What to do if your dog is poisoned

Following two incidents of poisoning this week, that resulted in the death of one dog while three more are in a critical condition, residents are urged to familiarise themselves with pet poisoning symptoms.

Bakenkop Animal Clinic spokesperson Cindy Du Preez wants pet parents to know first and foremost that the most important thing to do is to get their pet to the vet.

“A poisoning is a big emergency, get your pet to the vet as soon as possible,” she said.

Dr Tyla Mitchison, a vet at the clinic, provided the following common symptoms of poisoning that all pet owners should know:

– Sudden severe diarrhoea which is often bloody

– Sudden severe vomiting which is often bloody

– Drooling

– Cramping

– Weakness

– Tearing

– Struggling for breath

– Slow heart rate

– Muscle tremors, shaking

– Wobbling or difficulty walking

– Seizures

– Dilated pupils

– Respiratory paralysis

– Difficulty swallowing

– Respiratory failure

ALSO READ: Animal clinic reports spike in dog poisonings

Mitchison said the popular poisons used to lace foods, which are then thrown into gardens for pets to eat, are often common insecticides.

She said sometimes unknown poisons may be mixed in to cause more severe effects and uncommon symptoms.

These poisons can be dangerous, as they can sometimes also be absorbed through skin.

The immediate action to take if you suspect your dog has been poisoned:

– If seizures present: place your pet on its side on a soft, open surface (protect the head).

– Take your pet immediately to the vet for treatment.

What not to do:

– Do not put your hand in the pet’s mouth.

– Do not handle saliva, vomit or diarrhoea without gloves on.

– Do not cause your pet to drink milk or ingest raw egg.

– Do not give any oral medicines – poisoning can cause an inability to swallow and loss of consciousness which may cause your pet to choke and die if oral medication is given.

– Do not make your pet vomit.

However, she said that if the pet owner cannot get to a vet within 30 minutes and their pet is still conscious and able to swallow, the following can be done at their own risk to induce vomiting:

– Mix a small amount (1 tbsp) of washing powder with water to make a sticky ball.

– Push the ball over the tongue and into the back of the mouth (like giving tablets) to make your pet swallow it.

If you live close to a veterinary clinic, put your pet in the car and take it immediately to the vet. The veterinarian can assist your pet to vomit safely or empty the stomach with a tube.

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