Is Strychnine toxic to dogs?

Extreme severity No safe amount — No amount is considered safe.

Yes, Strychnine is extremely toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can be life-threatening, so treat any exposure as an emergency and contact a vet immediately. No amount is considered safe.

Symptoms to watch for

nervousness
anxiety
drooling
severe seizures
tremors
elevated body temperature
acute death

How vets treat it

Aggressive and prompt treatment by a veterinarian is imperative for survival.

Why it's dangerous

Strychnine is very rapidly absorbed from the stomach and acts as a potent neurotoxin, leading to severe neurological overstimulation and acute death.

Toxic compound: Strychnine

Good to know

Found in treated, colored seeds or pellets (0.5% concentration). Often used as a rodenticide for gophers and squirrels, but sometimes used maliciously against dogs.

Sources

Pet Poison Helpline

This page is informational and is not veterinary advice. If your pet has been exposed to something risky, contact your vet or an animal poison control line right away.

The StrawPaw Team · How we prepare our guides

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