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Tips for when a pet is poisoned (ingested) |
ACT QUICKLY AND SEEK IMMEDIATE VETERINARY ATTENTION
- Quickly try to identify the suspected poison. If caused by some household item, try to take the packet/bottle with you. If the animal is comatose or convulsing don’t take time trying to identify the poison.
- First aid treatment can be administered on the way to the vet. Phone your vet on the way so they can prepare a range of emergency drugs.
- If the animal is conscious and not convulsing, induce vomiting by giving 1 tablespoon of salt on the back of the tongue, or give 5 ml of hydrogen peroxide orally every 5 minutes. Save the vomitus for your vet.
- If the animal is comatose or convulsing DO NOT induce vomiting as the animal may ‘drown’ in its own vomit.
- If the animal may have ingested corrosive materials (e.g. acid, kerosene, etc) DO NOT induce vomiting but give milk or water to dilute the poison.
- In the case of convulsions, try to keep the animal from injuring itself while in transport.
Clinical signs of poisoning may include:
- Fever
- Skin discoloration
- Extremes in body temperature
- Excess salivation
- Panting
- Erratic pulse
- Seizure/convulsions
- Collapse
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Neurological disfunction
Items in your home that can poison your pet (this list is not exhaustive):
- Large number of plants.
- Snake bite.
- Prescription medicines.
- Cleaning fluids and powders.
- Chemical fertilizers, snail bait, rat poison.
- Cigarette butts.
- Onion, chocolate, garlic, raisins, grapes — to name just a few.
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