Poison Tips

[Dauxside]

This came across the Dachsforum

In the event you suspect your pet may have been poisoned Here are some tips:

Animal Poison Control Center (APCC)
As the premier animal poison control center in North America, the APCC is your best resource for any animal poison-related emergency, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. If you think that your pet may have ingested a potentially poisonous substance, make the call that can make all the difference:

(888) 426-4435. A $60 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.

Your first priority of course is getting to your veterinarian, if someone is with you have them call the poison control number above to seek advise while you are preparing to get to vet; use a cell phone if you have it so the land line is free for emergency veterinarian phone call. Have an area emergency vet number available either by the phone or with your regular veterinarian's phone number (for after hrs call.)

Some toxins can progress and lead to severe seizures. If you suspect Antifreeze poisoning, it must be treated within 4-6 hours, before irreversible kidney damage is done.

For plant, or general poisoning suspected:

PURGE THE POISON. In most cases of poisoning, getting your pet to vomit is the most important thing that you can do. To induce vomiting, you can give hydrogen peroxide. DON’T INDUCE VOMITING if something caustic has been consumed (such as drain cleaner or bleach).

For caustic poisoning suspected:

NEUTRALIZE THE TOXIN. If a caustic substance has been ingested, DON’T induce vomiting, rather give something to neutralize it. An alkaline toxin such as drain cleaner is neutralized by something acidic such as vinegar. An acidic toxin, such as battery acid, is best neutralized with something alkaline such as Milk of Magnesia.

As noted, in your pet emergency health kit have hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and Milk of Magnesia. Small empty bottles are usually available in travel section of department stores - the type used for travel shampoos and lotions. You can also include a baby's hollow measure spoon for administering liquid medication to infants - those work wonders for giving meds to pets.

[alimel]

Thank you for posting. This is useful information that everyone needs to know.

[Dauxside]

TA Alimel - I have not only an emergency evacuation kit for the dogs but also an Emergency care kit for them. IMHO it's as important for companions animals to have one as it is for every home to have one for humans.

Poisoning is so scary...but they're like 3 y/o and *will* get into things.

[alimel]

No kidding, have you met Buddy? I am going to print this, thank you again.

[Dauxside]

LOL does he need a sock to eat? Yes, that phone number is good to have by the phone or on the fridge. Just in case.

I'm taping it to the cover of my dog emergency kit.