Dogs are deemed man’s best friend, and in the South African crime-heavy climate, dogs not only serve as a member of the family but, in many cases, also act as an effective security system. Sadly, criminals hoping to gain access to your property know this and have resorted to poisoning dogs in an attempt to get them out of the way.
The most commonly used poisons by criminals are organophosphates and carbamate (commercially known as Aldicarb, Temik and Two-Step) often found in insecticides and pesticides. Anticoagulant rat poison (ARP) is also often used.
IDENTIFYING THESE POISONS
- Organophosphates/Carbamate: tiny black or bluish granules very similar to gun powder.
- Anticoagulant Rat Poison: usually in pellet or cake form.
THE SYMPTOMS
Generally, organophosphates and carbamate are extremely fast-acting and kill about 95% of all dogs. ARPs take a bit longer to take effect but are equally lethal, even when ingested in small amounts. These are the most common signs and symptoms of poisoning in animals:
EARLY STAGE
- Intense twitching of the skin
- Disorientation
- Confusion
- Excessive salivation or foaming at the mouth
- Coughing up mucus or blood
- A runny nose
- Hyperventilation (rapid breathing)
- Increased restlessness
- Dilated or pinpoint pupils
ADVANCED STAGE
- Vomiting which, in the case of ARPs, contains blood
- Sudden difficulty breathing
- Convulsions
- Weakness
- Extreme drowsiness and lethargy
- Contortion of the body
- Diarrhoea (in the case of ARPs the stool is usually black and tarry)
- Muscle twitching
- Muscle twitching and tremors
In the case of ARPs:
- Bleeding from the gums, nose and wounds
- Sudden blindness
- Blood in urine
LATE STAGE
- Partial or complete paralysis
- Unconsciousness
- Coma
If you suspect your dog has ingested poison, don’t wait for the above symptoms to show. Rather take your dog to the vet immediately.
WHAT TO DO
It’s important to act fast the moment you suspect your dog has been poisoned. However, the very first thing you need to do is call your vet and tell him/her you’re on your way. The vet will give you instructions on what to do in the meantime to better your pet’s chance of survival.
- Try and remain calm and focus on what you need to do.
- Also have someone alert your security company as poisonings are often a precursor to a possible house break-in.
- Remove your animal from the source of the poison. Also ensure children and other pets are kept away from the suspected poisonous substance.
- If your dog is conscious and not showing signs of seizures, difficulty breathing or vomiting, you can administer activated charcoal (found at most pharmacies and health shops). Note this is not a treatment, but will buy you a bit more time until you are able to get the animal to the vet.
NB! Several SPCA branches now sell emergency kits containing gloves, a syringe, activated charcoal capsules and instructions on how to administer the capsules. You can phone your local branch for more info.
- If at any time the animal begins to vomit, convulse, struggle to breathe or falls unconscious, stop what you’re doing and get the animal to the vet immediately.
- When transporting your dog to the car, make use of a large blanket or towel to serve as a stretcher. This makes it easier to carry the animal while also limiting chances of the dog accidentally biting you.
- Try and take a sample of the poisonous substance to your vet. Wear rubber gloves when handling the substance.
- Once at the vet, tell them exactly what you’ve done so far, when you discovered the suspected poisoning, the symptoms and how you believe the poison was administered.
If you suspect your dog has been deliberately poisoned, you need to report the incident to your local police and, if possible, provide them with a sample of the poisonous substance.
Source: NSPCA