March 23

Each year, there are thousands of cases of potential pet poisoning 

But there are simple ways to prevent these.

Animals’ curious personalities are part of what makes them such wonderful companions. Still, sometimes their curiosity can cause them to get into things they shouldn’t.

The health and happiness of our furry family members are a top priority. Unfortunately, each year, there are thousands of potential pet poisons cases. There are simple ways to prevent these cases, the first and foremost of which is education.

Many household items humans buy regularly can severely harm our pets. Regarding food, keep items such as chocolate, avocados, garlic, onions, grapes, raisins, alcohol, raw yeast bread dough, and xylitol (an artificial sweetener found in gum and other items) far away from your pets’ reach. Human medications account for a high proportion of pet poison cases. Other household items such as cleaners, pesticides, and air fresheners can also threaten your animals. Be sure to keep these locked.

Rodent, snail and slug baits are often used to keep pests at bay. However, if ingested, these poisons are extremely harmful to pets. They are highly toxic and can be fatal without immediate veterinary attention. Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremors or seizures.

Another unexpected hazard is household plants. Some plants contain toxins that harm your pet’s digestive and circulatory systems. If you have dogs and/or cats, stay away from tulips, azaleas, lilies, and sago palms, all of which can cause sickness or even death to your pets if left untreated.

Pet proofing your house is the best solution to avoid your pets getting into something they shouldn’t. Keep your cleaners and detergent hidden away. Keep dangerous food on the top shelves or cabinets. Keep hazardous plants out of the house. 

FIRST STEPS IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOUR PET HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO A POISON:

  • Remove your pet from the area so the poison is out of reach.
  • Check how your pet is breathing and acting. Even if it seems normal, it still might have been exposed.
  • Avoid giving your pet home remedies, and don’t induce vomiting.
  • Call your nearest AWLQ Community Vet Clinic or contact the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline at 1300 TOX PET for instructions. 

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PET IS POISONED

When you call, the vet may instruct you to give your dog a counteractive substance, fluids to dilute the poison or help it pass through the system or medicine. They may also require you to induce vomiting or bring your dog to the pet emergency room for treatment immediately.

You mustn’t take any of these steps without veterinary instructions because different cases of poisoning require other solutions. For example, if you try to induce vomiting or give your pet medication without a vet’s approval, you can make the situation far worse or even more deadly.

 SYMPTOMS OF POISONING

Symptoms of poisoning vary depending on the substance that has been ingested, but they may include:

  • Vomiting, diarrhoea, bloody stool or excessive urination
  • Seizures, dizziness or loss of coordination
  • Nosebleeds
  • Loss of appetite
  • Lethargy, unusual breathing patterns or heartbeat

Remember, these are only signs of poisoning, and other symptoms may appear.

 MOST COMMON WAYS ANIMALS ARE POISONED

While accidents happen, prevention is the best way to protect pets from poisoning.

There are many typical household and environmental substances and items that can cause poisoning in animals. Therefore, the list below is only a partial list of everything that may cause animal poisoning. Still, it covers some of the most common substances that cause poisoning.

  • Chocolate, grapes, and several other human foods
  • Artificial sweeteners such as xylitol
  • Household cleaners and chemicals
  • Certain soaps, essential oils, liquid potpourri and mothballs
  • Paint, antifreeze and heavy metals
  • Pesticides, herbicides and fertiliser
  • Alcohol, caffeine, tobacco or vape liquid
  • Over-the-counter or prescription medicine, recreational drugs and human vitamins
  • Rodent poison and snail bait
  • Batteries and glow sticks
  • Household cleaners, detergents and fabric softeners
  • Several types of plants, including sago palm, azaleas, poinsettias and lilies
  • Kerosene, gasoline, or torch fluid
  • Toads and poisonous mushrooms

Suppose you are afraid your pet may have ingested something they shouldn’t have. In that case, you can call your nearest AWLQ Community Vet Clinic or contact the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline at 1300 TOX PET.

If your pet eats something poisonous, you’ll need to act fast. The smaller the pet, the less toxin it takes to cause severe illness or even death. It’s essential to try to identify what your pet has ingested.

Please help spread the word and share this information so we can prevent animals from being accidentally poisoned.