Animal Poisons Helpline

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.

03/12/2024

🙀 Did you know that snail bait is a significant pet poisoning hazard?

In Australia and New Zealand, most snail baits contain either metaldehyde, methiocarb or iron. Dogs may find these products appetising and will ingest large amounts (even an entire box) if given the chance to do so. Some products may be labelled as pet friendly, whilst others incorporate a bittering agent to deter ingestion. In our experience these bittering agents do not stop curious dogs and whilst some snail baits are considered safer than others, it is important to note that a large ingestion of any of these products may result in life-threatening poisoning.

We would like to remind all pet owners about the safe use of such products. To prevent snail bait poisoning in your pets;

✅ Ensure your pets never have access to snail bait packaging. Many of these products are available in cardboard boxes and can easily be chewed through.

✅ Use as per the manufacturer’s recommendations. Do not sprinkle excessive quantities or heap pellets in any particular area. Applying more than recommended can drastically increase the risk to pets.

✅ Be careful not to sprinkle any pellets onto pedestrian pathways next to your garden. Passing dogs may find these highly appetising and you may inadvertently poison someone else’s pet.

✅ Consider pesticide free solutions such as manually removing snails.

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.

02/12/2024

🌳 Melia azedarach, often called white cedar, chinaberry or cape lilac is a common street and garden tree that is native to Australia. White cedar trees are often planted in parks, public gardens and along footpaths or roadsides as shade trees because of their dense canopy. The white cedar tree can be identified by its showy, fragrant, lilac flowers followed by hard, yellow to pale orange bead-like fruits.

All parts of the white cedar are considered toxic with the highest concentration of the toxins (meliatoxins) found in the berries. Once ripe, these berries will fall off the trees and are then often ingested by dogs. Pets that eat these berries can potentially develop severe poisoning. The first signs of poisoning are typically gastrointestinal upset; excessive drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. If enough berries are ingested, affected animals may become weak and have difficulty walking. Severely poisoned animals may have seizures and potentially become paralysed.

If you have a white cedar tree growing in your neighbourhood, ensure you leash and observe your pet whilst near them. If your pet is likely to scavenge, do not walk them directly under the trees as the ripe berries are said to be sweet and highly palatable.

Given the risk of significant poisoning in these cases, rapid veterinary treatment if often required. 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) 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.

27/11/2024

☀️ Over the warmer months, the Animal Poisons Helpline receives a large number of calls about pets that have ingested organic fertiliser. Organic fertiliser is typically made of different types of manures, blood, bone and other meals and as such is highly attractive to dogs. If dogs are allowed access to organic fertiliser packaging, they can eat large amounts of product very quickly. Dogs are also frequently attracted to garden areas where organic fertiliser has recently been used. Ingestion of organic fertiliser can result in variable degrees of gastroenteritis and less frequently gastrointestinal obstruction or even pancreatitis.

As you prepare your garden for the warmer months ahead, take a moment to consider your pets:

✅ Never allow pets access to fertiliser containers or packaging. Keep in mind that dogs find organic fertiliser highly appetising and will readily chew through packaging, so they need to be stored out of reach.

✅ Apply fertiliser as per the manufacturer’s recommendations (do not use excessive amounts).

✅ Water in organic fertiliser after application where possible to reduce odour.

✅ Supervise your dog when first letting them back into an area where organic fertiliser has recently been used.

✅ Avoid using organic fertiliser around spring bulbs (dogs will dig up the organic fertiliser and will often find these bulbs and eat them!).

If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can phone the Animal Poisons Helpline on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ) or 3106 4216 (SG) for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides a free service for all pet owners in Australia, and can rapidly determine if your pet requires immediate veterinary assessment or can be observed at home.

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 in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore, 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.

22/11/2024

🙀 Did you know that homemade playdough can be toxic to our pets?

The main ingredient in homemade playdough is salt (sodium chloride). Sodium is an essential electrolyte in the body, but when its levels become too high it can lead to severe neurological effects. Following ingestion, early signs of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhoea and excessive thirst. Without appropriate treatment, affected animals may develop tremors, seizures or even coma. Other common causes of sodium poisoning include excessive consumption of sea water, soy sauce, baking soda and salt dough Christmas ornaments.

Homemade playdough also frequently contains cream of tartar. Cream of tartar has a similar structure to tartaric acid, which is presumed to be the constituent of grapes that makes them toxic to dogs. Dogs that ingest enough cream of tartar can develop kidney damage, which in severe cases can lead to permanent kidney disease or death.

Given the significant dangers associated with ingestion of homemade playdough, it is important to keep it stored out of the reach of your pets. If your pet eats playdough, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for immediate advice, even if they look well. Our expert Poisons Information Consultants can rapidly determine the risk and whether veterinary treatment is required.

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) or 3106 4216 (SG). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore, 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.

30/10/2024

The Animal Poisons Helpline is occasionally contacted about companion animals that have been exposed to pre-emergent herbicides. Whilst there are several pre-emergents available in Australia and New Zealand, calls regarding oxadiazon and prodiamine are the most common. Pre-emergent herbicides are growing in popularity as they are an effective preventative approach to w**d control in turf. They work by inhibiting germination of the w**d at the shooting or sprouting stage in the top layer of the soil.

Small ingestions of these products may result in gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea and inappetence. Large ingestions, such as what may occur when an animal has direct access to product packaging, may result in more severe signs. Whilst serious effects are unlikely from small ingestions of these products, we recommend that the following safety measures are observed when using these products:

✅ Keep pets away from treated areas during application and until the area is thoroughly dried. The time taken for the area to dry will vary depending on local weather conditions and the product formulation.

✅ If you are using a concentrate that requires dilution before spraying, always follow the instructions in terms of appropriate dilution and keep your pet away whilst measuring and mixing.

✅ Ensure all herbicides are stored safely, well out of reach of companion animals. Be aware that cats can jump onto high surfaces and knock products over. They may walk through spilt puddles and then groom chemicals off their paws or coat.

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) or 3106 4216 (SG). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore, 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.

28/10/2024

Hydrangeas, commonly known as hortensia, is a genus of more than 70 species of flowering plants that can be recognised by their beautifully large flower clusters that appear in a bulb or cone shape. The hydrangea is a popular ornamental plant cultivated for its large showy flowers mainly found in shades of blue, purple, pink and white. With the peak blooming period in Australia and New Zealand occurring from November to February, the Animal Poisons Helpline anticipates an increase in calls following ingestions of hydrangeas by companion animals.

Hydrangeas contain a toxin which can irritate the gastrointestinal tract. Signs reported from Hydrangea ingestions in small animals include vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea (sometimes with blood), lethargy, dizziness, panting and increased body temperature. Whilst it is not necessary to remove this plant from the home, pet owners should be mindful to:

✅ Keep toxic plants in areas that can't be accessed by pets.

✅ Provide enrichment activities, such as pet safe toys, to help keep pets occupied.

✅ Ensure alternative safe greens such as pet grass are available.

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) or 3106 4216 (SG). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia, New Zealand or Singapore, 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.

20/10/2024

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

🥳 Ross and Labradoodle from NSW
🥳 Andriana and Jack Russell Terrier from SA
🥳 Debbie and Toy Cavoodle from QLD

A huge 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 in Australia.

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 31st of December 2024. 100% of proceeds go directly back into assisting poisoned animals.

07/10/2024

🚨**ALERT**🚨

🐍 Please be aware that snake encounters are once again becoming more frequent as the weather begins to warm up in many parts of Australia. All bites (including suspected bites) should be regarded as life-threatening.

Signs of a snake bite in pets include:

☠️ Sudden weakness or collapse, which may be followed by transient improvement
☠️ Vomiting
☠️ Laboured breathing
☠️ Paralysis, starting with the hind legs
☠️ Loss of bladder and bowel control
☠️ Shaking or twitching of the muscles
☠️ Blood in the urine

Snake bites are a time critical emergency and if your dog or cat has been bitten by a snake, immediate veterinary assessment is recommended in all cases. It is vital that you keep your pet calm and as still as possible. Try to limit any movement (including walking) where possible and transport them to your nearest veterinary practice immediately, even if they look well. If possible, the veterinary clinic should be phoned to alert them that you are on the way. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival.

❌ DO NOT try to catch or kill the snake for ID or for any other purpose
❌ DO NOT apply a tourniquet
❌ DO NOT wash the bite site
❌ DO NOT cut, suck or apply any other treatments to the bite-site

Whilst veterinary treatment of snakebite can be lifesaving, it can be very costly in many cases. This is especially true if antivenom is required or if secondary complications from the bite occur. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection in the event that your pet is ever bitten. Our platinum sponsor Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Animal Poison Helpline followers. Visit https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons/ and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

30/09/2024

Did you know that vitamin D3 (also known as colecalciferol) can be dangerous to pets if consumed in excessive quantities? Vitamin D3 is available as a dietary supplement but is also found in very high doses in some rodenticides. The Animal Poisons Helpline is frequently contacted about pets that have inadvertently ingested vitamin D3 supplements and occasionally about pets that have ingested highly potent vitamin D3 rodenticides. Whilst these rodenticides are not readily accessible to consumers, they are frequently used in agricultural settings. In Australia and New Zealand, these rodenticides contain massive quantities of vitamin D3 (each small bait can contain up to 900 times more vitamin D3 than an average daily vitamin D3 supplement) and ingestion of these baits can result in severe poisoning.

Excess vitamin D3 results in an imbalance of calcium and phosphorus in the body. If the calcium and phosphorous levels go too high, life-threatening and irreversible mineralisation and hardening of organs such as the kidneys, stomach, intestines, and heart can occur. Whilst early signs of poisoning can include refusal to eat, vomiting, lethargy, and weakness; more severe effects can take days to develop.

Wherever possible, please try to reduce your use of rodenticides and consider humane traps or salt based baits. If you must keep rodenticides on your property for rodent control, please ensure that they are safely stored away in an area that your pet cannot access. If using anticoagulant baits, first generation anticoagulants such as warfarin are less likely to poison wildlife (by secondary or relay poisoning) compared to second generation anticoagulants such as brodifacoum and bromadiolone. Use only as much bait as necessary, ensure baits are appropriately secured when laid and always removed them when they are no longer required.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is a very useful resource for pet owners in rural and remote areas where veterinary care may often be limited. Our Poisons Information Consultants can assess any toxin exposure and advise whether immediate veterinary assessment is required or home observation is suitable. Such advice covers exposure to human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, pesticides, household and industrial chemicals, poisonous plants and fungi, and bites and stings from venomous creatures. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, 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.

27/09/2024

🚜 Organophosphates are chemical compounds known widely for their use as insecticides. Whilst organophosphate poisoning is infrequent in Australia and New Zealand these days, animals exposed to these compounds can potentially develop severe or life-threatening poisoning. The most common organophosphate involved in animal exposures reported to the Animal Poisons Helpline is chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos use is usually restricted to agricultural applications and not typically utilised for residential purposes.

When these products are accidentally ingested by pets, severe effects may occur. Early signs of poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhoea, significant drooling, pinpoint pupils and urinary incontinence. In severe cases, animals can develop changes to their heart rate, have difficulty breathing or develop neurological effects such as tremors, seizures, weakness and paralysis. As organophosphate insecticides are well absorbed across the skin, poisoning can also occur following skin or coat exposure.

To prevent poisoning, ensure that all pesticides are stored safely away from animals. Pets should be kept well away whilst these products are mixed and sprayed, and until treated areas are thoroughly dried. Always keep products in their original packaging so that they can be easily identified in the event of an inadvertent exposure. For animals exposed to these chemicals, early veterinary assessment is crucial. Many of these exposures do however occur in rural and remote areas where access to timely veterinary care can be limited. In these cases, the Animal Poisons Helpline can be particularly useful by rapidly assessing the exposure and providing phone advice.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, 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.

23/09/2024

🐛 The Animal Poisons Helpline is occasionally contacted about pets that have mouthed or ingested caterpillars. Most problems that arise from these exposures are due to the tiny hairs (setae), spines, or quills that may be covering a caterpillar's body. These hairs or spines are connected to glands that can produce a toxin. As part of the caterpillar’s defence strategy, when animals come into contact with these stinging hairs or spines, they can break off into the skin, releasing a tiny dose of toxin in the process. Doratifera vulnerans, more commonly known as the Australian cup moth, is a common culprit of caterpillar envenomations in Australia. Doratifera vulnerans, which translates to “bearer of painful gifts”, produce larvae which are endowed with dozens of spines laced with a highly potent venom. Found along Australia’s east coast, including in Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane, the spines of this caterpillar are retracted at rest and everted when the animal is disturbed.

Many syndromes have been described from caterpillar exposures, most commonly following ingestion or mouthing by companion animals. Such exposures may result in drooling, difficulty swallowing and irritation of the lips and mouth. These effects are highly variable in severity and all appear to occur secondary to embedded caterpillar hairs. In severe cases, caterpillar exposures can result in allergic reactions including anaphylaxis which may be life threatening without veterinary intervention. Spontaneous abortions have also been documented in mares ingesting certain types of caterpillars.

As a general rule, brightly coloured caterpillars with spines, bristles, or a fuzzy appearance might be venomous. The Animal Poisons Helpline can be useful in these cases and can provide an immediate risk assessment to determine if veterinary assessment is required or if home management may be appropriate.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, 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.

28/08/2024

Over winter, the Animal Poisons Helpline has been contacted frequently about pets ingesting nasal decongestants. Decongestants are used to provide short-term relief from blocked or stuffy noses and are available in many forms including tablets, oral liquids and nasal sprays. Nasal spray decongestants containing imidazoline compounds (such as xylometazoline and oxymetazoline) are widely used in Australia and can result in significant poisoning in pets when ingested. Similar ingredients are also often found in eye drops that are designed to remove redness from the eye.

Companion animals are extremely sensitive to the effects of imidazolines with even small ingestions potentially affecting the heart, circulation and nervous system. Most frequently, poisoning occurs in dogs that have chewed on a decongestant nasal spray or eye dropper bottle. Imidazolines are rapidly absorbed following ingestion with signs of poisoning sometimes occurring within 15 minutes of the exposure. Early signs of poisoning may include vomiting, unsteadiness on the feet and drowsiness. As the poisoning progresses, a reduction in the heart rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate may occur.

To keep your pet safe, please keep all medications sealed and stored securely, out of your pet’s reach. Do not store medications on your nightstand or other benchtops which can be easily accessed by pets. When medications are no longer needed, it is important to dispose of them safely.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don’t yet follow the Animal Poisons Helpline page, follow now to receive live pet poison alerts. If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a free advice to pet owners in Australia between 9AM-5PM AES[D]T 7 days/week. The service operates 24/7 and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US).

24/08/2024

🐄 The Animal Poisons Helpline is occasionally contacted about dogs that have ingested ear tags. An ear tag is a small object made of plastic or metal that pierces the ear of cattle or other livestock. Some ear tags, known as insecticide tags or “fly tags”, contain insecticides such as synthetic pyrethroids, organophosphates or macrocyclic lactones. Insecticide-impregnated ear tags release small amounts of insecticide which provides long term control against insects such as buffalo flies.

Dogs that ingest insecticide containing ear tags can develop severe or life-threatening poisoning. A variety of clinical signs may occur which are highly dependent on the insecticide contained within the tag itself. Reported signs following ingestions of insecticide tags include drooling, vomiting, dilated pupils, drowsiness, unsteadiness on feet and tremors. In severe cases, poisoned animals may develop seizures, paralysis, inability to breathe and coma, which can be life-threatening without treatment. Whilst the risk and severity of poisoning is somewhat dependent on the species, breed, age and weight of the animal that has ingested the tag; it is worth noting that many of these tags contain enough insecticide to seriously poison most companion animals.

If you keep insecticide tags on your property, please ensure that unused tags are always stored in an area that your pet cannot access. Used ear tags should be disposed of immediately to prevent accidental ingestions. Ear tags should never be used to prevent fleas and ticks in companion animals, safer alternatives can be accessed through a veterinarian or pet store. In the event of an insecticide tag ingestion, early veterinary assessment and treatment can potentially be lifesaving.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and can be reached on ☎️ 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don’t yet follow the Animal Poisons Helpline page, follow now to receive live pet poison alerts. If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a free advice to pet owners in Australia between 9AM-5PM AES[D]T 7 days/week. The service operates 24/7 and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU), 0800 869 738 (NZ), 3106 4216 (SG) or (917) 722-5958 (US).