Poisons consist of any substances that are harmful to the body. Dogs and cats have curious tendencies and this investigative nature tends to put them into contact with all kinds of insects, plants, and foods that should not be eaten. The following information points out basic tips to share with clients regarding the general treatment of an animal who has ingested poison.

Tip #1

Signs that indicate an animal has ingested a poison may include the following:

• Abdominal pain
• Salivation
• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Excessive thirst
• Frequent urination
• Seizures
• Depression
• Uncoordinated gait
• Agitation
• Excitability
• Tremors
• Drooling

Tip #2

At the moment when an animal is thought to have ingested an unknown substance, steps should be taken to try to determine if it is actually a poison.

• Check for a label
• Look for the list of ingredients
• Most products will:
• Identify any toxic ingredients found within the item
• Outline instructions that identify steps to follow when the product has been ingested
• Provide contact information where safety instructions can be obtained
• Some products will:
• Provide instructions to begin treatment before reaching emergency care

Tip #3

In times when an animal is clearly showing developed indications of poisoning, the important step is to get them veterinary care.

• Contact veterinarian to let them know you are coming and why you are coming
• Before leaving for care:
• Try to gather the poison or a sample of the poison and its container to give to the veterinarian
• Bring any information that will expedite the diagnosis and hasten the treatment of the animal

Tip #4

In the rare case when a veterinarian is not available, clients have alternate contacts available for helping their pet.

• Emergency room at the local hospital
• Some poisons have specific antidotes and may be available at the facility
• The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center
• Staffed by licensed veterinarians and toxicologists, all day, every day, year round
• (888)426-4435
• May charge a consultation fee
• Will contact the veterinarian regarding their findings

Tip #5

In a clinic the veterinarian can remove ingested poisons by inserting a stomach tube and then flushing out any remaining toxins with water, but this procedure should not be done at home. When emptying the stomach is necessary without professional care, the veterinarian will advise on the steps for client to take. Clients should know that inducing vomiting should never be done during times when the animal:

• Has already vomited
• Is having breathing difficulties
• Shows signs of neurological involvement
• Is unconscious
• Is convulsing
• Has swallowed products containing:
• Acids
• Alkalis
• Cleaning solutions
• Household chemicals
• Petroleum products
• Sharp objects
• Items labeled “Upon ingestion, do not induce vomiting”

Tip #6

Some poisons can cause seizures that seem very similar to those exhibited by animals with epilepsy. It is important to know the differences because epileptic seizures do not always need veterinary attention, but seizures caused by poisons require immediate care. An animal exhibiting a poison-related seizure will show signs such as the following:

• Continuous seizures or ones that occur within minutes of one another
• Time between seizures show symptoms of:
• Tremors
• Lack of coordination
• Weakness
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea

Clients who know their animal’s behavior have a greater chance of recognizing when their pet is not acting normally. Those who are aware of the signs of poisoning may be able to identify even earlier that something is wrong which may provide a benefit to their pet in situations when time is of the essence.

Information gathered from:
http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
http://www.americanhumane.org/animals/adoption-pet-care/safety/pets-poisons.html