Pet Poisons – Keeping Your Pet Safe

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Pet Poisons – Keeping Your Pet Safe

by: Christina Cole

If you suspect that your Pet may have been poisoned or may have eaten something harmful to him, you should follow the procedures listed below. Even if your pet has not had this happen to him, be sure you know the signs and procedures. The earlier any health problem is detected in your pet, the more optimistic the outcome will be. Knowing the information below before there is a need for it can save your pet’s life.

Take Precautions
Many times the simplest precautions could have prevented a tragic accident. To help keep your pet safe from poisons and other potential dangers, always practice the following tips:
1. Be sure to keep all toxic substances put away and out of the reach of your pet.
2. Immediate, clean up and removal of a toxic spills (such as brake fluid on your driveway) can save your pets life, as ingesting toxic chemicals could be fatal.

Common Toxic Substances That Can Cause Your Pet Harm:
Rat Poison, Kerosene, Anti- Freeze, Pesticides, Brake Fluid, Gasoline are a few of the more common substances pets are exposed to. Please note that due to the large number of potentially toxic substances, we are unable to list them all in this article. If uncertain, a good rule of thumb is that anything that is potentially dangerous to a small toddler or child could also be dangerous to your pet. You can also find a more detailed, although not complete, list on The ARK Website (link the ark website to: http://www.arkbarbados.com/pet_poisons.html).

Possible Symptoms of Poisoning in Your Pet
If you suspect your pet has ingested, absorbed or possibly inhaled a toxic substance, be sure to look for the following signs: vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, breathing difficulties, listlessness, convulsions, collapse or death.

Emergency Procedure:

It is very important that you act quickly and try to remain calm and clearheaded. You may be upset and worried, but if you are not clear in relaying information to your veterinarian, it will delay your pet receiving proper emergency treatment.
Always keep the phone number of your veterinarian and the ASPCA 24-hour emergency line where you can locate them quickly in case of an emergency.
If your pet appears to have been poisoned, or if he is behaving abnormally, call your veterinarian immediately for advice. Try to have as much information as possible to tell the Vet, such as what you believe your pet may have ingested and the symptoms your pet is having. If possible, a rough idea of the time that the poisoning may have occurred is also good information to give.

If you are unable to reach your vet for any reason, the ASPCA has a hotline that is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number is 1-888-426-4435. This number can be used for all animal emergencies and is the best resource to have in lieu or your own local veterinarian should you have an emergency. (Please note: fees may apply.)

In Conclusion

Hopefully, you will never need to use these procedures, but in case of an emergency, you can at least be prepared and armed with the knowledge on how to best handle the situation. And remember that taking the proper precautions is the best form of protection you can offer your pet from potential poisoning.

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