxicity in Dogs
Your dog may show the following symptoms if he’s drunk motor oil:
- Skin irritation
- Oral irritation
- Excessive drooling
- Coughing/choking
- Vomiting
- Difficulty breathing
- Oil discharge from his nose
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- General weakness
- Shivering
- Excitability
- Head tremors
- Lack of coordination
- Visual problems
- Dehydration
- Coma
Motor oil is extremely poisonous. If you notice these symptoms in your dog, then call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Don’t wait to see if your dog’s symptoms worsen or improve. He needs medical treatment ASAP, or the poisoning could lead to death.
The vet may treat your dog through the use of activated charcoal and/or by performing gastric lavage, to flush their stomach out.. Some dogs may also require IV fluids, supplemental oxygen, and other medications to treat symptoms that may arise.
Dogs who have a mild case of motor oil poisoning usually make a full recovery, especially if they receive medical treatment as soon as possible.
So, be sure to keep your dog away from motor oil and other petroleum products!
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Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
This article has been reviewed and approved by an independent Veterinarian: Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!
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