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Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
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What is Potato (Green) Poisoning?
Although potatoes are a healthy vegetable for humans, it is best not to feed any part of a raw potato or potato skins to your dog because of the toxins they contain. The potato, as well as other vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplant, produces solanine as a natural defense to deter insects. Even in small amounts, your dog can have symptoms similar to food poisoning due to the solanine and chaconine. Solanine is a cholinesterase inhibitor that can prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter. This causes reduced function of the nervous system and the body’s organs by building up in the tissues, especially the liver. Solanine has also been found in other major organs such as the brain, lungs, heart, and kidneys. These toxins can make humans sick as well, but it would take a lot more potatoes than we would eat to cause even mild symptoms. However, it is best not to eat potatoes that have green skin or are growing sprouts whether they are cooked or not, and definitely never feed them to your dog.
Green potato poisoning in dogs occurs when a dog consumes too much solanine, which is a glycoalkaloid naturally produced in green or raw potatoes, potato skins, and the foliage from the potato plant. Solanine poisoning can cause heart problems, difficulty breathing, and gastrointestinal upset. The raw potato and skins also contain chaconine, which is toxic and can cause irritation to the digestive tract, nervous system symptoms (tremors), and kidney function disorders. If you think your dog has eaten green potatoes, skins, or foliage, you should call your veterinarian or visit your local animal hospital even if there are no symptoms.
Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
Symptoms of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Symptoms may vary depending on how much solanine and chaconine was in the potatoes or potato skins your dog ate, and the size and health of your dog. Most often, the symptoms will be mild, unless your dog is very small, ill, or if a great amount of potatoes have been consumed in a short amount of time. The most common symptoms reported are:
- Bleeding
- Burning of the throat
- Cardiac dysrhythmia
- Death
- Delirium
- Difficulty breathing
- Dilated pupils
- Dizziness
- Excess drooling
- Fever
- Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and nausea
- Headache
- Heart problems
- Jaundice
- Loss of sensation
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Numbness and burning sensation of the tongue, mouth, and lips
- Paralysis
- Progressive paralysis
- Seizures
- Shock
- Slow pulse
- Slowed breathing
- Swelling of tongue or lips
- Trembling
- Vision changes
- Vomiting
- Weakness
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Causes of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Solanine symptoms are caused by the interruption of the chemical acetylcholine, which is important in transmitting nerve impulses. This chemical is also reported to cause cell membrane damage, which can cause irritation of the nervous system and intestinal tract. The chemical is found in:
- Green potatoes
- Potato foliage
- Raw potato skins
- Sprouts grown on potatoes
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Diagnosis of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
Your veterinarian will need to know what your dog ate, how much, and how long ago it happened. You should also let the veterinarian know what symptoms you have seen, your dog’s medical history, and any illnesses or injuries. A comprehensive physical examination will be done, which will include temperature, weight, height, pulse, reflexes, blood pressure and breathing rate.
They will also need to complete some tests, such as complete blood count, chemical panel, blood gas, glucose level, urinalysis, kidney and liver function tests, and a chest x-ray. In addition, an electrocardiogram (ECG) may be done to monitor your dog’s heart rate if needed. If the chest x-ray shows any abnormalities, the veterinarian will do an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan to get a better look at what is going on.
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Treatment of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
The treatment for your dog will include giving apomorphine to inducing vomiting and activated charcoal to absorb any toxin that may be left in the stomach. The veterinarian will sedate your dog and provide IV fluids and oxygen therapy. If they suspect there is still toxin in your dog’s system, he will perform a gastric lavage. This procedure includes inserting a tube into your dog’s mouth to flush out the stomach with saline solution. Medication, such as a physostigmine or pilocarpine will be administered to help boost your dog’s nervous system, and gastrointestinal protectants and laxatives may be used as well.
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Recovery of Potato (Green) Poisoning in Dogs
How well your dog recovers depends on the amount of solanine ingested and how quickly treatment is given. As with any illness, providing a quiet place to rest when your pet returns home is key to recovery. Be certain to contact your veterinarian if you have questions or concerns. To prevent this from happening again, do not let your dog eat raw potatoes, potato skins, or foliage and make sure he cannot get into the trash where potato peels may be.
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Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
Top
Potato (Green) Poisoning Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
Need pet health advice? Ask a vet
Ask a Vet
German Shorthaired Pointer
Eleven Years
Unknown severity
8 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Moaning And Gas
My mom gave him some cooked potato skin from a baked potato yesterday. Today he has been moaning and a bbn it gassy, but lately he is always a little gassy. It may of had some butter on parts
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If your dog is moaning and uncomfortable, he may need to be seen by a veterinarian. If he is doing well otherwise, you can try a 24-hour fast where he does not eat any food but can have water, and see if that settles his stomach. If it does not end he is still uncomfortable, then it would be best to have him seen by a veterinarian right away. I hope that he is okay.
Oct. 1, 2020
Was this experience helpful?
German Shorthaired Pointer
Eleven Years
Unknown severity
4 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Moaning And Gas
My mother fed our GSP some potato skin the other night. It was cooked, but it may have had some butter on it. He is like moaning in pain and has some slight gas, but here lately he always has a bit of gas. I'm worried.
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
4 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. If you think that your dog is moaning and is painful, he may need to see a veterinarian. One thing you can try is to fast him for twenty-four hours, water is okay but no food, and see if that helps settle his stomach. If it does not, and he continues to have problems, then seeing a veterinarian is the best thing to do for him. I hope that all goes well for him and he feels better soon.
Oct. 1, 2020
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Dachshund
Fifteen Years
Unknown severity
7 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
None So Far
My 15 year old dachshund possibly ate a less than inch piece of raw potato. How harmful can that be?
Sept. 27, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
7 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I do not believe that that small amount of potato would be harmful, but if he is having any vomiting or diarrhea, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 14, 2020
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Dachshund
Fifteen Years
Unknown severity
8 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Potentially Ate VerY Small Piece Of Raw Potatoe
My 15 year old dachshund potentially ate a small piece of raw potato. Will that hurt her?
Sept. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
8 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. I cannot imagine a small amount of potato one time being a toxic dose, and all should be fine. If your dog is vomiting or having diarrhea, It would be best to have your pet seen by a veterinarian, as they can examine them, see what might be going on, and get treatment for them.
Oct. 15, 2020
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Chihuahua
Two Years
Unknown severity
2 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
Wanting To Eat Raw Potatoes
Why is my dog wanting to eat a raw potato? It's not a green potato
Sept. 24, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
2 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. I apologize for the delay, this venue is not set up for urgent emails. It would be best not to let your dog eat raw potatoes.
Oct. 23, 2020
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Shadow
Pit bull
3 Months
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
Lethargic
Panting
Lack Of Appetite
Lack Of Coordination
Bloody Mouth
shadow is a 3 month old pit bull. Last night me and my mate thought it was a nice idea to let him and his brother sleep outside of the kennel since they are being raised as house pets. Well shadow got into cardboard and bake potato skins and ate a lot of the skin. Took him to petsmart this morning and they opted to put him to sleep. This was when we thought he ingested cardboard. I declined the put down idea because he was just fine the night before and he deserves a chance to fight the problem himself. Once home him and his brother were let out to potty and shadow threw up. In it was carrots from the leftover noodle cup he got into and a nice size of potato skin peeling. After seeing this I skipped petsmart and called a vet hosptital. They told me to watch him for the next day and feed him boiled chicken and rice. If anyone has any other ideas of helping him get better it would be greatly appreciated. He is a kindhearted puppy with a bright future ahead of him. Me my mate and shadows brother would be in much distress if we had to put him down. We also dont have money for surgery, so if needed that would be the only option but its one none of us want.
Diamond
Rednose pit
4 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
No Symptoms
I have a rednose pit named diamond. She is always around when i cook i try to get my daughter that is also alway around when i cool to pick up any food that falls when i cut up veggies last night as i was cutting up the potatoes. A slice fell on the floor and before my daughter could get it diamond gobbled it up i didnt think much of it and said oh well cause occasionally she gets to the food before my daughter can get it up. I joke and call diamond a vacuum cleaner cause shes always trying to get anything off the floor. BShe has gotten into candy and also chocolate before and has been fine. But i thought maybe i should see if potato is ok for dogs after reading this i checked on her but shes acting normal not any weird behavior so ill watch her if she has any issues i know what it would be.
Khaleesi
American Pit Bull Terrier
3 Years
Fair severity
0 found helpful
Fair severity
Has Symptoms
None
The last night I gave my dog a couple of slices of a fresh raw potato. After doing I immediately thought I should see if it was ok. Now after reading into it I'm concerned I may have poisoned my dog. I haven't seen anything yet. Please advise. Thank you Adam
GG
English Bulldog
6 Years
Mild severity
0 found helpful
Mild severity
Has Symptoms
Vomiting
my dog (approx. 60lbs.) at a slice of raw potato (about 1/2"x3") last night. this morning she ate her breakfast, and shortly after threw it all up. should I take her to emergency, or is this maybe a symptom she will recover from without emergency visit.
Cricket
Labrador Retriever and old english bulldog
1 Year
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Itchy
Swollen Ears
Swollen Face
Digging At Blankets
Can'T Get Comfy
my year old puppy ate a couple of potatos yesterday and they had sprouts growing on them. Her face and ears are very swollen and she is always itchy. Are these symptoms, and should I take her to the vet?
Potato (Green) Poisoning Average Cost
From 65 quotes ranging from $200 - $300
Average Cost
$250
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