No matter how thorough we are with the prevention, a situation might come up when a dog or a cat will get to a poisonous thing, whether it’s by our inattention or it's somebody else’s fault. That’s why it’s not off-topic to prepare yourself for the possibility of poisoning and not only to know what to do in such situation, but also, how to detect it as well.
Poisoning with pesticides can occur quite easily. It’s enough for your dog to wander into the neighbour’s garden that has just been treated with pesticides. Outdoor cats are even more vulnerable. You can’t keep track of their movement, so they might be exposed to pesticides for a dangerously long time.
For the animal to get poisoned by pesticides, it doesn’t have to eat them (even though this is the worst option, of course). In some species, a mere skin contact or inhalation is enough. That’s why they can be so dangerous. Among the ones that are the most dangerous for cats and dogs belong:
I also recommend to use such treatment for your garden that is not dangerous for dogs or cats. You should be able to find this information easily on the packaging of the product. But you can’t recommend to your neighbours what to use so it depends on their solidarity and the poisoning may still be a threat.
Symptoms manifest themselves depending on how much poison the animal was exposed to. If the dose is too high, the breathing muscles may fail, which is followed by coma and death. The most telling symptoms are:
Some pesticides affect even the liver of the animals. Apart from nervous symptoms, these can also cause liver failure, even after you manage the primary symptoms. Manifestations of liver failure can appear with time and they include loss of appetite, vomiting, bad breath, increased liquid intake and urination. This can also end with the death of the animal.
Plenty of pesticides also disrupt the hormonal system of the animal.
Here it depends, in what way the animal got poisoned with the pesticide. If it happened through skin contact, it is necessary to thoroughly shampoo and clean the animal several times.
With any poisoning, it is desirable to induce vomiting. To this effect, it is recommended to use a 3% hydrogen peroxide diluted with water to half the concentration. At best, it is applied with a syringe into the mouth. Upon swallowing, the peroxide will start fizzing and it will cause bloating in the stomach of the animal which will induce vomiting.
Give the animal some black or rather active coal - it is able to bind toxins.
And of course, at least contact the veterinarian and consult further steps: whether it is necessary to provide an infusion which supports elimination of toxins from the body, to administer substances to suppress spasms etc.
But I recommend not to risk anything at the slightest suspicion of poisoning and to visit the veterinarian as soon as possible. In more urgent cases, you can call a pet ambulance.
Have you got any experience with cat or dog pesticide poisoning? How did it take place?
In this cycle, we’re going to have a look together on how cats and dogs are doing around the world. Where they are pampered and people forego them and where, to the contrary, the pets suffer and their situation is critical. Today, I will introduce you...
Especially outdoor cats are often suffering from ear mites. What is it actually, and how to get rid of it?
In this series, we will get to know famous dog personalities. Dogs play an important role in our life, so let’s take a look what they have already achieved during the time of our lives together. With his determination, Balto saved lives of many people...
Everyone likes to take their four-legged friend along with them on a holiday, but the situation just won’t allow it sometimes. Not all the dogs take well to long trips by car or high temperatures, or are A graders in obedience, some are habitual...
Already since about 100 thousand years ago, when people started with domestication, we have been aware of positive effects of living together with animals. And this doesn’t concern only healing methods. Already the very presence of our pets helps us to...
If you have a cat at home, you have certainly encountered the issue of who will take care of it at times. Especially now, at the time of holidays and departures for vacations. Relatives or friends are not always able to come over and to take the cat...
I have already written about dangerous foods for dogs. But how about cats?
All of us probably know that chocolate is dangerous for dogs. However, did you know that you can poison your furry friend even with nuts, for example?
The time of kittens is getting closer. Outside, however, the kittens may lose their mum from various reasons. Besides, people will start getting rid of unwanted family arrivals. So it can easily happen to you, that you will find little cat new-borns....
Do you know, that you can insure your pet? But does it even pay off, what does the insurance cover and what are the conditions?
You may have already met a dog with a tied yellow ribbon on its collar or on its leash in the street. Did you know, that it is not a fashion accessory, but a message for the passers-by?
Rabbit hopping is a relatively young discipline that is quickly gaining new fans. After all, rabbits are virtually born for jumping, so why not use it for both their and their master’s entertainment.
