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Spring- Time for Poison Control
Last month I spoke briefly about using cleaning solutions that won't negatively affect our pets health.
This month I would like to speak about the poisons we and our neighbors may be using around the home since the weather is getting warmer.
Some of these "normal" Spring items are lawn fertilizers & weed control powders and sprays, bug & pest control products, including mole and rat repellents & poisons, chemical flea dips, flea collars, and tick collars. Additionally, some WEEDS that come up in Spring are also toxic and if your pet likes to chew on greenery, make sure it is safe. These items can be HIGHLY poisonous for our furry friends.
The most important first step in treating a poisoned pet is accurate identification.
What did your pet drink, breathe, touch or walk on? All hazardous products sold in the U.S. carry warning labels with instructions for emergency care. Some say to induce vomiting and others warn NOT to induce vomiting but to flush the body with large quantities of milk or water - or to administer mineral or vegetable oil orally.
Always read the label of a product before using it. Keep the original container or copy of the emergency treatment information before disposing of the container.
Keep the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center phone number handy, 1-800-548-2423.
Typical symptoms of poisoning are:
1) Muscle twitches
2) Loss of bodily fluids through vomiting, drooling, diarrhea, tearing, involuntary urination, and nasal discharge
3) Abdominal cramping and diarrhea or vomiting
In case of poisoning, time is of the essence.
If the ingested substance is an acid, alkali, petroleum distillate or an irritating plant, DO NOT induce vomiting.
If the ingested substance is not caustic and you know your pet has ingested the material, don't wait for symptoms to develop - Induce vomiting immediately.
Most veterinary experts agree that removing the toxic substance from the animal's digestive tract is a crucial first step in emergency treatment. Do not induce vomiting if your pet is unconscious or in a stupor.
Keep activated charcoal and an emetic(vomit inducer) on hand for this purpose.
Depending on the poison involved, your pet may require extensive medical care. You can support the follow-up therapy with herbs and nutritional supplements. Wheat grass and wheat grass juice help prevent toxic reactions and rid the body of toxic metals, harmful inorganic chemicals and other poisons. Any animal recovering from exposure to a poison has an overworked liver. Milk thistle seed powders, teas and tinctures help repair liver damage and are appropriate additions to the diet for weeks or months after toxic exposure.
We love our pets and want them to stay healthy. Even the most diligent pet owners fall prey to pet poisonings at times.
Be aware of the environment your pet is exposed to at all times and this will limit the opportunities for poisons to negatively affect their health and your special life together. | 
