Poisoning

dogtearsSymptoms of poisoning:

  • Excess salivation
  • Tears (crying)
  • Frequent urination and defecation
  • Muscle twitching
  • Trembling
  • Convulsions
  • Severe vomiting
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Loss of consciousness

If you suspect your pet has consumed something that may be harmful, or if the animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, or having difficulty breathing, it’s important that you stay calm. Stress has a negative effect on your pet’s condition. Call your veterinarian, an emergency veterinary clinic, or an animal poison hotline.

  • National Animal Poison Control Center 1-800-548-2423
  • ASPCA Poison Control Hotline 1-888-426-4435

(There are fees for these calls)

charcoalTo reduce the absorption of poison in your pet’s body, there are two age-old treatments that are also used in humans. Ipecac induces vomiting, and activated charcoal soaks up poisons internally.

Start with a dose of Ipecac. If you don’t have syrup of ipecac, give hydrogen peroxide, about a teaspoon per ten pounds of body weight. If you do have ipecac, give two to three teaspoons, depending on your pet’s size. Administer this treatment only once, allow your pet to vomit, and then follow with activated charcoal.

Do not induce vomiting if your pet:

  • swallowed a cleaning product containing acids or alkalis. They can severely burn throat tissue when thrown up.
  • swallowed a petroleum-based product. These types of cleaners exude fumes that can cause pneumonia if inhaled.
  • is groggy or confused.

If any of the above conditions exist, go straight for the activated charcoal. If it’s in powder form, mix with water to make a slurry. The recommended dose is 1 to 3 grams of charcoal per 1 pound of body weight. veterinarianandcatSome veterinarians recommend higher dosages than this, but the above roughly translates to one teaspoon for pets under 25 pounds, and two teaspoons for pets over 25 pounds.

Give a few pellets of Nux Vomica 30c  on the tongue ever fifteen minutes for a total of three treatments. Stop if symptoms worsen.

Remain composed, keep your pet warm and quiet, and get to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Bring with you the suspected poisonous material if you have an idea what it is.

In an effort to prevent poisoning, be aware of potentially hazardous substances around your house and yard. According to the ASPCA’s website, the top sources of poisoning in pets were as follows:Prescription and over-the-counter drugs, both of the human and pet variety, including painkillers, cold and flu preparations and antidepressants. The ASPCA cautions pet owners to never give their four-legged family members any type of medication without first talking with a veterinarian. All drugs should be kept out of reach, preferably in closed cabinets above countertops.Insecticides and insect control products such as flea and tick preparations and insect baits. Some species of animals can be particularly sensitive to certain types of insecticides, so it is vital that you follow label instructions exactly and never use any product not specifically formulated for your pet.

Common household plants such as lilies, azaleas and kalanchoe. Rhododendron, sago palm and schefflera can also be harmful to pets.

Chemical bait products designed for mice, rats and other rodents. When using any rodenticide, place the product in areas that are completely inaccessible to companion animals.

Common household cleaners such as bleaches, detergents and disinfectants. Gastrointestinal distress and irritation to the skin, eyes or respiratory tract may be possible if a curious animal has an inappropriate encounter with such products.

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