18/09/2024
Do you have a dog who likes to get themselves into trouble and keeps you worried with their antics? Have they ever gotten into something that caused a frantic trip to the vet or extra long and sleepless night while you waited for your vet to open? Did you ever wonder how of if you should induce vomiting after they ingested something they shouldn’t have? Have you ever spent hours researching on dr google to find out if what they are is dangerous? Do you own an animal? Because if you haven’t experienced any of the above scenarios yet then chances are you will at some point in their life.
Keep this information handy!
1-800-213-6680
This is the number for Pet Poison Helpline which is staffed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians with special training in animal poisonings; as well as board-certified veterinary toxicologists, internal medicine specialists, and emergency & critical care specialists. This resource is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days of the year.
While this service is not free ($85) it can provide peace of mind that a substance will not cause your pet long term harm, or it can help you buy your pet valuable time by instructing you on how to provide emergency treatment such as telling you to induce vomiting or not before you head to the nearest emergency vet.
What happens when someone calls after their animal has ingested a potential toxin?
The veterinary professionals will take a detailed history to find out what, specifically, they were exposed to and how. Then they will ask for important information such as the species, breed, age, weight, health history, current medications, and more. Using this information they will advise you on what the risk for that pet is. If the pet requires veterinary care, they will speak with the pet’s veterinarian and provide them with guidance on how to treat that pet.
There are so many things in their day to day lives that our pets are exposed to that can cause them harm but the most common toxins pets ingest are:
1. Chocolate
2. Grapes and raisins
3. Xylitol
4. Ibuprofen
5. Bromethalin
6. Ma*****na
7. Anticoagulant rodenticides
8. Vitamin D3
9. Onions/chives/leeks/shallots
10. Carprofen
Even the most cautious pet owners can have an accident and it’s best to be prepared, so save this number in your phone just in case. After all, dr google isn’t always the most reliable source of information and sometimes it’s best to contact a pro for help. Your pets life might depend on it.
