Animal Poison Prevention Week

Animal poisoning can happen anytime and anywhere. In most cases, it happens right at home and is unintentional. Animals are curious by nature and always unpredictable.


The first step to poisoning prevention is at home prevention. Toxins should be stored safely to avoid ingestion. Make sure that any chemical spills are cleaned up both inside and outside of the house. Always keep your pet on a leash, or in a fenced yard. Do not let your pet roam where you cannot maintain their living space. Read all ingredient labels on chemicals you are using for your pet. Follow dosage instructions. These are some ways that are not time consuming, and can stop animal poisoning before it starts.

If you think your pet may have ingested a toxin, there are symptoms to look for. Lethargy, vomiting, lack of appetite, staggering, seizures or difficulty breathing are a small number of symptoms exhibited in poisoning. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, call your vet immediately. There are no substantial at home treatments for poisoned animals so always seek medical advice.

As you are preparing for your vet visit, the more information provided will help dramatically. Important information that your vet will need is what was consumed, when it was consumed and how much was consumed. This information is vital for finding and starting the right treatment hastily.

Professional help can range from many different types of treatments depending on what the animal was exposed to. If the toxin was absorbed through the skin, your vet may give a lukewarm bath to start. If the animal ingested a toxin, the vet can help by giving fluids, anti-nausea medicine, pain medication, sedatives, seizure control, or oxygen therapy.

Animal poisoning can be scary and nerve wracking, but prevention starts at home. Make your pets’ home safe to live in. We don’t always know what our pets are doing, and what they have been in. The important thing to remember is, when in doubt call. Early detection and treatments are the quickest way to have our furry friends safe and sound.