Poison Prevention:  Mission Possible National Poison Prevention Week:  March 17-23, 2002

Your Mission, should you choose to accept it, is to prevent pet poisoning!

March 17-23, 2002, is National  Poison Prevention Week.  Pet poisoning can occur in many ways.  The most common ways are the ingestion of foods, plants, medications, and poisons meant for other animals.  The scenarios below are similar to cases where we have had pets poisoned.  Prevention of poisoning is always better than having to treat the pet for poison ingestion..

1. Rosie, a bichon frise, began with symptoms of refusing to eat.  The next day she became extremely lethargic.  By the time her owner brought Rosie to us, she was in serious condition.  Blood tests indicated that Rosie ingested poison.  Upon further investigation, the owner revealed that the exterminator had treated the house three days before.  Fortunately, Rosie was treated and survived.

Clues to Prevention:  If you must use an exterminator, find out exactly what kind of infestation the exterminator treated your house for and exactly where the poisons were placed. Encourage your exterminator to use pet-friendly methods of extermination.

2.       Rex, a German shepherd, was brought into the garage for the night.  The next morning Rex had symptoms of vomiting, difficulty with coordination, and was drinking large quantities of water.  Upon examination, it was revealed that the car had leaked antifreeze on the garage floor.  Rex licked the liquid from the floor.  Unfortunately, treatment was too late for Rex and he did not survive.  Animals who have ingested antifreeze must be treated within an hour in order to survive.

Clues to Prevention:  Be sure to keep antifreeze (ethylene glycol) leaks cleaned up, better yet, don’t keep animals and automobiles in the same location.  Dispose of empty antifreeze containers away from where pets can access them.  As little as one teaspoon for cats and one tablespoon for dogs can be fatal to the pet.  Antifreeze tastes sweet and pets will lap it up eagerly.

3. Frisky, a cat, began with symptoms of lethargy (Frisky wasn't frisky anymore) and refusing to eat.  Her owner brought Frisky to us.  Blood tests indicated that Frisky may have ingested poison.  Frisky’s owner had NO poison in the house or even on the property.  The neighbors had not placed any poison outside either.  So where did Frisky get the poison?  It was revealed that the neighbor had placed rat poison in their basement.  A mouse had ingested the poison at the neighbor’s house, crawled into Frisky’s yard, and Frisky ate the mouse.  Fortunately, Frisky was treated in time and survived.

Clues to Prevention:  If you’re pets are allowed to be outside, be sure that your yard is free of dead animals.

If you think your pet has been poisoned, time is of the essence.  The sooner your pet receives treatment, the better the chance for survival.  If you suspect that your pet has ingested poison, call us immediately!  765-886-5191 or 765-962-4389.

Prevention of poisoning is the best cure!

Return to Medical Notes Index