Poisoning in dogs

TEXT: RHIANNON CECIL

THE SILENT KILLER

We’re well into springtime, which is wonderful, warm, and full of new beginnings. Sadly, it also means a rise in the number of canine poisonings reported. Whether deliberate or accidental, poisons are generally fast-acting, and the best chance to counteract the effects is to act quickly and have what you need at hand. Keeping your property safe is only half the battle, and when it comes to poisonings, you need to be prepared - knowledge can save lives.

SOME POISONING FACTS

1. Poisoning is generally more prevalent in spring and summer. There are a number of reasons for this, the most common being simply that our dogs spend more time outdoors when it’s hot. People, too, are more active in spring and summer, and over the holidays, DIY projects and increased traffic through your household means increased exposure to potential toxins in your dog’s environment. Over the festive season, crime statistics also peak, and people often use poisons to neutralise threats and gain access to your property.

2. The most prevalent poisons are easy to come across Though dogs can be poisoned by a number of toxins, the most common culprits include rat poison (rodenticide), insecticides such as organophosphates and carbamate, and antifreeze. All three are readily available at your local hardware store and can have devastating results if ingested by your dog.

3. How your dog is affected by poison depends on several factors The amount of poison ingested and the dog’s size and physical state all play a role in how he will react to poisoning. Smaller dogs have faster metabolisms, which means they can ‘process’ toxins faster. The higher the dog’s temperature and the amount of anxiety the dog is experiencing also impact the speed at which the poison takes effect.

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR DOG HAS BEEN POISONED?

Catching poisonings early can mean the difference between life and death. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:

1. Symptoms of poisoning with rat poison Rat poison ingestion can be deliberate, accidental, and even secondary (eating a rat who has been poisoned). There are a number of different rodenticides on the market, and symptoms may vary, but be on the lookout for the following symptoms in your dog: • General weakness and lethargy • Lack of appetite and lack of thirst • Pressing the head against furniture • Obvious discomfort; circling, inability to sit still • Impaired movement or ataxia (moving like a drunk person) • Paralysis of the hind limbs • Seizures • Muscle spasms

Some rat poisons use anticoagulants as their principal ingredient. This will stop the blood from clotting, and although the symptoms are less dramatic, they must be taken seriously. Anticoagulant poisoning may present with the following: • General weakness • Low body temperature • Pale gums • Difficulty breathing/laboured breathing • Rapid heart rate • Blood in urine or stool • Nose bleeds

Watch out for areas of insecticide use when on your walks.

2. Symptoms of organophosphate and carbamate poisoning Insecticides are designed to interrupt the nervous system of insects, decrease their heart rate, and eventually paralyse them. Sadly, they have an almost identical effect when ingested by dogs. This type of poisoning can be fatal and needs to be managed rapidly.

Your dog may have organophosphate poisoning if he displays the following: • Cramping, visible stomach pain • General weakness • Paralysis or partial paralysis • Trouble breathing • Diarrhoea • Vomiting • Dilated pupils • Frequent urination • Salivating more than normal • Muscles twitching • Seizures • Anxiety and restlessness

Carbamate, commonly known as Two-Step is popular among criminals and is commonly used to incapacitate dogs so they can enter your home. The results of carbamate poisoning are devastating; it’s extremely fast acting and fatal in many cases if not treated immediately. Symptoms include: • Vomiting • Twitching and tremors • Convulsions • Excessive salivation • Diarrhoea and loss of bladder control • Constricted pupils • Ataxia • Cramping • Sensitivity to stimuli such as light and loud sounds • Muscle contractions • Fluid in the lungs/difficulty breathing • Paralysis

3. SYMPTOMS OF ANTIFREEZE INGESTION

Antifreeze is a chemical called ethylene glycol and is used to cool down car radiators. It’s easy for a dog to come into contact with if it’s leaking from your car, and research suggests it’s sweet to taste, making it all the more dangerous. Ingesting just a small amount can be deadly for dogs. Be aware that if your dog has ingested antifreeze, there will be a period in which symptoms seem to subside. However, during this period, your dog is not okay, as a great deal of damage is happening beneath the surface. Be on the lookout for: • Drunken behaviour- ethylene glycol has similar properties to ethanol, so your dog may act as though he is intoxicated. • Ataxia • Decreased reflexes • Muscle twitches • Vomiting • Difficulty standing • Increased thirst • Increased urination • 12 to 24 hours after ingestion, your dog seems to make a recovery, after which kidney failure, coma, and death can occur.

In any of these circumstances, make immediate arrangements to get your dog to a vet.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR DOG HAS BEEN POISONED

Once you’ve called your vet, there are actions you can take while you’re on your way to them and even while you’re on the phone. The most important thing to remember is to act immediately. Familiarise yourself with these tips so if the time comes, you’re as prepared as you can be:

1. Research 24-hour vets and keep their phone numbers handy. Poisonings have a knack of happening at odd hours, and you won’t be able to wait until normal practice hours to treat your dog. 24-hour vets do have an after-hours fee, so you may want to compare vets in your area, so you know exactly where to go if you need to.

2. Stay calm. If your dog is poisoned, you want to keep his heart rate as low as possible. If you panic, he will panic. So keep as cool and collected as possible, which will also make remembering what to do next much easier!

3. Try to identify what poisoned your dog. The more information you can give your vet, the better. Look around for anything out of the ordinary. If your dog has vomited or had diarrhoea, try and get a sample for the vet, and take a moment to try and narrow down the symptoms so you have an idea of what to tell your vet. You can even take a video if you have the time.

4. Remove the substance. If you manage to identify the toxin, the last thing you need is for your dog to consume more while you’re on the phone with the vet or getting the car ready. If you haven’t managed to find it, isolate your dog in a safe space while you make arrangements to get them to the clinic.

5. Get to the vet as soon as possible. Phone ahead so they’re expecting you and move your dog to the car. Be careful when doing so, as if your dog is in pain, he may bite or scratch you. Approach and pick him up from the side and put a blanket over his face if you think it’s necessary. Try to move his head, neck and spine as little as possible and keep his head level. Bring a blanket from home with familiar smells to help keep him calm.

6. Keep him as cool and secure as possible in the car. Keep the air conditioning on, and don’t wrap him in blankets. The higher his temperature, the faster his heart will pump the toxins through his system. Put a harness on him and a seatbelt or even use a crate if you can to keep movement in the car to a minimum. The more secure he is, the more you can focus on driving.

7. Tell your vet everything. Your vet won’t judge you; they see poisoning all the time. Give them all the information you can. If your dog is nervous or aggressive toward strangers, ensure your vet knows this so they can take precautions. 8. Stay with your dog as long as you’re allowed to. Seeing the vet is nerve-wracking for your dog, and he takes comfort from being with someone he knows. Your vet will not allow you to be present for everything but stay with him as long as you can.

TAKE ALL THE STEPS YOU CAN TO PREVENT POISONING

Sometimes poisoning is unavoidable, but there are steps we can take to make it less likely to happen.

1. Keep all poisonous substances out of reach. If you have toxic substances in your home, ensure they are locked in cupboards and high off the ground to prevent accidental exposure.

If you notice unusual behaviour in your dog, consider poisoning as the cause.

2. Make sure you buy pet friendly The most innocuous-looking daily cleaning products and insect repellents can be harmful to your dog. Check labels and opt for pet-friendly alternatives.

3. Be aware of what is harmful to your dog. Although we have covered three major toxins, there are many others likely to be found in the home. Some common household items toxic to dogs include: • Xylitol - a sweetener • Nicotine • Chocolate • Coffee • Garlic • Avocados • Detergent • Pharmaceuticals • Alcohol • Fertiliser • Cleaning products • Grapes

4. Let your dog sleep inside Even guard dogs should be sleeping indoors at night. They are more of a deterrent if would-be attackers don’t know where they are or how many of them there are. Dogs also can’t be poisoned before they gain entry into your home, which is a popular MO at the moment.

5. Basic training can save your dog’s life If your dog is familiar with commands like “leave it” and “drop it,” you can curtail the effects of poisoning if you catch them in the act. You can also train your dog in “food refusal,” which teaches them they are only allowed to take food if the offer is accompanied by a specific command. Be warned, teaching a dog not to take food off the floor is a lot more challenging. It may be safer in the long run, however, especially if you live on a high-risk property such as a large plot or in a high-risk area.

6. Keep in touch with your local vets and neighbourhood watch If there is a spike in poisonings in your area, you want to know about it. Poisonings tend to come in waves and seem to focus on a specific area for a while before moving on. If your dog has been poisoned, share it with people in your neighbourhood so they can be on the lookout as well.