Norkem Park SAPS has cautioned residents following an increase in the number of dog poisoning cases.
The spokesperson for the station, Warrant Officer Barbara-Anne Ferreira said multiple dockets of dog poisoning were recently opened at Norkem Park SAPS, with the majority from residents of Birchleigh North.
Ferreira urged residents to keep activated charcoal in their homes to provide an emergency dosage to dogs in case of poisoning.
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She requested dog owners to remain calm when a dog is poisoned, to identify the poison and take the dog to a vet as soon as possible.
The Kempton Express spoke to Dr Chrystel Conradie, a veterinarian at the Glen Marais Animal Clinic about what residents need to do when their dog is poisoned.
“The most important thing you can do is to get your pet to the vet when poisoned.
“Organophosphate poisoning or ‘two-step’ is the most common dog poison.
“This is a rapid-acting poison, hence the name ‘two-step’.
“After ingestion, dogs salivate profusely and have severe diarrhoea and muscle tremors. The dog’s heart rate also drops dangerously low,” said Conradie.
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She said by the time symptoms are seen, the poison is already absorbed in the system.
“To administer activated charcoal is not enough.
“If the dog is not fully conscious or is having a seizure, vomiting should not be induced as the dog can choke or aspirate.
“Dogs can die in as little as one hour, so it is very important to get the dog to your vet as soon as possible,” she said.
Once at the veterinary hospital, dogs are usually placed on a drip and given medication to control most of the symptoms.
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“The sooner treatment is started, the more successful the outcome will be.”
“If you suspect your dog has dog has been poisoned, check all your animals on your property.”
Conradie said the poison has a black granular appearance and is often placed in meat.
“Do not handle the poison with bare hands, as it can be absorbed through your skin. Always use gloves or plastic packets.”
She added if poisoned dogs’ vomit is ingested by other animals, they will be poisoned as well, therefore it is important to clean it is important to thoroughly clean up any mess following a poisoning incident.”
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