Animal Poisons Helpline

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Animal Poisons Helpline An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week
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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 service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

🙏 We are very pleased to advise that Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance have renewed their Platinum Sponsorship of the Animal Po...
09/08/2024

🙏 We are very pleased to advise that Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance have renewed their Platinum Sponsorship of the Animal Poisons Helpline for another year!

From our beginnings, Bow Wow Meow have been a steadfast supporter of the Animal Poisons Helpline and the life-saving service that is provides to pet owners. Their renewed Platinum Sponsorship ensures that Australian pet owners can continue to receive free expert phone advice from our experienced team 7 days a week.

Bow Wow Meow is one of Australia’s most trusted pet insurance providers, giving peace of mind to over 160,000 Aussie pet owners since 2008. They are proud to have been chosen as Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award Winners every year from 2018-2024, and to have received awards from Canstar, Finder and Mozo in 2024.

Bow Wow Meow is now offering Animal Poison Helpline followers their first 2 MONTHS pet insurance free. If you are looking for pet insurance for your furry friend, please show Bow Wow Meow your support so that they can continue to help keep the Helpline available for all Australian pet owners. Read more at https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons

15/07/2024

With the cooler weather well upon us, the Animal Poisons Helpline has noted a significant increase in calls regarding dogs ingesting single use hand warmers. Single use hand warmers typically contain iron powder and smaller quantities of salt, water, an absorbent material (e.g. vermiculite) and activated carbon. When the pouch is removed from its outer packaging, oxygen diffuses across the pouch’s permeable outer layer reacting with the iron powder to produce heat.

From a poisoning perspective the main constituent of concern in these warmers is iron. The risk of iron poisoning is dependent on the amount ingested, the weight of the animal and if the warmer has already been used or not. Poisoning can result in anything from minor gastrointestinal upset to severe gastroenteritis (with blood in the vomit and/or stool), low blood pressure and liver failure. Ingestion may also carry a risk of a gastrointestinal blockage if the hand warmer packet is swallowed in its entirety.

If you have any single use heat packs in your house, please ensure that they are kept well out of reach of your pets and ensure any used packs are disposed of appropriately. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

🎁 Congratulations to the three winners of our quarterly KONG prize pack draw, each winning a KONG toy prize pack valued ...
13/07/2024

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

🥳 Mitzi and Golden Retriever from Werribee, VIC
🥳 Lisa and Ridgeback from Somerville, VIC
🥳 Conor and Cavoodle from Windsor, VIC

Victoria has certainly over-represented in this draw! 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.

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 October 2024. 100% of proceeds go directly back into assisting poisoned animals.

03/07/2024

💊 Paracetamol is commonly used in humans to treat pain and fever and is available in a variety of preparations including tablets, oral liquids and suppositories. It may also be found combined with other medications such as ibuprofen, pseudoephedrine, caffeine and others. As paracetamol is found in most households, it is unfortunately one of the most common pharmaceutical poisonings that the Animal Poisons Helpline is contacted about.

Dogs and cats metabolise many medications differently to humans and can be more prone to developing poisoning following exposure to these substances. Cats are extremely sensitive to the toxic effects of paracetamol as they are unable to effectively metabolise it. This leads to a build-up of toxic metabolites in their blood, which can alter the structure of red blood cells and reduce their ability to deliver oxygen around the body. Dogs are also somewhat sensitive to the effects of paracetamol, being primarily at risk of liver damage following overdose.

The risk of poisoning following paracetamol ingestion is dependent on a number of factors including the dose ingested as well as the species and weight of the animal that has ingested it. Immediate signs may not be evident following an overdose, however timely veterinary care can potentially be life-saving. To prevent poisoning, always keep human medications well out of reach of pets. Never administer paracetamol or other human medications to your pet unless specifically advised to do so by a veterinarian.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

02/07/2024

🐮 Ionophores are a class of antibiotic-like compounds that are used in the beef and poultry industries to control coccidiosis (an intestinal parasitic disease), decrease the incidence of bloat and improve weight gain in cattle. Ionophores currently used in Australia and New Zealand include lasalocid, maduramicin, monensin, narasin, salinomycin and semduramicin. They are marketed as finished feed products (which generally have low concentrations of active ingredient), high dose sustained release capsules and concentrates (formulated as powders, grains and pellets) intended for mixing into finished feeds. The Animal Poisons Helpline is occasionally contacted about dogs, cats and horses that have been poisoned following accidental ingestion of these products.

The risk of poisoning is highly dependent on the animal species involved, the amount ingested and the duration of exposure. Following ingestion, dogs and cats can develop weakness, lethargy and unsteadiness on their feet. In severe cases, affected animals may become paralysed which can affect their respiratory muscles and ability to breathe. Without appropriate treatment, this can result in death. Horses that ingest toxic amounts of ionophores may become sweaty, be unwilling to eat and urinate excessively. As signs progress, they can develop an elevated temperature, become stiff and be unsteady on their feet. In severe cases, poisoning can result in changes to the heart rhythm and a drop in blood pressure.

To prevent poisoning, ensure that dogs, cats and horses do not have any access to feed preparations that are intended for cattle, small ruminants or poultry. Ensure these products are stored away from kibble. Feed bag labels should be read carefully, as the ionophore additive (when present) should be evident on the label of the product.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

🐶🐱 The Animal Poisons Helpline’s complimentary toxic food fridge magnets are back by popular demand! These magnets have ...
20/06/2024

🐶🐱 The Animal Poisons Helpline’s complimentary toxic food fridge magnets are back by popular demand! These magnets have been sought after by veterinary clinics for placement into puppy packs or for simply handing out to pet owners.

We are currently accepting orders from veterinary clinics located in WA only. If you are a member of a Western Australian veterinary team and your clinic is interested in obtaining a complimentary pack of these magnets, simply tag your clinic (or write your clinic name) in the comments below and we will arrange the postage. If you are a pet owner in WA, share this post with your local veterinary clinic so they don’t miss out.

19/06/2024

⛈ With the start of cold and flu season, the Animal Poisons Helpline has seen an increase in the number of calls about pets ingesting cold and flu medications. Companion animals can be very sensitive to decongestant preparations which are medications that help relieve blocked noses. These include oral decongestant preparations such as pseudoephedrine and nasal decongestant preparations such as oxymetazoline or xylometazoline. Some nasal preparations are also formulated with xylitol which can pose an additional risk for dogs.

Clinical signs vary depending on the formulation ingested. Ingestion of oral decongestants is associated with stimulant effects. Affected animals can become agitated, develop tremors, a high blood pressure or a rapid heart beat. In severe cases, seizures or alteration to the rhythm of the heart may occur. Ingestion of nasal preparations initially results in salivation and vomiting and affected animals can become drowsy and unsteady on their feet. As the poisoning progresses, a reduction in heart rate, blood pressure and breathing may occur.

Oral decongestant preparations are also frequently formulated with other medications which can result in multi-drug poisonings in pets. Risk of toxicity is highly dependent on the species involved and the amount and type of medication(s) ingested. Other common cold and flu medications that can be harmful to pets include:

❗️Paracetamol and ibuprofen which are used to reduce pain and fever.

❗️Sedating antihistamines, including chlorphenamine and dexchlorpheniramine commonly found in night time preparations.

❗️Throat preparations, including lozenges and sprays that can contain anti-inflammatories and anaesthetic agents.

❗️Cough suppressants including dihydrocodeine and dextromethorphan.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

13/06/2024

Our homes contain a number of everyday items that can be dangerous to companion animals. Every year, the Animal Poisons Helpline provides free poisoning advice to over 10,000 pet owners. Poisoning can occur following exposure to a variety of products such as human food, household items, medications and chemicals. The most common poisons that the Animal Poisons Helpline are contacted about include:

🐀Brodifacoum🐀
A common long-acting (second generation) anticoagulant rodenticide that is commonly formulated as pellets or wax blocks. Dogs are particularly sensitive to brodifacoum, with only very small doses required to result in bleeding. Bleeding typically has a delayed onset and unfortunately can be life-threatening. An antidote is available and early veterinary treatment in these cases can be life-saving.

🍫Chocolate🍫
Contains theobromine which is toxic to companion animals. Ingestions of small amounts can cause vomiting and diarrhoea whilst large ingestions can result in tremors, seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias. Dark chocolate or products with higher concentrations of cocoa are associated with greater risk as they contain larger quantities of theobromine.

🍇Grapes & Raisins🍇
Ingestions of grapes, sultanas and raisins are associated with acute kidney injury in dogs, which can be life-threatening if left untreated. The risk is highly dependent on the amount ingested and type of product (e.g. cooked product, juice, wine).Toxicity is thought to be related to tartaric acid, an organic acid found in high concentrations in grapes. Tartaric acid and its salts can be found in other fruits such as tamarind and food additives such as “cream of tartar” which are associated with the same risks.

🪴Organic Fertilisers🪴
Typically made of different types of manures often with added blood and bone meal, these are highly attractive to dogs. If dogs are allowed access to organic fertiliser packaging, it is not unusual for them to ingest very large quantities. Small ingestions can cause vomiting and diarrhoea but large ingestions can result in severe gastroenteritis and additional complications.

🐜Fipronil🐜
A common insecticide found in ant and cockroach killing products, often formulated as powders or gel baits. Fipronil is a neurotoxin with ingestions of concentrated formulations associated with twitching, tremors, unsteadiness on feet and in severe cases seizures. The risk is highly dependent on the amount ingested and the animal species involved. Rabbits are particularly sensitive to fipronil with toxicity may be seen following minor exposures.

🕷️Pyrethroids🕷️
Commonly found in domestic insecticide products such as insect and spider sprays, ant sands and mosquito coils. Some common pyrethroid compounds include permethrin, bifenthrin, deltamethrin and esfenvalerate. Cats are very sensitive to pyrethroids and extra caution should be taken when using these products around them. Small ingestions can result in drooling, pawing at their mouth or vomiting. More significant exposures may result in more serious effects such as tremor and seizures which can potentially be life-threatening.

🐌Iron🐌
Including iron-containing oxygen absorbers, some instant heat packs, iron supplements and some snail baits. The risk of poisoning is highly dependent on the amount ingested and the form/salt of iron. Iron poisoning in companion animals can range in severity from vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain to more severe signs such as shock and liver injury/failure. If left untreated these ingestions can result in multi-organ failure and death.

🧅Onions and Garlic🧅
Plants in the Allium genus contain compounds called disulfides and thiosulphates than can be toxic to dogs and cats when ingested in large quantities. The severity of poisoning is dependent on the type and amount of plant ingested. Signs can range from minor gastrointestinal effects to rarely a potentially life threatening anaemia.

🌱Glyphosate🌱
A commonly used herbicide product throughout Australia and New Zealand. Glyphosate is available in many different brands and preparations, ranging from dilute ready to use spray products to concentrates that require dilution prior to use. Risk of toxicity is dependent on the concentration of the product and the amount ingested. Small ingestions can result in drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea. More significant ingestions can result in burns to the mouth and throat and multi-organ effects.


💊Ibuprofen💊
The most common medication that the Helpline is contacted about. Companion animals are very sensitive to ibuprofen with cats being more susceptible to the toxic effects than dogs. Ingestion can result in gastrointestinal effects, kidney injury/failure and potentially neurotoxicity (coma and seizures). Ibuprofen is available in many different formulations including tablets, capsules and topical gels and can also be formulated in combination with other medications associated with additional risks.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, you may be interested to know that for a limited t...
04/06/2024

If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, you may be interested to know that for a limited time only your clinic can access the Animal Poisons Centre 24/7 veterinary line for less than $25 per month!

With the Animal Poisons Centre EOFY offer there has never been a more cost effective time to take out membership. With 20% off all Animal Poisons Centre memberships until the end of the financial year AND a membership expiry extension to 24 months (rather than 12 months), there has never been a better time to join.

The Animal Poisons Centre provides a 24/7 service to veterinary teams that are managing poisoned animals. The service provides rapid, up-to-date and evidence-based advice, with all consultations including a tailored PDF case report emailed soon after the call. All consultations are provided by a Poisons Information Consultant with prior experience as a Clinical Toxicology Pharmacist or senior Emergency Veterinarian.

Discounted membership is available at animalpoisonscentre.com.au/eofyoffer. Don't miss this opportunity, sale strictly ends 30/06/24.

*Offer valid only for new Animal Poisons Centre members. Discount and extended expiry applies to the first membership period only.

20/05/2024

The Animal Poisons Helpline’s toxic food fridge magnets have proved to be extremely popular, with over 500 Australian veterinary clinics receiving a magnet pack from our most recent distribution. We are now pleased to be able to offer Australian veterinary clinics more content for placement into puppy packs or for simply handing out to pet owners.

If you are a member of an Australian veterinary team and your clinic is interested in obtaining a complimentary pack of informative puppy guide booklets (“Practical Information for New Puppy Owners”) courtesy of our platinum sponsor Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, simply tag your clinic (or write your clinic name) below and state how many booklets you require (25, 50 or 100). Alternatively, you can order the packs at https://orders.bowwowinsurance.com.au/account/register.

Be quick, the supply of these complimentary booklets is limited. We thank Bow Wow Meow for making this distribution possible and for raising awareness of the life-saving service that the Animal Poisons Helpline provides.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

20/05/2024

Sodium fluoroacetate, commonly known as 1080, is a highly toxic pesticide that was introduced to Australia in 1952 to control rabbits. 1080 is currently used to control a range of animal species such as foxes, wild dogs and feral pigs across Australia and New Zealand. A similar compound known as potassium fluoroacetate is found in a number of Australian plant species including the Acacia georginae (gidgee), Gastrolobium spp., and Oxylobium spp. Consequently, native animal species in some areas of Australia are noted to be less susceptible to 1080 poisoning than introduced species. In Australia, 1080 is a restricted pesticide that is only available to those with training in its use and handling.

The relative toxicity of 1080 to various animals varies, with dogs and cats being highly susceptible to poisoning. Alongside native animal species, other animals including birds, reptiles and amphibians appear to be less susceptible to the toxic effects. After a lethal ingestion, signs of toxicity can occur within 30 minutes of exposure but can be delayed by several hours. Early signs include restlessness and hyperexcitation with affected dogs typically developing frenzied behaviour including running and barking for no apparent reason. This is followed soon after by vomiting, urinating and defecating uncontrollably which progresses to seizures. The survival rate in poisoned dogs is low, however early recognition and appropriate aggressive treatment has been reported to improve the chances of survival.

As 1080 has no specific antidote, prevention of poisoning is essential. Unfortunately as 1080 is frequently incorporated into meat baits, it can be highly appetising to dogs and other companion animals. Pet dogs should be kept well away from areas where baits may be distributed, these areas should be sign-posted. A muzzle can also assist in preventing dogs from eating baits or scavenging on carcasses that may be contaminated with trace amounts of 1080. Following any suspected ingestion, immediate veterinary assessment is recommended and may potentially be life-saving.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don't already follow the Animal Poisons Helpline page, follow now to receive live animal poisons alerts and updates. 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.

An animal welfare charity that provides a FREE service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

🚨🚨**WARNING**🚨🚨🍄 We are once again in ‘mushroom season’, and the Animal Poisons Helpline is seeing a sharp seasonal incr...
09/05/2024

🚨🚨**WARNING**🚨🚨

🍄 We are once again in ‘mushroom season’, and the Animal Poisons Helpline is seeing a sharp seasonal increase in the number of calls regarding pets eating wild mushrooms.

Wild mushroom ingestion can result in a spectrum of clinical signs depending on the species and toxin involved. Whilst many species will result in either no signs or a transient gastroenteritis like syndrome, some mushrooms such as Amanita phalloides (commonly known as the Death cap) can result in life-threatening effects after the ingestion of even small quantities. In some cases, signs of poisoning can be delayed hours or even days.

During this time of the year, wild mushroom ingestions are one of the most common reasons for calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline. You can reduce your pet's risk by keeping them leashed during walks and removing mushrooms from your yard before your pet has a chance to eat them. If your pet has ingested a wild mushroom, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for advice, even if your pet appears completely well.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don't already follow the Animal Poisons Helpline page, follow now to receive live animal poisons alerts and updates. 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.

09/05/2024

🪴 Anthuriums, also known as flamingo flowers, painter's palette or laceleaf are the largest genus of flowering plants in the Arum or Araceae family. The name Anthurium comes from the Greek word 'anthos' which means ‘tail flower’, referring to the tail-like spadix that protrudes from the plant. Whilst Anthuriums are known for their glossy green leaves and striking, scarlet, heart shaped flowers, other varieties can be found that range from creamy white through to pink, orange and deep purple. With flowers that are long lasting, Anthuriums are an ideal indoor plant commonly found in many households across Australia and New Zealand.

Like other plants in the Araceae family, Anthuriums contain microscopic needle shaped crystal structures known as raphides in all parts of the plant. When animals chew into these plants, the sharp crystals are deposited into the mouth, tongue and lips. This results in an almost immediate burning sensation and affected animals begin drooling, licking excessively and may be reluctant to eat. If the plant material has been swallowed, vomiting may also occur. In some cases, swelling of the tongue and throat can occur which can affect an animal's ability to breath. Whilst we do not necessarily think you need to remove these plants from your household, placing them out of reach of your pet is a good idea. Consider using hanging baskets or barriers to keep your furry friend safe.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don't already follow the AAnimal Poisons Helplinepage, follow now to receive live animal poisons alerts and updates. If you are a member of a veterinary team in Australia or New Zealand, you can join the AAnimal Poisons Centre For VetsFacebook 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 service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

02/05/2024

🚨🚨**ALERT**🚨🚨

Anticoagulant rodenticides (commonly known as rat and mouse baits) are the most common poison that the Animal Poisons Helpline is phoned about. They are available in Australia and New Zealand as wax blocks and pellets. These poisons work by interfering with the activation of vitamin K, which is required to produce numerous clotting factors. With a lack of clotting factors, the blood cannot effectively clot and this results in uncontrolled bleeding and death in the rodent.

These products are frequently formulated in grain-based baits which are intended to attract rodents. Unfortunately dogs are also attracted to these baits and will often eat large quantities if given a chance to do so. Companion animals that ingest these baits can also be at risk of life-threatening bleeding. The risk of poisoning following the ingestion of these baits is highly dependent on the type and dose of anticoagulant ingested and well as the weight of the animal.

Signs of poisoning from anticoagulant rodenticides are typically delayed by at least several days and can vary significantly depending on the site and extent of the bleeding. The initial lack of clinical signs may provide false reassurance to pet owners prior to the onset of life-threatening bleeding. It is for this reason that you should never wait for signs to appear before seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or the Animal Poisons Helpline. Following a toxic ingestion of these baits, early veterinary treatment is often life-saving.

The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on ☎️1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). If you don't already follow the Animal Poisons Helpline page, follow now to receive live animal poisons alerts and updates. 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 service to Australian pet owners between 9AM-5PM AEST (AEDT during DST) 7 days/week

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