Poisoning

Shamrock plants are typically sold close to St. Patrick’s Day as a decoration or gift. Said to bring good luck, these green or purple three-leaved plants aren’t such a good luck charm for curious pets.If consumed, a shamrock plant (Oxalis regnellii), also known as wood sorrel, can poison your cat, dog, or horse. Not to be confused with clover, the harmless weed...

Notify your veterinarian. Your pet has the best chance of survival if you get help immediately. Keep your pet calm. If the poison is on your pet's skin, bathe him or her. Rinse. Rinse. Rinse. If the poison was ingested, get a sample of the poison's container so your veterinarian can determine the best treatment. Give activated charcoal or Endosorb (as recommended...

The symptoms of a poisoned pet depend on the type of poison he or she is exposed to. Signs of illness may include the following:  Vomiting Diarrhea Seizures Blood in the stool Lethargy Loss of appetite Bruising Nosebleeds Irregular heartbeat Inability to urinate Types of poisoning symptoms in dogs and cats  Gastrointestinal poisoning symptomsGastrointestinal symptoms, including loss of appetite and vomiting, result from...

National Pet Poison Prevention Week is the time of year when veterinary professionals make an extra effort to raise awareness of the many dangerous substances lurking in and around your home that could be harmful or even fatal to your pet.Many of these chemicals, medicines, plants and foods may seem harmless or unlikely to interest your pet. The truth is, thousands of...

Plants Can Be Harmful to Your PetChewing grass and green vegetation is normal for pets, but chewing the wrong vegetation can be fatal. About 25% of pets poisoned by non-drug products get sick from poisonous house plants and outdoor plants. Give your pets grasses, sprouts, green vegetables or treats so they leave poisonous plants alone. Always discourage your pet if you see him or...

Dog and cat poisoning occurs when a pet drinks or eats a harmful substance. The substance affects the brain, heart, liver, lungs, or kidneys so that your pet becomes ill. Illness can be immediate (acute) as with strychnine poisoning, or it can be long-term (chronic) as with swallowing a penny. The illness can be severe, as with rat poison, or mild, as with diarrhea caused...