GotoAID Dogs - Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide is known as the "silent killer" because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. Carbon monoxide replaces oxygen in the blood stream causing the brain to become oxygen starved. It is usually found in car exhaust, furnaces, and fire smoke. In severe cases, oxygen therapy is necessary to remove the carbon monoxide from the bloodstream and replace it with oxygen.

Symptoms

Bright Cherry-Red Gums and Skin	Drowsy
Labored Breathing	Lethargic
Deafness	Weakness
Difficulty Breathing	Loss of Consciousness
Sleepy	Incoordination

Steps

Take your dog away from the source and into fresh air

If your pet is non-responsive and has stopped breathing, be prepared to give artificial respiration by closing your dog’s mouth with one or two hands and gently breathe into your dog’s nostrils.

If available, give oxygen by face mask.

Administer 5-10 breaths per minute for large dogs and 10-20 breaths per minute for small dogs. With each breath, one should see the chest slightly rise.

Keep breathing for your dog until he starts breathing or until you reach the vet

Transport your dog to the nearest vet for oxygen therapy and supportive treatment.

Warnings

DO NOT breathe in the air that your pet exhales

Tips

Dogs that have only breathed in a relatively small amount of carbon monoxide can recover by breathing in clean fresh air

DO NOT leave cars running in the garage with the garage door closed or even slightly closed. The garage door should be COMPLETELY OPEN to prevent toxic levels of carbon monoxide from building up.

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