Common poisons: rat bait, chemicals, toads and foods
The poisonings vets see most often, and what to do if your pet eats something dangerous.
General guidance, awaiting review by a Guyanese vet. Always ask a vet about your own animal.
Around the home and yard
- Rat and mouse poison. Many baits stop blood from clotting. Signs can take 3 to 5 days to appear: weakness, pale gums, bleeding from the nose or gums, blood in urine or stool. Go to a vet immediately if you think your pet ate bait, even if they seem fine.
- Agricultural and garden chemicals, including insecticides and weed killers. Signs include drooling, vomiting, tremors, twitching, small pupils, breathing trouble and seizures. Store all chemicals locked away and keep animals off freshly sprayed land.
- Cane toads. Dogs that bite or lick these large toads absorb a strong toxin. Signs: heavy drooling, bright red gums, pawing at the mouth, shaking, seizures. Wipe the gums and tongue with a damp cloth, then rinse the mouth with water flowing out of the mouth, not down the throat. See a vet urgently.
- Human medicines, especially painkillers. Never give your pet a human medicine unless a vet tells you to. Paracetamol is deadly to cats.
Foods
Chocolate, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, xylitol (in some sugar-free gum and sweets), alcohol, and cooked bones are all dangerous for dogs and cats.
If you think your pet was poisoned
- Get your pet away from the source and stop them eating more.
- Do not make them vomit unless a vet tells you to. Some poisons do more damage coming back up.
- Take the packaging, label or a photo of the plant or substance to the vet.
- Go to a vet straight away. See emergency help.