Diesel is a common fuel that’s used for many things. You may even have some at home in the garage! What happens if you accidentally spill some diesel and your dog walks through it? Or what if your dog licks the diesel? Can diesel fuel make a dog sick?
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Has your dog licked some diesel fuel? Are you worried that the diesel fuel will make your dog sick? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. We understand it can be scary when something like this happens.
In this article, we’ll take a look at diesel fuel and whether or not it can make a dog sick. Let’s get started!
What is Diesel Fuel?
Diesel fuel is a type of liquid fuel that’s specifically made for diesel engines. Diesel is a petroleum product made from crude oil. Did you know that diesel fuel was created from the experiments of a German scientist? His name was Rudolf Diesel!
This type of fuel is commonly used in high-speed diesel engines, such as those found in motor vehicles.
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While diesel fuel has proven to be extremely useful, what happens if a dog licks diesel? Will the fuel make a dog sick?
Diesel Fuel & Dogs
Unfortunately, diesel fuel is very toxic to dogs. Even one lick could be enough to make a dog very sick.
How would a dog have access to diesel? It may be through an accidental spill of the fuel in the garage or on the ground. A curious dog may try to lick up some of the liquid. Or a dog could walk through the spilled fuel, getting diesel on his paws. Most dogs will try to lick the fuel off in order to clean the fuel off their paws.
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Ask a Vet Live NowSymptoms of Diesel Fuel Poisoning in Dogs
You may notice these symptoms if your dog has licked diesel fuel:
- Skin irritation
- Oral irritation
- Excessive drooling
- Clamping of the jaws
- Coughing/choking
- Oil in vomit and/or on lips
- Difficulty breathing
- Oily discharge from nose
- Loss of appetite
- Depression
- General weakness
- Oil in the feces (or dry feces)
- Lack of coordination
- Dehydration
- Coma
If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, call the vet immediately. This is an emergency.
Treatment of Diesel Fuel Poisoning in Dogs
The vet may choose to treat your dog with activated charcoal. This works to absorb the diesel fuel from your dog’s system, which keeps it from entering the bloodstream. Your fur baby may also need supplemental oxygen, IV fluids, and more.
If your dog has walked in the diesel fuel, the vet may need your canine companion’s feet. The fuel can cause skin irritation and burns.
The good news is that dogs with mild poisoning and prompt medical treatment have the best chance of making a complete recovery.
Kim
Kim is a talented author, who loves animals especially dogs. She engaged in writing books and articles relating to animals a decade ago. Kim resides in Chicago with her husband and son. The family is the proud owner of a dog and a parrot (Jack and Lily). Kim wanted more than these two pets, but her husband put his foot down... She often visits elementary schools to talk to the kids about what she learned about pets and how they could learn from them.
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