SPCA issues dog poisoning alert

The RandWest SPCA has issued a warning that dog poisoning has become a frequent development in specifically the plot area.

René van Straten, inspector at the RandWest SPCA confirmed that dog poisoning occurs mostly for criminal purposes such as burgling and robberies. Van Straten claimed that it is becoming more common for perpetrators to use poisonous substances like Two Step and Temik as a means to terminate the dog since they may alert owners of suspicious activity. In this case all breeds of dogs are vulnerable to the possibility of being poisoned.

If your pet friend has been poisoned, Van Straten explains that they may show symptoms such as lethargy, muscle weakness and tremors, vomiting, excessive saliva, loose stool, pinpoint pupils and seizures. She emphasised that it is of great importance that you take your dog to the nearest vet immediately after noticing symptoms since time is of the essence.

She added that if you can locate the remaining bait containing the toxic substance, it is crucial to take it with you to the vet. It would allow the doctor to examine the poison and start the immediate suitable treatment. When taking the bait, avoid direct contact and distance children and animals from the area. She said that the vet would correctly dispose of the substance.

“We always advise that if possible, dogs should be kept indoors during the night. It is also good practice to train your dog to not eat anything from the floor or ground, always feed him from the same bowl, at the same place and at roughly the same time daily,” Van Straten said.

She added that it is best to save local veterinarians’ numbers and call immediately if you suspect that your pet has been poisoned.