Hello Everyone:
Recently I had a bit of high concern that my Gracie may have
gotten into rodent poison. She is ok, but I learned that I knew very
little about what to do - though I had some very wonderful people help me even
though it was a holiday! Still, I decided that when I got home, I would
do a post on "what to do..." for the blog.
As I began to research this article, I quickly found that there was
more than could be put into a simple post. One great person advised a
number of great sites full of information, and another gave me the idea of
books on the topic.
Below is something I stole from the ASPCA. I give you the link
as well, and I hope you will visit their site. Perhaps highest of value,
the number to call to get a vet on the line.
There are a number of great books available as well for home
reference. One such I found is:
Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook
Debra M. Eldredge DVM (Author etal)
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Owners-Home-Veterinary-Handbook/dp/0470067853/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353807606&sr=1-1&keywords=home+vet+care
http://www.amazon.com/Dog-Owners-Home-Veterinary-Handbook/dp/0470067853/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1353807606&sr=1-1&keywords=home+vet+care
I, of course, hope we all never need any of this. But, "stuff
happens", as they say. I'm learning to be better prepared.
Thank you!!
~ randy
What To Do If Your Pet Is Poisoned
Don't panic. Rapid response is important, but panicking
can interfere with the process of helping your pet.
Take 30 to 60 seconds to safely collect and have at hand
any material involved. This may be of great benefit to your vet and/or ASPCA
toxicologists, as they determine what poison or poisons are involved. In the
event that you need to take your pet to a local veterinarian, be sure to take
the product's container with you. Also, collect in a sealable plastic bag any
material your pet may have vomited or chewed.
If you witness your pet consuming material that you
suspect might be toxic, do not hesitate to seek emergency assistance, even if
you do not notice any adverse effects. Sometimes, even if poisoned, an animal
may appear normal for several hours or for days after the incident.
Call the ASPCA
Animal Poison Control Center
The telephone number is (888) 426-4435. There is a $65
consultation fee for this service.
Be ready with the following information:
· The species,
breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved.
· The animal's
symptoms.
· Information
regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent
involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.
· Have the product
container/packaging available for reference.
Please note: If your animal is having seizures, losing
consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone
ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency
veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the ASPCA.
Be Prepared
Keep the telephone number of the ASPCA Animal Poison
Control Center—(888) 426-4435—as well as that of your local veterinarian, in a
prominent location.
Invest in an emergency first-aid kit for your pet. The
kit should contain:
· A fresh
bottle of hydrogen peroxide, 3 percent USP (to induce vomiting)
· A turkey
baster, bulb syringe or large medicine syringe (to administer peroxide)
· Saline eye
solution
· Artificial tear
gel (to lubricate eyes after flushing)
· Mild
grease-cutting dawn dishwashing liquid (for bathing an animal after skin
contamination)
· Forceps (to remove
stingers)
· A muzzle (to
protect against fear- or excitement-induced biting)
· A can of your
pet's favorite wet food
· A pet carrier
Always consult a veterinarian or the ASPCA for directions
on how and when to use any emergency first-aid item.
