Poison prevention for our pets is something we do not often think about, but we should. It is important to know what to do if your pet has ingested something poisonous. It also helps to be really in tune with your pet’s behaviour so that you know what your pet is like healthy compared to what your pet would look like when he/she is feeling lethargic or acting unusual. Hopefully this situation never happens, but here are some helpful tips should your pet be exposed to poison.
If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic, whether it be food that is not fit for animals, medication, or some poisonous plants, remove your pet from the area and check that they are breathing and acting normally. Do not panic as this will only make the situation worse and you do not want your pet to run away and hide in fear. Your pets can easily sense when you are frightened and will often react to this in a negative manner. Unless you are instructed to do so by your vet or the poison helpline, do not induce vomiting or try and administer a home remedy. The Ontario SPCA urges owners to contact their local veterinarian or veterinary clinic, or the American SPCA’s poison control hotline at 1(888)426-4435 (fees may apply), to determine if the substance your pet ingested is harmful. Not all exposure situations mean your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian (SOURCE: Ontario SPCA).
Some common signs of exposure include, but are not limited to: difficulty breathing, seizures, or losing consciousness. These signs constitute a medical emergency. Get your pet to the vet immediately! If your regular veterinary clinic is closed, there are many pet hospitals in both Durham and the GTA. The Animal Emergency Clinic of Durham Region is located at 1910 Dundas Street East, Unit# b101, Whitby, ON L1N 2L6. Their phone number is (905) 576-3031.
In order to prevent accidental poisoning it is also important to protect your pet both inside and outside the home. Check that the plants you keep are not toxic as some animals have the tendency to eat plants in order to help their digestion. Never feed your pet human food as many things that taste great to us, such as avocados, onions, dark chocolate, and alcohol, are actually toxic to our pets. Dogs can sometimes be the best vacuum cleaner for the bits of food we drop on the floor during dinner, but it is best to train your dog to ignore any food items he may be tempted to scoop up from the floor. It is extremely important to pay attention to what your dog is sniffing, licking or trying to eat while walking him/her.
Finally make sure to store any toxic household items in a safe place that cannot be accessed by your pets. Typical household items include, but are not limited to:
- Prescription and over the counter medications
- Insecticides and insect control products
- Certain household plants
- Chemical baits for mice and other small rodents
- Cleaning products such as disinfectants, bleaches and detergents
You can be assured that when dog walking or pet sitting your pets Move Your Doggie staff will always be cautious and ensure the safety of your pets while in our care.
As your Partners in Pet Parenting, we wish you a safe Poison Prevention Month!
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