What To Do If Your Pet Eats Something Toxic

What To Do If Your Pet 

Eats Something Toxic

In the wild dogs are scavengers, meaning they’ll eat
whatever they can find.Some pet dogs are the same
and will eat anything they find lying around.

There are lots of foods, items and substances in the
house and environment that can poison dogs or block
their guts.

Treatment and outcome varies a lot depending on
what it is your dog has chosen to eat.

Contact your vet immediately if your dog has eaten
something harmful. Acting fast could
save your dog's life!

Toxins, poisons and harmful items for dogs

There are many substances that are toxic, poisonous or harmful to dogs in the house, 
garden and environment, such as cleaning products, human medicines, poisonous plants,
antifreeze and foods (e.g. chocolate, grapes and onions).

Dogs also love to eat strange items which can cause gut blockages. Bones, rubber toys,
stones, socks, underwear and baby’s dummies are just a few examples. The list is endless!

Gut blockages are very serious and can kill a dog if not treated quickly.

Contact your vet immediately if you think your dog has eaten something harmful.

Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Twitching
• Sleeping more or being quieter than usual
• Not wanting to eat
• Standing with a hunched back or adopting a ‘bowing’ or ‘prayer’ position due to tummy pain
• Straining and not being able to poo (constipation).

Some dogs will vomit but the vast majority won’t show any signs immediately after eating something
they shouldn’t have. It usually takes a day or two for symptoms to develop (depending on what they’ve
eaten).

If you think that your dog may have eaten something harmful contact your vet immediately for
an emergency appointment.

Should I try to make my dog vomit?

No, never try to make your dog vomit unless your vet specifically asks you to do so. It can make
the situation much worse and you may end up harming your dog.

When to contact your vet

Contact your vet immediately for an emergency appointment if your dog has eaten something
they shouldn’t have. Never wait to see if a problem develops - your dog could become very ill or
even die without treatment. Acting fast could save your dog's life.

You know your dog best. Even if you’re unsure whether or not they have eaten something that
may harm them, if they’re not themselves or you are concerned it’s always best to contact your vet.

Treatment options

Treatment depends entirely on what your dog has eaten, and may include:

• Making your dog vomit (when instructed by vet)
• Activated charcoal in a meal (a liquid that helps absorb any remaining toxins, excess gas & fluids)
• Keeping them overnight on a drip to give them fluids
• Blood tests
• A medication to help reverse or prevent the effects of the toxin your dog has eaten
• X-rays
• An ultrasound scan of their tummy
• An emergency operation to remove a blockage.

Outlook

Toxins and poisons

• The outcome depends entirely on what your pet ingested and whether they get proper treatment.
• Most dogs that receive veterinary treatment quickly make a good recovery.
• Unfortunately some animals, even with correct treatment, develop health problems. 
• Health problems vary depending on what your dog has eaten.

Gut blockages

• Having a gut blockage is a very serious condition that can be fatal if left without treatment. 
• Often your dog will need an emergency operation to remove the item.
• Unfortunately, even with correct treatment, it's common for animals to develop complications.

Gut blockages can lead to serious complications

Why do dogs eat things they shouldn't?

Curiosity

Dogs explore the world with their mouths. Sometimes they can accidentally swallow the things they
pick up out of curiosity.

Boredom

Dogs are very intelligent animals and they can get bored easily. They might fill their time by chewing
on or tearing up things in your house, swallowing something they shouldn’t in the process.

Lack of nutrients

Some dogs have a taste for things that we don’t think of as food, such as poo. This can be a sign that
they’re missing out on important nutrients. Speak to your vet for advice.

Stress

If your dog is stressed out, they might comfort themselves by chewing on something they shouldn’t.

Attention

Did they get a lot of fuss and attention last time they ate something they shouldn’t have? Your dog
might have learnt that eating a toy or chowing down on your slippers makes them the center of attention!

How can I stop my dog eating things 

they shouldn’t?

Read our tips for keeping your dog safe by helping to stop them eating things they shouldn't.



Source: PSDA June 2018.

Poisonous Plants to your Pets

Poisonous Plants to Your Pets 

When you think of poisonous plants, you may think of things inside your home that your cat or dog may get into, like holly or lilies. What about what you may have growing in your backyard? Like an apple tree? Sure your horse may love them, but were you aware your dog shouldn't have them? And even then, there's certain parts of the apple your horse shouldn't have. We found an awesome article that has a list of toxic and non-toxic plants for your pets. It even breaks it down so you can click on what kind of pet you'd like to check out. Wanna know what kinds of plants is toxic to your horse? Click on horse under the toxic column. Wanna know what kinds of plants are non-toxic to your dog or cat? Click on dog or cat under the non-toxic column. We found this list on the ASPCA's website and there are 1027 items listed so if you don't want to look through them all, we suggest clicking on the animal and the type of plant your looking for. It even shows you the photo of the plant so you know EXACTLY what you're looking at. 

https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants

Keep your babies safe!

Snake Bites and How to Protect Your Pet

Snakes 

Pets are curious creatures and like to explore.  They will find all of the little creatures that they think are fun to play with and sometimes that can lead to trouble for them.  One risk they find is dangerous creatures to bother that can bite or sting them.   One big risk in our area is snakes, especially copperheads and rattlesnakes. 

What does it do? 

The vaccine works by generating protective antibodies against the rattlesnake venom. It helps your dog by making them experience less pain and have a reduced risk of permanent injury from the bites.  It is important to know that while this helps your pet you need to still get your fur baby to the vet as soon as possible to be checked out.  

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

How to Make Easter Safe for Pets

Watch the grass.  No not the real grass outside, we're talking about that pretty but annoying "grass" that many people stuff in Easter Baskets.  Pets love to play and chew on it and it's not good for them, and it's terrible to clean up! 

Keep the candy up! Chocolate and candies like gum containing xylitol are toxic to your fur babies. 

Easter Lilies are pretty!  But they are also toxic to your cats.

Skip those "treats" for your pets from the table.  Many of the things in our food will cause stomach problems you will seriously regret for your pets.  

Count those eggs!  You don't want your pet getting either fake or real eggs.  Spoiled eggs will cause some really not-fun stomach issues and those plastic eggs can harm your pet's intestines. 

Keep the toys for the kids.  Watch your pets carefully to make sure they don't think your kiddos new doll or toy truck is a new fun toy for them to chew on.  Kids toys aren't made to hold up to dog teeth.

Poison Prevention Month

Poison Prevention Month

March is all about raising awareness and preventing animals from getting into those things they shouldn't be.  

There are many things we know our animals shouldn't get into, but there are poisons in every aspect of our houses that we don't even think of.  

Purse

Gum and mints that contain xylitol

Medicines like pain relievers or your allergy medication

Hand sanitizer

Inhalers

Cigeretts

Perfumes

Plants

Lillies

Tulips

Azaleas

Amaryllis

Human Food

Chocolate

Avocado

Macadamia Nuts

Grapes/Raisins

Onions

Random Risks

Glow sticks

Batteries

Coffee Grounds

Glue