What is Smoke Inhalation Poisoning?
Most dogs that are involved in fires do not die as a result from the flames but rather from inhaling the smoke. Not only do the high temperatures cause heat damage to the delicate lining of the dog 's nose and upper airway, the toxic chemicals in smoke cause tissue injury. The carbon monoxide in the smoke binds to the red blood cells in the dog 's body, preventing oxygen from being carried and causing tissue death. Additionally, the potentially harmful substances that are burned in the fire can irritate the airway and bind to the air sacs in the lungs, hindering breathing.
Recognizing the signs of smoke inhalation poisoning in order to get prompt care for your dog is essential for their recovery after a fire.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation Poisoning
Fire frightens dogs and often causes them to cower in fear and hide, depriving them of getting fresh air and causing …show more content…
These tests will show lesions, damage to the mouth and any fluid that may be in the lungs.
Treatment Options
Oxygen
As soon as the dog has been rescued from the fire, an airway must be established in order to allow the dog to get sufficient oxygen. Suction and tubing can be used if swelling is minor to administer the oxygen. If swelling in the upper respiratory tract is too severe, an opening may need to be made in the trachea via a tracheostomy to allow the dog to receive oxygen. Oxygen should be administered immediately after the dog is rescued in order to displace the amount of carbon monoxide in the red blood cells.
Bronchodilators
A bronchodilator is a medication that will help keep the airways open, allowing the dog to get the necessary oxygen. The smoke and toxic fumes may irritate the small air sacs in the lungs, causing them to swell and close. Bronchodilators are typically administered with a breathing mask.
Administration of
Most dogs that are involved in fires do not die as a result from the flames but rather from inhaling the smoke. Not only do the high temperatures cause heat damage to the delicate lining of the dog 's nose and upper airway, the toxic chemicals in smoke cause tissue injury. The carbon monoxide in the smoke binds to the red blood cells in the dog 's body, preventing oxygen from being carried and causing tissue death. Additionally, the potentially harmful substances that are burned in the fire can irritate the airway and bind to the air sacs in the lungs, hindering breathing.
Recognizing the signs of smoke inhalation poisoning in order to get prompt care for your dog is essential for their recovery after a fire.
Symptoms of Smoke Inhalation Poisoning
Fire frightens dogs and often causes them to cower in fear and hide, depriving them of getting fresh air and causing …show more content…
These tests will show lesions, damage to the mouth and any fluid that may be in the lungs.
Treatment Options
Oxygen
As soon as the dog has been rescued from the fire, an airway must be established in order to allow the dog to get sufficient oxygen. Suction and tubing can be used if swelling is minor to administer the oxygen. If swelling in the upper respiratory tract is too severe, an opening may need to be made in the trachea via a tracheostomy to allow the dog to receive oxygen. Oxygen should be administered immediately after the dog is rescued in order to displace the amount of carbon monoxide in the red blood cells.
Bronchodilators
A bronchodilator is a medication that will help keep the airways open, allowing the dog to get the necessary oxygen. The smoke and toxic fumes may irritate the small air sacs in the lungs, causing them to swell and close. Bronchodilators are typically administered with a breathing mask.
Administration of