March 17th through 23rd is Pet Poison Prevention Week, and an important time to look out for your pet’s safety. As a veterinarian I see all types of pet toxicities, but it is through my own foolish Labrador’s “toxic adventures” that I've experienced the anxiety and worry of a pet toxicity. My male Labrador, Magnum, has eaten a full bottle of of urinary continence medication, and another time suffered from the worst case of chocolate toxicity I've ever seen.
Magnum loves to eat anything and everything. He doesn’t
discriminate with his ingestions, and has savored every type of animal
excrement, ingested deceased rodents, gobbled on loaves of bread, destroyed
jars of nuts, and slurped up rocks like Beggin-strips. Learn from my
experience, on both sides of the exam table and heed Dr. Debbie’s “must know” tips
to avoid pet poisonings.
Don’t underestimate
motivation
Pets are naturally curious and will knock items off
counters, sniff out edibles and unearth household belongings all in the name of
something interesting or tasty. Keep counters clear of food and medications. Eliminate opportunities for your pet to get
into trouble in the first place.
And if you are the proud owner of a Labrador, as I am, you
should know that the Labrador is the most common breed for toxicities. Labradors are very food motivated and poses a keen sense of smell- main reasons
why this breed leads in emergency room visits.
Secure human
medications
According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, the top
toxicity in 2012 was from ingested human prescriptions. The main three culprits
were heart medications (i.e. blood pressure meds), pain medications, and antidepressants. Secure all human medications and avoid taking your medications with
pets in the immediate area. Just one dropped pill can mean big problems for
your cat or dog.
Know dangerous human
foods
Become informed on common human foods that are off-limits
for your pets. A stick or two of sugar-free xylitol containing gum can kill
your dog. Grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, onions, and chocolate are all toxic
to animals.
Be aware of chewables
Chewable and flavored pet medications definitely make it simpler to administer our pet’s medications, but are easily ingested
in large quantities. Secure all human and pet chewable medications. Common pet
chewable medications include arthritis medications, vitamins, supplements, and
heartworm preventatives.
Take the evidence
If your pet should suffer a toxic exposure, bring all
suspect material. Your veterinarian needs to know what was ingested and the
approximate time of ingestion. Don’t make your veterinarian guess on these
important details. Look for evidence of vomiting or diarrhea in the home. Bring
any chewed medications, containers or vomitus.
Keep emergency
numbers handy
Know your veterinarians daytime and after-hours emergency
facility phone numbers. Not sure if you need to see the vet? Check out the
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, a consultation service staffed by veterinary
toxicologists to investigate your pet’s toxic risk. Call 1-888-426-4435 or visit http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/,
consult fees apply.
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Magnum looking innocent |
My best advice to any dog owner, is that no matter how well-behaved
the pet or how prepared the owner….your pet is really just one gulp away from a
toxicity. Besides, if it can happen to a vet’s pet, it can happen in any pet
household.

This must be the primary concern of the owner of any pet to have those numbers and those evidences due to which the lives of others are at stake.
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ReplyDeleteOh god, there is so much stupid people who poisons dogs! It's awful! I mean, I understand the the stray dogs are the problem. But if you see them - make everything to get them in shelter, not killing them. And I even saw the reviews on BuyEssayClub.com which were saying witch poison is better!
ReplyDeleteloving your post. thanks. Happy Independence Day 2018 Wishes
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