Dog Poison Control: Prevention and Response

Dog poison control is a serious issue that can happen to any dog, regardless of age or breed. According to the ASPCA, over 100,000 cases of pet poisoning are reported every year.

To prevent poisoning, it's essential to keep toxic substances out of reach. Common sources of poisoning include household cleaners, medications, and plants like lilies and sago palms.

Having a plan in place can make all the difference in case of an emergency. Keep your veterinarian's phone number handy and post it in a convenient location, such as on your fridge or near the phone.

You should also post the address and number of a nearby emergency clinic, along with the number of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. This is a unique resource for both pet owners and veterinarians, available 24 hours a day.

Having this information readily available can save precious time in case of an emergency. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center employs a staff of veterinarians and licensed technicians who are skilled in veterinary toxicology.

Here are some key phone numbers to have on hand: your veterinarian, a nearby emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

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If you think your dog has been poisoned, try to stay calm and act quickly, but rationally.

Gather up any potential poison that remains, as this may be helpful to your veterinarian and any outside experts who assist with the case.

Collecting vomit samples can also be crucial, as your veterinarian may need to see it.

Keep your pet calm and call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at (888) 426-4435 for guidance.

Experts at the APCC are available to answer questions 24 hours a day, but be aware that there's a consultation fee.

Alternatively, you can call the Pet Poison Hotline at (855) 764-7661.

It's essential to be aware of the common household items that can be toxic to dogs. Avocado skin, pits, and leaves, as well as grapes and raisins, are just a few examples of substances that can cause harm.

Keep all medications, including those in child-proof bottles, in cabinets that are inaccessible to your dog. If you inadvertently drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately. Supervise anyone who may need help taking medications.

Here's a list of some common household items that can be toxic to dogs:

Keep all medications, even those in child-proof bottles, in cabinets that are inaccessible to your dog. If you inadvertently drop a pill on the floor, be sure to look for it immediately. Supervise anyone, such as the elderly, who may need help taking medications.

Always follow guidelines on flea or tick products. Some products can be deadly to your pets if not used correctly.

Although you can safely give some 'people foods' to your pet as a treat, others are toxic. If you have any questions about what is safe, ask your veterinarian. Or, err on the safe side and give treats made specifically for animals.

Rodenticides should be kept in metal cabinets or high on shelves where your pets can't find them. Remember that dogs can be fatally poisoned by eating an exposed rodent, so always be very cautious about using these products.

When buying plants for your home, opt for those that won't cause problems if your dog happens to nibble on them. The ASPCA has an online list of toxic and nontoxic plants by species.

Store all chemicals and cleaners in pet-inaccessible areas of your home. This includes automotive products, fertilizers, and household cleaners.

Here are some specific household items to keep out of reach of your pets:

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the risk of pet poisoning in your home.

If you suspect your pet has been poisoned, act fast and call your vet or a pet poison hotline immediately.

Your pet's survival depends on how quickly it receives treatment.

If you can't get to the vet right away, try to keep your pet calm and quiet to prevent further harm.

Keep an eye on your pet's symptoms, which can include vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy.

If your pet has ingested something toxic, don't try to make it vomit or give it water, as this can make things worse.

Get your pet to the vet as soon as possible, even if you're not sure what it's been poisoned by.

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Never give your dog human medication, as it can be lethal. Even simple medications like aspirin can be toxic to your pet.

Some human medications, like acetaminophen, are toxic to cats and should never be used. Always follow the label directions and amounts correctly when giving your pet medications.

Here are some common household chemicals that can be lethal for pets:

It's also essential to keep rodenticides far away from your pet, as they can cause kidney failure, internal bleeding, and even death.

Providing a detailed history of symptoms to your veterinarian is critical. Immediately collect and preserve any vomit, food products, medication bottles, and stool samples to help your vet rule out or determine intentional poisoning.

Freezing vomit and stool samples is the best method to preserve them as evidence. You can do this yourself or take it to your vet to freeze and later send to a laboratory for testing.

As a concerned pet owner, it's up to you to provide your vet with information that could potentially save your pet's life. Symptoms are important as they allow vets to work backward and figure out the cause.

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If you suspect your dog has ingested something poisonous, call your veterinarian or local emergency veterinary clinic right away. They'll need to know the brand name, ingredient list, how much your dog ate, when they ate it, and approximately how much they weigh.

Some poisons are more dangerous than others, and the ASPCA 24/7 Poison Control Hotline (888-426-4435) or the Pet Poison Helpline (855-764-7661) can offer guidance on the best course of action.

If you can't reach a veterinary professional, Poison Control can provide first-aid tips, including whether it's safe to induce vomiting at home.

Inducing vomiting may not always be the right thing to do, especially with certain toxins, so it's crucial to consult with a veterinarian or veterinary poison control center before taking any action.

Activated charcoal with or without an added cathartic like sorbitol may be administered to minimize absorption of the toxin, and intravenous lipid emulsion therapy may be given for severe cases of lipid-soluble toxins.

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Pet medications can be a source of danger for your furry friends if not used properly. Always use pet medications as directed, and be aware of the potential risks involved.

If your pet gets into their own meds and eats more than prescribed, call your veterinary team immediately. This can be a serious situation, and prompt action is necessary to prevent harm.

If your pet eats another pet's medication, or if a dog eats cat medication, or vice versa, seek veterinary attention right away. These situations can lead to adverse reactions and even poisoning.

A topical dog medication applied to a cat can also cause harm, so be cautious when using these products.

Here are some key things to remember:

As you're probably aware, people foods and substances can be just as hazardous to your pets as medications. Milk is not easily digested by most adult animals and can cause diarrhea.

Chocolate, especially baking chocolate, can be lethal to your pets, so it's best to keep it out of reach at all times. Rich, fatty foods like turkey skins or gravy can cause pancreatitis, a painful and serious condition.

Grapes and raisins can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and acute renal failure in dogs, resulting in death. Coffee, including grounds and whole beans, is also a danger to animals.

Here are some common household substances to keep away from your pets:

Always read labels carefully, especially when it comes to flea control products, which are often specifically labeled for dogs or cats. Never give your animal a human medication, as even something as simple as aspirin can be lethal.