Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Poison Prevention Awareness Month Final Post!

We can hardly believe it is already the end of March. This week we will conclude the month by focusing on what to do in case of a toxicity, and how to better prepare yourself as pet owners. We never expect these things to happen. However, part of being a responsible pet owner is to be prepared in case the unexpected occurs. The information provided will focus on general guidelines. Every toxicity and every pet is different.

What do I do?

To begin, DON’T PANIC! I know this is easier said than done. When something happens to one of our pets that is unexpected it can seem terrifying. Take a minute to collect yourself and gather the information. Remember that our pet’s cannot tell us what’s wrong, where they hurt, and how serious something is. We need your help in figuring out what went wrong to determine how to best treat your pet. Below is a quick list of the materials that are ideal to have on hand in case of an emergency toxicity:

Name, age, approximate weight, sex, and breed of your pet
Every pet is different. There are various breed differences and gender differences that can matter in the case of a toxicity. Know the approximate weight of your animal. A yearly physical examination is the best way to keep track of your pet’s weight. Remember, it does not cost anything to stop into our hospital to keep the weight of your pet accurate.

Brief file of your pet’s previous/current medical history/medications
Being able to give a brief summary of the previous medical issues, current medical issues, and current medications your pet might have/have had is very important. Do not forget to mention things like monthly preventative products such as flea and tick products.

The name, number, and directions to various hospitals
Have the number and location of your regular veterinary clinic on hand at all times. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital if you have an emergency during the day, we will always try to find time for your pet. If you have a emergency after hours call our hospital at 725-8117 to be transferred to the emergency numbers. Dr. Will and myself try and make ourselves available as much as possible to come in after hours for medical emergencies. We both have emergency phones at our homes that we will answer if we are home, depending on which doctor is covering that day. However, we are NOT available all the time and are not equipped as a 24 hour emergency hospital. If your emergency can wait for a call back, please leave us a message. If your emergency is critical you need to have the name, numbers, and locations of other resources.
No matter where you live you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center. This hotline staffs experts in the area of animal toxicity. Please be advised there is a $65 non-refundable consultation charge that may be applied to your credit card for this service for the ASPCA to continue to staff and run this hotline.
If you live in the Gloversville area please be advised of the following veterinary emergency hospital numbers and locations:
The Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic is located on Rte 2, just east of the Latham Circle. (518)785-1094

The Northway Animal Emergency Clinic is located just North of Saratoga in Gansevoort (about 1 hour drive). They are located on Fawn Road, .5 miles North of Exit 17N, of the Northway. (518)761-2602

Information about the intoxication
One of the most useful things you will be able to do in the case of exposure to toxic substance is take a few minutes to collect any products involved. If possible have the name and amount of the substance to which your pet was exposed. If the product came in a canister or box, grab that container and have it with you while you are on the phone or bring it with you to the hospital. The more information we have, the better we are able to treat your pet. We are going to want to know:

WHEN did this happen- many exposures are time sensitive, or may take days to develop symptoms

WHAT was ingested or your pet exposed to. This means ideally having the product with you, or knowing what the item/food/substance was, the specific name, and the active ingredients.

HOW much was ingested by your pet, or how much could have possibly been ingested.

Information about your Pet’s Symptoms
When you call us, another hospital, or the poison hotline we are going to want to know what symptoms your pet is exhibiting. If you witness an ingestion or exposure to something you are not sure is toxic CALL ANYWAY! It is better to be safe and consult your veterinarian. If you witness an ingestion or exposure to something that you know is harmful but your pet is not exhibiting any symptoms, CALL ANYWAY! Some poisons or toxic foods etc may take days before your pet begins to develop symptoms. Intervention AS SOON AS POSSIBLE is the best chance for your pet to have a good outcome.

I recommend having a pet first aid kit available in your house to address a variety of needs should the occasion arise. An alternative would be to make sure you have these items available and know the location in an emergency. (Please keep in mind these are items necessary that are MOST related to an intoxication. A general first aid kit may need other items for other types of emergencies)

1. Hydrogen peroxide
A number of ingestions can benefit from inducing vomiting at home. Always contact your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA poison control center BEFORE inducing vomiting as some substances SHOULD NOT be vomited up even if toxic.

2. A Muzzle
Having a muzzle handy for both a dog and cat will be useful. If your pet is having seizures or is biting due to fear or pain you will need to properly muzzle them in order to protect them, yourself, and get them where they need to go as quckly and safely as possible.

3. Saline eye solution
Remember your pet investigates with their nose and face. This means your pet’s eyes may become traumatized. Keep eye solution (consider artificial tears) in case your pet’s eyes need to be flushed.

4. A large syringe (cooking baster can substitute)
You will need a way to administer peroxide or other fluids such as milk in the case of an emergency ingestion. A large syringe or cooking baster can help do this while not having your hands directly in your pet’s mouth

5. A bottle of mild dishwashing liquid
In the case of a topic liquid causing a toxicity (topical flea and tick products, insecticides etc) you will need grease-cutting liquid
dishwashing solution with which to bath your pet.

6. Several large plastic baggies
Make sure you have a few baggies available to place any vomited items (rat bait) or items that represent what might have been
ingested in your kit to quickly collect materials necessary to bring to the hospital or reference over the phone.

7. Information List
Any emergency kit should have a list of the names, numbers, locations, and directions to the most accessible sources for
information and treatment

Thank you so much for staying with us as we discussed this important topic. It is important to Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital to be there for your pet. Please do not hesitate to call anytime to ask a question or voice a concern regarding your pet.

Dr. Santspree