ASR- Lesson 2- Toxicity and Poisoning
A poison is any substance with an inherent property that tends to destroy life or impair health. A toxin is any poison produced by an organism and including the bacterial toxins that are the causative agents of tetanus, diphtheria, etc., and such plant and animal toxins as ricin and snake venom. Symptoms of poisoning depend on which poison/toxin the animal encountered. They can include depression, weakness, trouble breathing, vomiting, facial and paw swelling, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, seizures, loss of coordination and disorientation, increased water intake and increased urination, excitation, salivation, foaming at the mouth, drooling, shallow respiration, collapsing, pale mucous membranes, coughing and swollen joints. With most toxins, you can induce vomiting within 20 minutes of ingesting a poisonous item. If authorized by a veterinarian, induce vomiting by administering hydrogen peroxide by mouth (1 capful for every 10 pounds of body weight). This can be done twice, with 15 minutes between each dose. Toxins can enter an animal’s body in a few ways including ingestion, absorption through the skin, in the eyes, and mucous membranes.
Poisoning is very preventable. Always keep toxic items out of reach!
A number of organizations exist to provide help and resources for animal poisoning. One of the largest organizations is the ASPCA Poison Control Center. The ASPCA Poison Control experts have provided valuable information to help people recognize and protect their pets from poisonous substances including plants, human foods, human medications and more. For a list of items that are poisonous to animals visit https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control
Be prepared to treat a poisoned animal with the right first aid items. Must haves are a bottle of hydrogen peroxide and some activated charcoal.
Hydrogen peroxide can be purchased at any store that sells first aid supplies. Click here to purchase activated charcoal that is safe for pets.