What is Fireworks Poisoning?
Fireworks can be very dangerous to the curious or unwary pet. Not only is there a risk of injury or burns from the gunpowder going off, but the ingredients within explosives can also be toxic as well.
Metals such as copper and zinc are often used to create the spectacular colors of fireworks, and can be detrimental to your dog’s health. Ingestion of any amount of explosives should be considered an emergency, so contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested any part of a firework.
Fireworks Poisoning Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
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Symptoms of Fireworks Poisoning in Dogs
Some symptoms of fireworks poisoning, such as burns and vomiting, will most likely occur immediately upon ingestion. Other symptoms, such as jaundice, uncoordinated movement, and diarrhea, may take several hours to present.
Symptoms of fireworks poisoning in dogs include:
- Abdominal pain
- Burns on lips or inside mouth
- Diarrhea
- Blood in the stool
- Eye irritation
- Jaundice
- Kidney failure
- Seizures
- Shallow breathing
- Injuries to the skin and soft tissues
- Tremors
- Uncoordinated movement
- Vomiting
- Weakness
Causes of Fireworks Poisoning in Dogs
Some of the toxins that may be present in fireworks include:
- Aluminum: Adds silver and white colors
- Barium: Adds green color
- Chlorine: Used as oxidizers
- Copper: Adds blue color
- Iron: Creates sparks
- Lithium: Adds red color
- Magnesium: Adds a brilliant white color
- Potassium nitrate, chlorate, or perchlorate: Common oxidizers
- Sodium: Adds yellow color
- Zinc: Used to create smoke effects
Diagnosis of Fireworks Poisoning in Dogs
If you suspect your dog has ingested all or part of any firework, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet will perform a physical exam and begin supportive care right away. If you have any portion of the firecracker that has not been ingested,
bring that with you to the vet as well as any
remaining packaging.
The vet will likely pay particular attention to the abdominal area to locate any palpable remnants or blockages. Blood, urine, stool, and vomit may need to be tested to identify the toxins and determine the severity of the condition and the best course of treatment. If a blockage is suspected, x-ray or ultrasound imaging may be recommended.
Treatment of Fireworks Poisoning in Dogs
Treatment will depend on how the fireworks have affected your pet and the amount of time that's passed since ingestion.
If the fireworks were ingested recently, your veterinarian may induce vomiting to prevent future blockages and absorption of any toxins. If it has been longer, a large fibrous or bulky meal, such as sweet potato or pumpkin, may be recommended to help push the toxins through the system with minimal absorption.
Severe symptoms will require supportive treatment. This may include IV fluids for dehydration and medications prescribed to alleviate specific symptoms. These medications may be given either orally or via injection and could include any combination of gastroprotective, anti-nausea, or pain management medications.
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Recovery of Fireworks Poisoning in Dogs
Your dog's prognosis will depend on the amount of toxin ingested, the
composition of the explosive, and the amount of time between ingestion
and treatment.
Keeping your dog in a quiet and calm environment and giving their medication exactly as prescribed will help encourage a speedy recovery.
Medications such as laxatives, stomach protectants, and antacids may be prescribed to combat further symptoms, and your dog will likely need more frequent potty breaks than they normally would. Your vet may also schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your pup for signs of mercury or heavy metal poisoning.
Fireworks poisoning can be expensive to treat. To avoid high vet care expenses, secure pet health insurance today. The sooner you insure your pet, the more protection you’ll have from unexpected vet costs.
Fireworks Poisoning Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
Top
Fireworks Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Bernese Mountain Dog
Three Years
18 found this helpful
18 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Cought sniffing and licking a spent firework cardboard a couple inches long found in my yard.(neighbor I guess?) I took away still had grey pepples in it. Do i need to induce vomit
July 30, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
18 Recommendations
From your description, I would not think that you need to induce vomiting at this point. The spent fireworks are not typically toxic unless a large amount are ingested and it does not sound like that happened. It would be best to monitor your dog closely over the next 24 hours first signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, and if any of those happen, it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian right away. I think, given your description, though, your dog should be okay.
July 30, 2020
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Pit Bull/Doberman/Great Pyrenees
Seven Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
Chewed an unused sparkler
July 25, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
Those can be quite irritating to the GI tract. If you notice any signs of vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy or loss of appetite, it would be best to have your puppy seen by a veterinarian right away for treatment.
I hope that all goes well for your pup!
July 25, 2020
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German Shepherd
Four Months
2 found this helpful
2 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None
He ate the remnant of a firework that had been shot off (so the piece that’s left behind
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question.
I'm not sure what part of the firework you are referring to, whether it is the cardboard, or a sulfur remnant. It would probably be best to either call a Pet Poison Control hotline, or have him seen by a veterinarian if you are concerned, as they can get more details on what might be going on.
I hope that all goes well for him.
July 18, 2020
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Bulldog
Nine Months
1 found this helpful
1 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None Yet
My puppy got a hold of some kind of sulfur from a spent firework. I was able to get the big piece from her but she still had some in her mouth. She's not showing any symptoms yet but I'm worried anyway. What should I do?
July 18, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. It would probably be best to call a pet poison hotline, or have her seen by a veterinarian right away. The sulfur in the firework may be quite caustic to her mouth and throat, and without knowing how much or if she swallowed any, it is hard to say if there's anything that may happen. I hope that she is okay.
July 18, 2020
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Mutt
Seven Months
4 found this helpful
4 found this helpful
My pet has the following symptoms:
None Yet
My dog ate part of a morning glory sparkler around 10am this morning. It’s now 3:30 and she’s still acting okay but I just found out they’re toxic so I’m kind of panicking. What should I be looking for? My vet has no appt today and I called an emergency clinic who gave me animal poison control but I don’t have $75 to spare for a phone call when I’m thinking I’ll need to take her somewhere. What do I watch for? What can I do?
July 13, 2020
Answered by Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
If you notice any signs of GI upset - vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, then she would need to be seen by a veterinarian right away.
I hope that she is okay.
July 13, 2020
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Fireworks Poisoning Average Cost
From 27 quotes ranging from $200 - $800
Average Cost
$350
Get a free pet insurance quote in less than 60 seconds!
Easily compare quotes from the most trusted pet insurance companies in the United States.
