Poisoning and Pets
Most of the calls received by the West Virginia Poison Center involves
humans. Pets, however, can also be victims of poisoning. Call the poison
center for help and advice if you think your pet has been poisoned.
How do I prevent pet poisonings?
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Feed pets only pet food. Never give pets human food that you think may
be spoiled.
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Don't allow your dog to eat chocolate. Too much of a toxic ingredient called
theobromine can cause nervousness, restlessness, excitement, tremors, seizures,
and even coma.
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Never give any medications to your pets unless they are prescribed by your
veterinarian. Some common over the counter and prescription medicine meant
for human use can cause adverse effects, severe toxicity, or even death
in pets.
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Never leave poisons where your pets may drink or eat them. Keep household
cleaning products, insecticides, fertilizers, or other lawn care products
out of reach.
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Gasoline, cleaning solvents, and antifreeze are POISONOUS. Clean up any
spills immediately. Antifreeze has a sweet taste which usually attracts
pets to drink. Even small amounts of antifreeze can be fatal. Do
not leave any of these liquids in a bowl or jar that a pet can drink from.
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Always pick up dropped pills quickly. Pets will often eat a pill that has
been dropped on the floor or playfully knock over a bottle of pills left
where they can reach. Most pain medications such as aspirin or tylenol
can be deadly to cats and harmful to dogs.
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Unfortunately many house plants are poisonous, know the names of all of
the plants in your house. Some plants that are considered non-toxic to
humans can be toxic to pets! You may want to remove or secure plants that
are especially dangerous. For more information on plants see Plants
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Flea and tick sprays, shampoos, collars and dusts contain insecticides
and should be used cautiously. Read the label carefully and follow all
safety precautions. If your pet becomes confused or does not act normally
discontinue the use of the product, rinse the animal well in clean water.
Call your veterinarian or the poison center.
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Many rodent or insect bait products use food to attract their intended
victims. Make sure you place these out of reach of your pets. Likewise
various snail and rat bait in pellet form will look like food to your pet
and should not be used in areas where pet is allowed to roam freely.
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Make sure pets have safe, nontoxic chewable toys and snacks.
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Keep the telephone number of your veterinarian and the poison center near
the phone. If you suspect a poisoning, do not wait to call. Prompt attention
may make a crucial difference to your pet.
What do I do in the event a poisoning occurs?
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Keep the animal warm and quiet.
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Try to determine what the poison was, when it was ingested, and the amount
ingested.
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Bring the container (or the label) with you to the phone and call your
veterinarian or the poison center.
National Animal Poison
Control Center
American
Veterinary Medical Association
WV Animal Shelter List |
