A Marina Beach resident got a nasty shock on Wednesday this week when he discovered four of his dogs were showing distressing signs of being poisoned.

ALSO READ: Dogs poisoned with ‘two-step’

“I noticed my dogs standing still, shaking, losing energy fast and dehydrating. My fifth dog  showed milder symptoms,” he said.

He acted quickly and rushed the four hounds to the Lower South Coast SPCA, where they were treated for various kinds of poisons and kept overnight.

He praised the SPCA team for doing their utmost to treat his pets.

It is unclear what poison was used in this case, but the dogs managed to pull though and are on the road to recovery.

“Two of my dogs were in a critical condition, and would have probably died if I wasn’t around,” he said.

The SPCA released a statement this week saying that eight cases of dog poisoning had been reported to the society on Wednesday.

Dr Leon Bruggemann said he was aware of the Marina Beach case, but that he had not seen any recent cases of poisoning.

He said the only other case reported to him about a month ago, was in St Mike’s where a resident picked up a piece of sausage with Two-Step inside it.

This isolated incident was thought to perhaps have been a malicious act by a disgruntled neighbour.

He told the Herald that Two-Step, also known as Temik, is the most common product being misused for poisoning, as it contains the active ingredient aldicarb.

What does it look like? The poison is formulated as small black granules that resemble poppy seeds.

“It can be treated easily, if it is caught in time,” he added.

Two-Step is banned in South Africa but it is reported that it’s sold freely.

The SPCA urged pet owners to be aware of the following signs of poisoning:

• salivation
• excessive watering of the eyes
  
• excessive urination
• pooping
• vomiting
• muscle tremors

The society also suggested pet owners have their veterinarian’s number saved in an case of emergency, and to be vigilant.

They urged pet owners to keep their dogs confined to their properties. If you have been to the vet and it’s been confirmed that your dog has been poisoned, contact the LSC SPCA as it is an act of animal cruelty, and open a case with the police.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram

To receive our FREE email newsletter, click HERE