Wieuca Animal Clinic / Pet Safety Info

Your pet's safety is our number one concern. Below is a list of tips, links, and general information to help you maintain the well being of your beloved friend.

For a list of poisonous plants click on the link below:
http://www.hsus.org/pets/pet_care/protect_your_pet_from_common_household_dangers/common_poisonous_plants.html

General Poison Control Info:

I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the APCC or rush her to my local emergency veterinarian?

If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm! Contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435 first. Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic.

What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?

If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Otherwise, call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435.

What information will I need when I call you?

When you call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center hotline at (888) 426-4435, it’s most helpful to be ready with the following information:
- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
- the animal’s symptoms
- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known), the amount of the agent involved and the time elapsed since the time of exposure.

Have the product container/packaging available for reference. Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.

Toxic Foods for Pets

The Wrath of Grapes

The Animal Poison Control Center advises that as few as seven grapes can be toxic to dogs. Currently, the exact toxic component remains unclear, but symptoms can last several days to weeks—if your pet responds to treatment. Other toxic foods to avoid:

Avocados: The fatty acid “persin” in avocado leaves, fruit bark and seeds have been reported to be toxic. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, abdominal enlargement, abnormal fluid accumulations in the chest, abdomen and sac around the heart.
Chocolate: Contains caffeine and theobromine, nervous system stimulants which are toxic in high amounts. Dark chocolate with a high ratio of cocoa, baking chocolate and cocoa beans have the highest concentration. Symptoms include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle twitching, increased urination, excessive panting, increased heart rate and blood pressure levels and seizures.
Coffee: Can cause caffeine toxicity, much like chocolate.
Grapes and raisins: Ingesting a large amount can cause kidney damage.
Nutmeg: High levels can be fatal. Signs include tremors, seizures and nervous system abnormalities.
Onions and garlic: Raw or cooked, powder or flavorings, these foods, which dogs lack the enzyme necessary to digest, can cause gas, diarrhea, severe gastrointestinal distress and break apart red blood cells. Severe anemia and death can occur if a large quantity is consumed without veterinary treatment.
Xylitol: This sweetener used in sugar-free chewing gum and candy can cause weakness, lethargy, loss of coordination, collapse and seizures.