Veterinary Professionals - Vet Pro

jenvetnurse writes "Poisoning is not that common thankfully – but when it does happen it is always serious/fatal.

If your pet is poisoned – god forbid – you have to take all packaging + as much info as possible to your vets to aid swift treatment. Most vets subscribe to The National Poisons Unit – who quickly respond with effects of the poison + how best to treat it.

The most common poisonings I have seen are Rat Bait and Slug Bait – Metaldehyde. Also dogs (usually Labradors) that have eaten tablets of some description – quite often Nurofen/Ibuprofen – I think it’s more the packaging they like to eat but they consequences are awful.

Poisoning is not that common thankfully – but when it does happen it is always serious/fatal.

If your pet is poisoned – god forbid – you have to take all packaging + as much info as possible to your vets to aid swift treatment. Most vets subscribe to The National Poisons Unit – who quickly respond with effects of the poison + how best to treat it.

The general advice is to cause emesis by using a large piece of soda crystals – this is only safe if the drug/items eaten are not caustic/sharp. It will only be effective if the animal has eaten it recently (within ½ an hour)

Usually the first clinical sign of poisoning is hyper-salivation. Quickly followed by vomiting, ataxia, fits/collapse.
It is very frightening to witness animals that have been poisoned as everything happens so quickly. The good news is that if treated immediately most animals recover. It’s the ones who have been left at home all day – home alone – they are the sad cases.

Here is a list of some plants, which are toxic to cats :

Aloe Vera, Apple seeds, Apricot pips, Asparagus Fern, Advacado, Azalea, Beech, Belladonna, Branching Ivy, Cactus, Cherry, Daffodil, Deadly Nightshade, Dragon Tree, Eucalyptus, Ferns, Foxglove, Holly, Horse Chestnuts, Lilly, Lupine, Marigold, Marijuana, Mistletoe, Mushrooms, Poinsettia, Poppy, Primrose, Yews.

Here is a list of some plants, which are toxic to dogs:

Daffodil, Gladiolas, Hyacinth, Lilly of the Valley, Narcissus, Tulip, Asparagus Fern, Poinsettia, Foxglove, Marjuana, Nightshade, Onion, Tomato Plant, Lillies, Ivy, Rhododendron, Yucca, Aloe Vera, Avocado, Clematis, Swiss Cheese Plant, Tulip,

I have personally never seen a poisoning from a plant – not that we were aware of at the time but animals often become ill without an obvious reason. If you animals play/eat plants – you should check that they are not toxic to be on the safe side.

To reduce the risks of your pet becoming poisoned:
o Lock all medications away in a high cupboard.
o Be cautious what products you use in and outside the house.
o Never leave oil, anti-freeze or petrol even in small quantities where your pet could gain access- it sounds obvious but people do it all the time.
o Never use slug bait/rat bait – the risks are too great – just do not use it – find an alternative ie glass of beer in the ground will trap snails – or get some hedgehogs!
o Think before leaving food un-attended particulary around special events – where you have a house full – dogs have been known to steal Easter Eggs, Christmas Selection Packs etc.
o Household items such as tobacco, mothballs, etc can be dangerous – be careful what you leave lying around.
o Never use pet shop flea/worm treatments – a very common cause of poisoning veterinary drugs are safe and reliable.
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