Tag Archives: intoxication

Dogs

Keep medications away from dogs

 

Keep medications away from dogs

If your dog suddenly seems unwell, it can be tempting to give them medicine you have at home, but many of the most common medications humans use are toxic to our furry friends.

These include acetaminophen (Paracetamol), common anti-depressants and sleeping pills, among many others and they can cause gastrointestinal effects (such as vomiting and diarrhoea), neurological effects (such as seizures) or even kidney and liver failure.

This is why human medications should never be given to dogs and should always be out of reach to ensure they aren’t accidentally swallowed.

 

How to prevent dogs from accidentally ingesting medications

Here are some tips on how to keep your dogs safe from accidentally ingesting medications:

  • Always keep both human and veterinary medications in a place where your pets can’t access, such as a closed cabinet or drawer. If your dog is persistent, you might need to lock that cabinet;

 

  • If you drop a pill on the floor, immediately pick it up;

 

  • Don’t leave pills unattended on tables or nightstands;

 

  • Keep human medications separate from pet medications to prevent them from getting mixed up;

 

  • Always keep medications in their original box;

 

  • Pay attention to storage instructions and expiration dates – some medications might need to be stored in the fridge, for example. Don’t give your dog expired medications;

 

  • Don’t let pets have contact with medication patches, such as a nicotine patch;

 

  • Don’t let pets lick skin where a topical medication has just been applied;

 

  • Don’t throw medications in the garbage, especially if you have a curious dog that has a tendency to sniff around the trash.

 

What to do if your dog accidentally ingests medications

If your dog ingests a medication that wasn’t prescribed for them, contact your veterinarian immediately, and let them know what medications your pet has eaten and how much. You can also contact the Animal poison line  (https://www.animalpoisonline.co.uk/).

If your vet isn’t available for any reason, it’s best to take your pet to the nearest emergency vet. Time is of the essence, and the sooner your pet is assessed, the better.

Ultimately, you should never give dogs human or veterinary medications without consulting your veterinarian. Not only are certain human medications toxic to pets, but even for the ones that are safe, administering the correct dosage is essential to prevent problems for your dog or cat.

Even medications meant for pets might only be safe for a specific species. For example, certain flea medications commonly used for dogs are highly toxic to cats. Be sure to follow your vet’s instructions carefully when giving your pet any medication.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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Dogs, The Pet Professionals

Dog owners beware! Bloom of toxic blue-green algae

The summer sun brings serious summer fun! Our countryside walks are back in full swing, with all due distancing and safety precautions of course, and there is nothing better than taking our doggy friends for a day out near the lake or jog around the forest ponds.

However, before all of this awesome fun can start, it’s important to remember that there are several dangerous situations that lurk around lakes, ponds and any spots where water remains stagnated for a long time.

 

Not your friendly sea algae!

Blooming blue-green algae are a frequent presence on still water when the days start warming up, and this year is no exception. If you’ve ever noticed green or brown scum floating on the surface of the water, you were likely looking right at blue-green algae!

Their name is misleading though, as they are not in fact algae, but are instead a type of bacteria. They are cyanobacteria, and they produce toxins that can be fatal to pets if ingested, even in small quantities.

A recent report by the British Veterinary Association indicates that these bacteria are back in full force, with one lethal case this year already so it’s definitely something owners should be aware of!

 

Signs of intoxication

Dogs, in their boundless curiosity, usually contact the bacteria by drinking some contaminated water, licking them off their fur after a refreshing dip, or just because they found the pond scum absolutely impossible to resist consuming.

Signs can show up within minutes to hours after exposure, and they can include:

  • Vomiting,
  • Drooling,
  • Diarrhoea,
  • Trouble walking,
  • Difficulty breathing,
  • Seizures.

 

If you spot any of these after a great day out, don’t delay! Veterinary treatment must be administered promptly as toxins will target the liver, causing irreversible and possibly lethal damage.

 

Avoiding dangerous encounters

Fortunately, not all blue-green algae are toxic, but it’s not possible to tell just by looking at them on lakes or rivers.

The best way to make sure there are no accidents is to always keep your dogs on a lead near lakes, ponds or rivers that have been confirmed or are suspected of having toxic blooms. Warning signs from the local council or the Environment Agency will often let you know if the site is safe for a swim or you can check their online notices.

Dogs that have been swimming outside should be washed with clean water to make sure there is no residue on the coat or limbs.

 

If you think your dog might have contacted blue-green algae, this is an emergency situation and time is of the essence! Cyanobacteria intoxication has no specific antidote, and the sooner treatment starts, the better the chances of a full recovery.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

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