Do not induce vomiting. You should get the dog to the vet as SOON as possible. Stinging nettles (Urtica diotica) are poisonous to dogs (other animals and even humans can be affected). The smaller the dog, the more severe the reaction can be. The animal may have stepped on the nettles, inhaled the poison, or eaten it. The dog may not even show a rash or swelling. The dog may show typical signs of poisoning - lethargy, vacant look/staring, twitching, enhanced startle reaction, shaking, inability to stand. It may or may not vomit. The dog may shiver and may feel cold to the touch. If you take the temperature it may be low (101 is normal. Lower temps can cause lowered blood sugar/blood pressure.) Swift treatment is necessary or the dog may die.
If no vet is available, there are 2 main areas to address: Low blood sugar and low body temperature. With a warm, damp washcloth wipe the dog's face, eyes, nose, ears, belly, legs, and paws to remove any possible toxins there. Be sure to dry him off and wrap him up quickly afterwards. Squirt a little water into it's mouth to rinse it.
For the blood sugar, for a small dog (up to 20 lbs.) give a teaspoon of Karo syrup or sugar water every 20 minutes for 1 hour (3x). If the dog is unable to lick the syrup, put it on your finger and rub it inside the mouth on the cheeks and gums.
For the low temp, try to warm the dog. You can place a heating pad on low under a folded blanket. Put a shirt on the dog if you have one and wrap it in a blanket. You can lay next to the dog to comfort him and warm him with your body heat as well. Protect bedding as the dog may lose control of back legs and hind quarters and urinate small amounts.
A vet may give a dog poisoned by nettles an antihistamine, but you should not do so unless instructed to do so by a vet, as the dog may have an adverse reaction.
The dog should show improvement within 36 hours. As with any poisoning, feed the dog a bland diet of rice and boiled chicken after recovery.
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