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Pet Poison Prevention

March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month and our blog this month comes from our guest writer, Aubrey Oiller of Bluebell Pet Care. Aubrey is a Certified Pet First Aid Instructor with years of experience teaching people how to have the confidence and skills to act fast and save a dog’s life.


A dog in a kitchen with its head in the kitchen bin


What to do if your dog has consumed something toxic

 

No dog owner wants to think about this however, we cannot prevent all things from happening. But accidents happen! Dogs grab things off counters. They chew what they should not. They eat first and think later. When it comes to poisoning, speed and clarity matter. Panic does not help. Preparation and prevention do.

 

 

Here is what to do if you suspect a dog has consumed something toxic:


1. Stay calm and remove access

If you see your dog eating something harmful, safely remove it straight away. Do not put yourself at risk, especially if the dog is guarding the item and could bite. Move your dog away from the area so they cannot consume more.

 

2. Do not guess or Google or AI

This is where hesitation can cause problems. Google or AI is unreliable and there is some straight up dangerous ''advice'' out there regarding what to do. Do not attempt to make your dog sick unless you have been specifically instructed to do so by a veterinary professional. Inducing vomiting in the wrong situation can make things significantly worse. Do not wait to “see how they are in an hour”.

 

3. Contact a professional immediately

Call your vet straight away. Even if your dog seems fine. Some toxins take time to show symptoms. If your vet is closed, contact your nearest emergency veterinary service. You can also contact the Animal PoisonLine. They provide specialist toxicology advice for pet owners and veterinary professionals across the UK. They can assess the risk based on what was consumed, the amount, your dog’s size and medical history. This allows your vet to act quickly and appropriately. Keep their number saved in your phone before you ever need it.


The Animal Poisonline logo and telephone number

4. Gather information

Be ready to provide:

  • What your dog consumed

  • How much they may have eaten

  • When it happened

  • Your dog’s weight and any existing health conditions

If possible, take the packaging or a photo of the substance with you to the vet.

 

5. Watch for symptoms but do not rely on them

Common signs of poisoning can include:

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhoea

  • Drooling

  • Tremors

  • Lethargy

  • Seizures 

  • Pale gums

  • Changes in breathing

 

But here is the important part....

The absence of symptoms does not mean the absence of danger! Some substances cause internal damage before visible signs appear. That is why early professional advice is critical.

 

 

Prevention Is Always Better Than Reaction

  • Store cleaning products securely.

  • Keep human medication out of reach.

  • Be mindful of foods that are toxic to dogs such as chocolate, grapes and xylitol containing products.

  • Before leaving the house, do a quick scan to ensure items they may reach are put away.

 

Let's make sure we are practicing prevention not only in March, but every month!




For more information on the Animal PoisonLine, visit: animalpoisonline.co.uk


You can find out more about Aubrey and the courses that she runs, both in-person and online, on her website bluebellpetcare.com



 


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