It is that time of year when the snow melts and we begin to anticipate warm sunny days and road trips. The sleds are put away and the motorcycles, boats and motorhomes come out of winter storage. The camps and cottages will soon be opened up and pools will soon be refilled for some fun in the sun. It should also be a time when we start thinking of summer dangers and poison control by safely disposing all those chemicals, we used to winterize everything.
Antifreeze comes in as the third number one poison that kills a large number of dogs annually due to the sweet taste of the ingredient Ethylene Glycol, that they find irresistible. It takes a very small amount to kill a large dog in a very painful manner. As little as a tablespoon can result in severe acute kidney failure in dogs. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary intervention because the antidote (fomepizole) is only effective if given within 8-12 hours in dogs.
Rat poisoning is a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary Intervention to properly induce vomiting, administer activated charcoal and to begin the treatment of the prescription antidote vitamin K1 for harm reduction. Rat, Mole and gopher bait is generally much more toxic to your dog if they contain zinc phosphide or bromethalin. There is no antidote if a dog has swallowed poison baits with either cholecalciferol or bromethalin, hospitalization would be required for harm reduction. Some snail and slug baits are extremely poisonous to dogs, intensive veterinary care is needed for harm reduction
Mycotoxins such as Aflatoxins are naturally occurring toxins produced by certain moulds (fungi) and can be found in wide variety of food and animal feed. Grain crop such as wheat, corn and rice, berries, and nuts are all susceptible to mycotoxins. Mycotoxins are difficult, and sometimes impossible to eliminate. Maintaining proper temperature and humidity conditions during feed storage is the best prevention and control. Prevent access to and ingestion of moldy or decaying food from bird feeders, grain bins, garbage cans and compost bins, dispose of all moldy foods and animal feed promptly. Consult your veterinarian immediately if you suspect your dog has eaten moldy food or mold tainted seeds and grains.
Blue Green Algae is a bacterium that can be found in any body of water with excess nutrients such as from fertilizer/manure run off. Algal concentrations are most abundant during periods of hot weather in mid- to late-summer months. Signs associated with exposure to blue green algae can develop quickly resulting in neurological issues, organ failure and breathing difficulty. Death can happen very quickly from respiratory paralysis or within days from liver failure. There is no antitoxin for Blue Green Algae, obtain medical care immediately if you suspect you or your dog has come in to contact with blue green algae contaminated water.
Common Plants that can be harmful or even fatal to your dogs are too numerous to mention. Learn about indoor and outdoor plants that you have in and around your home to identify which ones can be harmful to your dogs. Fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides can all be toxic to your dog in varying degrees. Many pet insurance plans include 24/7 access to the Pet Poison Helpline. Alternately you can consult your veterinarian If you have any reason to be concerned.
Delayed Symptoms; not all poisoning symptoms can be seen immediately which can give a false sense that everything is ok. Be vigilant and monitor for signs of drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, incoordination, seizures, muscle twitching, weakness, nose bleeds, rectal bleeding, or excessive thirst.
Take immediate Action if you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous.
Pet Poison Helpline is available in North America by calling 1-800-213-6680.
Let's all do our part in keeping our family and pets safe while also protecting wildlife and the environment.
Click/Treat, Jamie
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