How to tell if your fur baby has been poisoned

IN THE home, garden and on the street, if you have pets, being aware of the hidden dangers of poison could help save their lives.

The toxins and poisons found in households that pets should be kept away from are:

◆ Antifreeze

◆ Bleach or bleach-based cleaners

◆ Carpet or rug cleaner/shampoo/ deodoriser

◆ Essential oils

◆ Plant fertiliser

◆ Glue, other adhesives

◆ Laundry or dishwasher detergent Paint, solvents, spackle

◆ Rat/mouse/slug bait, insecticides

◆ Vinegar (plain or mixed with water)

◆ Window cleaner

A good first step is to assess dangers to your pets at home and infrequently visited areas like parks:

Ensure all cleaning supplies, arts and craft products, medication, alcohol and anything else you don’t want your pet getting into is stored away.

If you have a curious cat that enjoys climbing up onto furniture and shelves or a mischievous dog with a knack for opening draws and doors, use a child lock to keep dangerous items secure.

While you may think the greatest danger to your dog while on your daily walk is cars or an untrained pooch, pay careful attention to the path you walk on. You may come across garbage on the sidewalk that your dog could easily rip into and ingest the contents before you can stop them.

If your house has a garden or your house has plants, make sure they are not poisonous to dogs, especially if you leave them unattended. Foods that are completely edible for humans can be fatal to dogs.

According to Dr Gerhard Verdoorn, director at the Griffon Poison Information Centre, statistics from 2019 revealed that over 1 000 dogs are poisoned every week in South Africa, some of them in relation to burglaries. That’s over 50 000 dogs a year.

“Unfortunately, pets across South Africa are poisoned by criminals attempting to enter properties,” says Tarryn Dent, diagnostic and technical manager for Companion Animals at Zoetis South Africa, a global animal health company.

For your pet’s safety, Dent said: “Where possible, we advise that owners keep their dogs inside at night, or in an area inaccessible from the road or a boundary wall. It’s also a good idea to regularly inspect your yard for anything out of place so that if poisoned food is tossed over your wall, you can find it and dispose of it before your dog sniffs it out.”

The following symptoms may indicate that your dog has been poisoned:

◆ Agitation

◆ Breathing difficulty

◆ Tremors

◆ Convulsions

◆ Excessive drooling Vomiting

◆ Seizures

◆ Abnormal heart rate

◆ Diarrhoea

If your pet is experiencing any of the above symptoms, rush them to a vet.