The Common Poisonings seen in General Veterinary Practice
Only horrible people would deliberately go out of their way to poison an animal. Most of the poisonings we see are actually accidental, but unfortunately, some are avoidable or preventable.
Often, pet owners have seen their pets eat these poisons, ring up for advice, and then usually say "I will just wait and see what happens".
Please do not wait and see what happens, as many times, it can be too late.
For example, if your pet has just eaten something, and it is possible to induce vomiting, then this is the best treatment.
Many times, I hear the line " I never thought he would..... climb the shelf/move the lounge/ reach that spot "
With respect to marijuana, I have had owners say to me that they didn't think the pet would inhale it, and others didn't think they would eat the hash cookies off the compost heap.
Well, yes, our pets do both!
Marijuana
Signs: drowsiness or abnormal excitable behaviour, swaying in the breeze (sway from side to side), easily startled, increased appetite (the munchies), star-gazing, lack of coordination
How soon: Within minutes
Rat Bait:
Signs: Depending on the type - either bleeding tendencies (will not show for days) or neurological signs (seizures, coma, tremors, altered behaviour) which occurs within hours.
How soon: Hours (if neurological type) or days (if bleeding type)
Snail Bait:
Signs: restlessness, seizures, vomiting, diarrhoea, death.How soon: within 1-2 hours depending on how quickly it goes through the stomach
Aspirin
Signs: vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach or intestinal ulcers, kidney failure,How soon: Hours to days to weeks.
Paracetamol - TOXIC FOR CATS
Signs: Liver failure, abdominal pain, breathing problems, damages red blood cells so get muddy coloured gums, coma and death.How soon: Hours
Topical Flea Products
Do not ever use a dog product on cats (unless it is cleared by your vet).Signs: Salivation, muscle tremors, seizures and death
How soon: Hours
Cockroach Baits:
Signs: depending on type, but usually salivation, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain.
How soon: Within hours
For more information on these and other poisons visit
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Refer to our First Aid app on what to do in the event of an emergency, and of course, call us on 42845988
If you don't have the First Aid app on your phone, click here to access the iTunes and google play links to download the app.Don't forget that you have to select Russell Vale Animal Clinic as your preferred vet to access all of the handy information on this app.
