Being a pet owner comes with its own set of responsibilities, and one of the most crucial ones is being aware of the potential dangers lurking around your furry companion.
A pet accidentally ingesting toxic substances can quickly spiral into an emergency and it requires immediate action to minimise the impact.
This article helps you understand the dangers of toxic substance ingestion and the importance of safeguarding your pet’s health.
What happens if my pet ingests a toxic substance?
When a pet ingests a toxic substance, the stomach can absorb it within just 30 minutes. This rapid absorption makes it essential to seek veterinary care immediately for decontamination. Delaying treatment can lead to severe health consequences for your beloved pet.
Treatment for toxic substance ingestion
At Virginia Veterinary, we prioritise emergencies involving toxic substance ingestion and will see your pet as soon as possible upon arrival at our clinic.
For dogs, decontamination often involves inducing vomiting, provided your pet is stable enough to undergo this procedure. In some cases, your dog may require anaesthesia to have their stomach pumped and receive more intensive treatments.
Cats are treated similarly, but it can be more challenging to induce vomiting in felines when necessary.
How to protect pets from toxic substances
Making sure that our pets are being fed well is one thing but making sure that they’re not eating substances that are toxic or harmful is a challenge. Chewing, biting, munching and licking almost anything are our furry companions’ favourite things to do.
Get to know the things that can be harmful to your pet, like certain plants, human foods, and household products. The safest bet for keeping your pet healthy is to make sure they don’t eat anything risky in the first place.
Some common toxic substances for pets include:
- Chocolate
- Xylitol (a sugar substitute)
- Grapes and raisins
- Lilies (especially toxic to cats)
- Onions and garlic
- Acetaminophen (Paracetamol)
- Antifreeze
To explore a wider range of plants that could be harmful to your dogs and cats, check out this comprehensive list.
Being a responsible pet owner means you understand the dangers of your furry companion ingesting a toxic substance. The better you understand, the less likely your pet can accidentally ingest toxic substances.
If you suspect your pet has ingested a toxic substance, don’t hesitate to contact Virginia Veterinary for urgent care services. For after-hours emergencies, please refer to the list of emergency clinics provided.