Kerosene poisoning?

Question
Hello. I just picked up 4 puppies yesterday from a neighbors house, all of which are in poor condition. They had all been bathed in kerosene and were already malnourished. I've since bathed, dewormed, and started them on multivitamins and all are eating well, but 2 still have their tongues sticking out which are a light shade of gray while 1 is just kind of trembling lightly. I'd take them to the vet but I live in Bhutan where that's not an option. Do you think the tongues and trembling could be a result of the kerosene, just their overall weakness, or something else? Thanks! Jamie

Answer

Hi Jamie,

The puppies may well be having a reaction to their Kerosene. Kerosene and gasoline are toxic to dogs, and should NEVER be used on either dogs or puppies for ANY reason. Both Kerosene and gasoline are absorbed through the skin and through the GI tract, do not induce vomiting. If the puppies may have swallowed any of the kerosene give milk to dilute the toxin in the stomach. Possible reactions to Kerosene include: Drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, ataxia, difficulty breathing, tremors, seizures, coma, and even death.

You can try bathing the puppies with a mild detergent then rinse thoroughly with plenty of clean water. Dry the puppies well. You really should seek veterinary attention for these puppies. The prognosis for a puppy exposed to kerosene and gasoline is "guarded".

Good luck!

Patti