Animal Poisons Helpline (2025)

13/03/2025

🕷 The redback spider (Latrodectus hasselti), also known as the Australian black widow, is a highly venomous spider species native to Australia. Due to its wide distribution, the redback spider is arguably the most clinically significant spider in Australia. Adult females are the most commonly seen, and can be identified by their smooth black body and wide red stripe on the abdomen. Males are less boldly coloured, often light brown, and smaller in size (3-4 mm) and are of less clinical importance due to their much smaller fang size. These adaptable arachnids are particularly common in human-inhabited areas, but prefer dry, dark areas where they will not be disturbed. This means they are often found lurking in garden sheds and garages.

Dogs are curious animals and may accidentally come into contact with redback spiders, which can lead to a bite. The venom contains α-latrotoxin which affects the nervous system and muscles. Many bites may be ‘dry-bites’ where no venom is injected, however a bite where venom is injected can be life-threatening for a small animal. Early signs in small animals include vomiting, diarrhoea, pain, and restlessness. Progressive signs may include increasingly severe pain (which typically spreads away from the bite site), muscular cramping, agitation, an increased heart rate and increased blood pressure. Cats are particularly sensitive to the venom and can then go on to develop paralysis, inability to breath, cardiac failure and death.

To avoid spider bites in pets (many of these measures are also good for preventing snake bites);

✅ Keep outdoor spaces tidy to reduce spider-friendly hiding spots.

✅ Clean outdoor furniture and building eaves/verandas regularly to remove webs and spider sacs.

✅ Pack away children’s toys that are not used regularly.

✅ Remove items stored in yards that are not needed (e.g., tyres, old wood piles).

✅ Clean up leaves and sticks and remove them from pet accessible areas.

✅ Regularly check your pet’s bedding, toys, and outdoor areas for spiders.

Whilst ensuring the wellbeing of your poisoned pet is paramount, veterinary care for poisoning can often be costly. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection in these events. The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, who are currently offering two months of their Nose-to-Tail Cover for free in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit https://quote.bowwowinsurance.com.au/?promo=AP368 for more information.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

12/03/2025

The Animal Poisons Helpline is a registered animal welfare charity that assists over 12,000 animals every year. As demand for the service continues to grow, we rely heavily on the generosity of pet owners like you to help us continue assisting poisoned animals. To help spread awareness of common poisons around the home and generate support for the Helpline, we’ve teamed up with KONG to create irresistible bags of goodies for your four-legged friends.

🐾 To win one of three dog or cat prize packs, simply head to animalpoisons.com.au/support and donate! For every dollar you donate you will receive one entry ($1 donated = ONE entry) to the bumper prize packs which include various pet toys and treats for your furry companion(s). All proceeds go directly into assisting poisoned animals in Australia.

THREE $250 AUD prize packs are available to be won each quarter (total annual prize pool valued at $3,000 AUD). Both dog and cat KONG prize packs are available and can be selected by the winners as preferred. Prize packs are not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. For the full Terms and Conditions, visit animalpoisons.com.au/donatetowin

10/03/2025

🚨🚨**ALERT**🚨🚨

We have just been notified today that there is a large number of washed up bluebottles at Horseshoe Bay Beach (and possibly the surrounding beaches) in Bermagui, NSW.

Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

Please be cautious if heading down to Horseshoe Bay Beach (and surrounding coastal areas) with your dog over the next couple of days. Keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and this can also be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish and other jellyfish. Help us prevent pet poisonings by sharing this post with any dog owning friends or family that may be in the Bermagui area.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). Don't miss the next pet poisons alert. Visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates and alerts directly to your inbox. If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

07/03/2025

🌪️ALERT: Whilst Cyclone Alfred may have been downgraded to a tropical low, it is important to remember that severe storms can be extremely dangerous and cause destruction to the environment and nearby infrastructure. During these stressful times, it is important to also prepare and take immediate steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your pets, follow advice from organisations such as RSPCA NSW and RSPCA QLD, and watch out for the following dangers:

Snakes🐍: Like other residents in the path of a major storm, snakes become displaced. As a result, they may seek shelter and food inside houses, storage sheds, barns, and other buildings. Damaged structures can be more accessible to snakes and flood waters may allow some snakes to swim or be deposited indoors. Displaced snakes may also be found under or in storm debris or in debris piles.

Torches/Batteries🔦: Whilst torches and batteries are essential for your storm emergency kit, the majority of household torches contain AA and AAA batteries which contain a highly alkali electrolyte paste. Pets that chew on or ingest these batteries can be at risk of severe burns to their gastrointestinal tract. Ensure they are stored in a place that your pets cannot reach or access.

Pufferfish 🐡: It is anticipated that many marine animals including pufferfish will be washed onto shore following Cyclone Alfred. Most pufferfish are toxic when ingested. They contain a highly potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pufferfish ingestion can be life-threatening and result in a rapid onset of paralysis.

Portable BBQ Canisters🔥: These typically hold hydrocarbons such as butane or propane. When the outer casing is chewed on and punctured, the hydrocarbon liquid will rapidly expand into a gas. This can result in thermal injury to the mouth and potentially throat due to the low temperatures. Inhalation of large amounts of hydrocarbons can also potentially affect the electrical activity of the heart.

Bluebottles🪼: Bluebottles are often washed onto the beach after strong winds. In some instances, certain shorelines will be covered with hundreds of bluebottles which can retain the ability to sting after washing ashore. Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

05/03/2025

🌪 Some very useful information for pet owners in southern QLD and northern NSW from Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance.

02/03/2025

We are very pleased to welcome SERB Pharmaceuticals back on board for another year as an Animal Poisons Helpline supporter. Animal welfare is very important to the SERB Pharmaceuticals team, who are a dedicated ally to healthcare providers treating patients with critical conditions. We thank SERB Pharmaceuticals for their support, which helps keep the Helpline free for all pet owners in Australia.

15/02/2025

🐜 Over summer, the Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently consulted about companion animals that have been exposed to ant powders and dusts. These products are commonly used around the house to kill ants and other household pests such as cockroaches. They are frequently formulated as dusting powders or granules which can be dispersed around an affected property. Ant powders commonly contain pyrethroid based insecticides such as permethrin and bifenthrin. Pyrethroids may also be found in other domestic insecticide products such as insect and spider sprays as well as mosquito coils.

Exposure to these insecticides typically occurs when animals access the packaging containing these products or lick treated areas. This can result in irritation, tingling or numbness of the mouth with affected animals often developing drooling or vomiting. Larger exposures may result in more severe effects such as tremors, seizures and a high body temperature which can potentially be life-threatening.

To reduce the risk of poisoning, always ensure containers holding pesticides are kept well out of reach of your pets. Pets should also be kept away from treated areas. Cats in particular are extremely sensitive to permethrin and extra caution should be taken when using these products around them.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). Don't miss the next pet poisons alert. Visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates and alerts directly to your inbox. If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

14/02/2025

Essential oils are becoming increasingly popular for their use in aromatherapy products. They may also be found within cleaning products, herbal remedies, perfumes, personal care products and air fresheners. As essential oils are more frequently being found in the household, essential oil safety around pets is a hot topic that the Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted about.

The safety of using essential oils around pets is dependent on a number of factors, including the type and concentration of the oil and how a pet is exposed to it. Whilst ingestion of concentrated essential oils carries the highest risk of poisoning, toxicity can also occur following skin application of concentrated products. Pets that are exposed to fumes via diffusers or oil burners are typically at lower risk, however companion animals that are exposed to high concentrations of fumes for prolonged periods can become unwell. Exposure to essential oils can result in varying signs of illness ranging from drooling and vomiting to coma, seizures, and liver injury. Some common essential oils that are considered particularly toxic include the following:

• Eucalyptus and tea tree oil – Ingestion can result in lethargy, unsteadiness on the feet, confusion, coma and seizures. Severe poisoning, including liver damage, has been reported in both cats and dogs when concentrated tea tree oil has been applied to the skin.

• Camphor – Causes stimulation of the central nervous system and seizures.

• Clove oil – Causes depression of the central nervous system and liver injury.

• Oil of wintergreen – Contains a high concentration of methyl salicylate which can result in abdominal pain, vomiting, panting, confusion, seizures, coma and potentially death.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). Don't miss the next pet poisons alert. Visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates and alerts directly to your inbox. If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

13/02/2025

🌵 Euphorbia trigona, more commonly known as the African Milk Tree or Cathedral Cactus, is a striking succulent belonging to the Euphorbia or Spurge family. Known for its distinctive candelabra-like form, it features upright, green stems with ridges adorned with small, reddish-brown spines and occasional leaves. This plant is admired for its striking architectural form and ease of care, making it a popular plant in many households.

Like other Euphorbia species, this plant produces a milky white sap when its stems or leaves are damaged. Pets that chew on these plants can develop mouth irritation or an immediate burning sensation of their lips, tongue and throat. Affected animals may start drooling and vomiting will often occur if the plant material has been swallowed. Skin that comes into contact with the sap frequently becomes red and inflamed, with reports of dogs developing blisters and burns of the skin after rolling amongst plant material. Eye exposure to the sap is of greatest concern, typically resulting in severe irritation and potentially ulceration of the eye.

Pet owners should be mindful to:

✅ Ensure broken branches or leaves are cleared away after pruning.

✅ Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling these plants prior to touching their pets.

✅ Consider fencing off areas in the backyard where toxic plants can be found to prevent accidental exposures.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). Don't miss the next pet poisons alert. Visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date to subscribe to our mailing list and receive updates and alerts directly to your inbox. If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

09/02/2025

You’re invited to a free Puppy Webinar! 🐶

Parenting a puppy can be a whirlwind...along with the fun there are often challenging aspects to deal with. To help you navigate this period, our platinum sponsor Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance invite you to attend their free webinar, which is being held on the 20th of February from 1-2pm AEDT. Their expert Puppy Trainer will discuss the 3 most common challenges faced by puppy parents and answer all your questions.

Find out more about the webinar and register at https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_afnoJnndTNWn4DcYpKQqdw #/registration

21/01/2025

🌊 Are you heading down to one of the many fantastic dog beaches along our beautiful coastline this summer? Dog owners should be aware of the potential hazards when cooling down with their furry companions during these hot summer months. We have recently posted about the dangers of pufferfish and beached bluebottles, but don’t forget the seawater itself!

Dogs that ingest enough seawater can be at risk of developing salt poisoning. Sea water contains approximately 35 g of salt per litre of water and whilst a couple of licks is not expected to be harmful, dogs that ingest large quantities of seawater can certainly get sick! Signs of salt water poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive thirst. As the sodium levels continue to rise in the body, neurological signs such as tremor and seizures can even occur. Other than seawater, some other highly concentrated sodium sources include table salt, baking soda, play dough and soy sauce.

When visiting the beach with your dog this summer, be mindful to prevent them from drinking seawater. Always ensure fresh water is provided to your dog during and after your visit to the beach. Keep your dog leashed to prevent the ingestion of seawater if necessary.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

14/01/2025

🪼The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently called about dogs that have ingested beached bluebottles. Otherwise known as man-of-war or blue bottle jellyfish, Physalia physalis is not actually a jellyfish but is a colony of many smaller living organisms (known as zooids) which hang from a gas filled float.

Bluebottles are commonly found in Australian and New Zealand waters and are often washed onto the beach after strong winds. In some instances, certain shorelines will be covered with hundreds of bluebottles which can retain the ability to sting after washing ashore.

Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and affected dogs may drool or vomit. Stings may result in local swelling in the mouth and throat and rarely this may lead to breathing difficulties. Allergic reactions including anaphylaxis are possible.

Please be cautious whilst on the beach with your dog this summer. Spend a few minutes inspecting the shoreline before removing your dog’s leash, particularly in the days following strong onshore winds. If there are washed up bluebottles, keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and this can also be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish and other poisonous marine creatures such as sea hares. If you come across a mass beaching of bluebottles, please inform the Helpline on [email protected] so that we can get the word out to other pet owners in the area!

If you are concerned your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. To stay up to date with the latest pet poison alerts and receive updates directly to your inbox, visit animalpoisons.com.au/stay-up-to-date and subscribe. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.

12/01/2025

KONG PRIZE WINNERS

🎉 Congratulations to the three winners of our quarterly KONG prize pack draw, each winning a KONG toy prize pack valued at $250 AUD!

🎁 Greg and Miniature Dachshund from NSW
🎁 Anita and Australian Cattle Dog from VIC
🎁 Angela and Greyhound from NSW

A massive thanks to all of those pet owners that have donated to the Animal Poisons Helpline over the past three months. Your donations ensure that we can continue to assist poisoned animals.

To get your entry into the next draw and support a good cause, simply donate to the Helpline at https://animalpoisons.com.au/support

Every $1 donated gives 1 entry to the next draw, which will be drawn on Tuesday the 1st of April 2025. 100% of proceeds go directly back into assisting poisoned animals.

06/01/2025

🐡 The Animal Poisons Helpline expects a seasonal increase in the number of calls regarding pufferfish exposure over summer. Pufferfish, also known as toadfish, blowfish or simply blowies, can be very attractive to pets. Dogs have been known to quickly eat washed up pufferfish before their owners can stop them. Sometimes pet owners may be unaware that their pet has ingested a pufferfish until they develop signs of poisoning soon after a visit to the beach.

Most pufferfish are toxic when ingested. They contain a highly potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pufferfish ingestion can be life-threatening and result in a rapid onset of paralysis which typically begins in the back legs and progresses forward to the respiratory muscles. Other signs of poisoning may include vomiting, tremors and possibly seizures.

We would like to remind all dog owners to be cautious with their pets whilst visiting the beach. Keeping your dog leashed is a good idea and can be a useful strategy to prevent your dog eating beached pufferfish, jellyfish and other poisonous marine creatures such as sea hares. Whilst on the beach, always observe your pets and do not allow them to approach washed-up fish. To the fishing enthusiasts, please immediately return any pufferfish that are caught to the water rather than leaving them behind where dogs may eat them.

If your pet has ingested a pufferfish, they require urgent veterinary attention. Do not wait for signs of poisoning to develop. Whilst ensuring the wellbeing of your poisoned pet is paramount, veterinary care for poisoning can often be costly. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection in these events. The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, who are currently offering two months of their Nose-to-Tail Cover for free in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit https://quote.bowwowinsurance.com.au/?promo=AP368 for more information.

☎️ The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on 1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CAN). If you are a member of a veterinary team you can also join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends.

24/12/2024

Christmas can be a joyous time of the year filled with fun and family gatherings, however, festive presents, decorations, and food can often prove to be dangerous for our inquisitive companions. It is therefore no surprise that the Christmas period is one of the busiest times of the year for the Animal Poisons Helpline. As we prepare to celebrate, please keep your pets safe over the holidays and watch out for the following dangers:

🍇 Grapes, sultanas and raisins: Found in fruit cakes, mince pies, Christmas puddings and raisin toast. Dogs that ingest these items can be at risk of developing kidney injury.

🍫 Chocolate: Contains methylxanthines which are toxic to dogs. Darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has negligible levels of methylxanthines, while dark baking chocolate contains the highest amounts.

🍾 Alcohol: Many popular Christmas beverages contain variable quantities of alcohol. Pets may help themselves to alcohol left unattended and are highly susceptible to its effects, with intoxication seen with even small ingestions. Intoxication in small animals may be associated with drowsiness, unsteadiness and in severe cases low body temperature, low blood sugar and coma. Dogs are particularly attracted to sweet creamy alcoholic beverages and will sometimes drink large quantities of them if they are given the chance to do so.

🌰 Macadamia Nuts: Often found in biscuits or even eaten as a decadent Christmas snack, these nuts are toxic to dogs and cause hind limb lameness, pain, and weakness. Other nuts, whilst not truly toxic to dogs, contain significant quantities of natural fats that can trigger pancreatitis if ingested in large amounts.

🙀 Button Batteries: Batteries in toys, greeting cards, electronic devices, flameless candles, and remote controls can cause serious injury if swallowed. Internal burns can occur in a very short time.

🍭 Xylitol: A real killer, many sugarless gums and lollies contain xylitol as a sweetener. It may also be found in baked goods. It causes a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and possibly liver failure in dogs.

🎄 Christmas Plants: Holiday plants can potentially be toxic to your pets. Whilst most plant exposures result in only mild effects, some plants such as lilies (Lilium and Hemerocallis spp.) can cause severe effects following even small ingestions.

🎊 Ornaments and Decorations: Homemade dough ornaments often contain large amounts of salt and pose a risk for causing elevated sodium levels that may lead to severe neurologic abnormalities. In severe cases, sodium poisoning can cause seizures, coma and even death. Other decorations such as tinsel and broken glass ornaments can result in gastrointestinal obstruction, laceration or injury when ingested.

🍗 Christmas Leftovers: Mouldy food can be hazardous due the presence of toxic substances produced by the mould known as mycotoxins. These toxins are well absorbed after ingestion and can result in signs such as gastrointestinal upset, panting, tremor, seizures and even liver damage.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG), (917) 722-5958 (US) or +1917 722-5958 (CA). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, the United States or Canada, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.

15/12/2024

Poinsettia, also known as the Christmas flower, is a flowering plant species belonging to the spurge family. It is particularly well known for its striking red and green leaves and is widely used in Christmas floral displays to add a touch of colour during the festive season. With the holiday season upon us, the Animal Poisons Helpline anticipates an increase in companion animal exposures to this plant.

While poinsettia is commonly “hyped” as highly poisonous plants, exposures are rarely severe, and the poisoning is greatly exaggerated. Poinsettia produces a white milky sap that contains numerous irritant compounds. The sap is released from the plant when it is chewed on, and can cause irritation of the gastrointestinal tract. Affected animals may start drooling and vomiting may occur if the plant material has been swallowed. The milky sap may be irritating to the skin. Eye exposure to the sap may cause significant irritation and potentially ulceration of the eye.

Whilst it is not necessary to remove this plant from the home, pet owners should be mindful to;

✅ Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling these plants prior to touching your pet.

✅ Keep flower displays or pots with these plants in areas that cannot be accessed by pets.

✅ Not gift poisonous plants or bouquets to pet-owning friends or family. This is especially true when it comes to lilies (true lilies and day lilies) and cats.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or the United States, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.

09/12/2024

The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted about companion animals, most commonly dogs, that have chewed into and punctured their owners “asthma puffers”. Asthma puffers or inhalers can be classed into two different groups known as preventers or relievers. The most commonly used inhalers are relievers, which are used to help open up the airway and contain ingredients such as salbutamol (also known as albuterol) and terbutaline. In Australia and New Zealand, salbutamol is available as a metered dose inhaler that contains 200 sprays, an oral liquid and single use nebules/vials.

A punctured inhaler can rapidly deliver very large amounts of medication directly into a dog’s mouth and lungs, leading to severe poisoning. When this occurs, there is an overstimulation of the beta receptors which play key roles in various locations of the body including in the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

Animals that receive large doses of a reliever puffer can develop several complications including a fast heart rate, low blood pressure, low potassium levels in the blood, a change in the way the heart beats, agitation, weakness and potentially seizures. Additionally, when inhalers that contain compressed gas are punctured, the gas rapidly expands and may result in frostbite injury to the mouth. To avoid accidental poisoning of your pet, always keep inhalers well out of reach and preferably locked away in a cabinet. Keep bags closed and off the ground. Never give your pet a human medication unless instructed to do so by your veterinarian.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore or the United States, you can join the Animal Poisons Centre For Vets Facebook group which is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits and poisoning trends. We thank the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development for supporting this post.

Animal Poisons Helpline