PupkeeperToxic
Dog ate lead (old paint, fishing weights)? Toxic: what to do now
Swallowing lead from old paint chips, fishing sinkers or curtain weights can cause stomach upset, seizures and blindness in dogs.
If your dog ate or touched this, call your vet or a pet poison line now
United States
Poison lines in other countries: United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Belgium, France, JM, PR, Singapore, Switzerland, TT, VI
Lead (old paint, fishing weights) and dogs: key facts
What should I do if my dog ate lead (old paint, fishing weights)?
- Call your vet or a pet poison line now.
- Tell the vet what your dog swallowed and when.
Don't
- Don't make your dog vomit unless a vet tells you to.
Symptoms to watch for
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Belly pain
- Not eating
- Stumbling
- Seizures
- Blindness
Why
Lead is a toxic metal that harms the gut, nervous system and blood. Young or poorly fed dogs are at highest risk, and a small chip of old lead paint can poison a small dog.
Sources
Guide reviewed 9 October 2026. Page updated 7 November 2026.
General information from the sources above, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call your vet.