Will your dog survive after it has been poisoned?

Residents and the police are equally concerned about the high rate of dog poisoning which leads to house-breaking and theft. This often occurs during the day while residents are at work.

The Roodepoort Police have thus begun an initiative to deal with the scourge, and have named it ‘Two Steps Ahead’.

“As this initiative is rolled out and gains momentum, we would like to work more closely with the communities in helping them fight against this cruel treatment of our beloved pets. We would like to acknowledge and thank the local animal shelters, dog training schools, animal rescue organisations and Non-Government Organisations for so willingly and wholeheartedly getting on board with the pilot project, which, if successful, we hope to roll out as best practice to other police stations in the province,” said Roodepoort Police’s Captain Juanita Yorke.

Here are a few tips and comments from the Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp SPCA Manager, Mandy Cattanach and Captain Yorke:

“Death by poisoning is arguably the most cruel and inhumane way to kill an animal. Aldicarb, (alternatively known as Two-step or Temik) is most commonly used to poison dogs. The number of animals poisoned with illegally obtained poisons in South Africa has increased steadily in recent years. Criminals often use these illegal poisons to maliciously kill dogs before committing another crime, such as breaking and entering or motor vehicle theft,” Mandy said.

Precautions:

If you suspect that an animal has been poisoned, the environment should be searched for bait, usually meat-based, which may contain granules of Aldicarb. Vomit and/ or fur soiled with vomit or saliva should also be examined for the presence of the granules. Ensure that children and other pet animals are kept away from the area suspected of being contaminated with poisoned food or body fluids.

How to identify the poison:

Aldicarb appears as small black granules. The poison almost looks like poppy seeds. It is extremely toxic and will poison any human or animal who comes into contact with it. If you see what looks like Aldicarb on your property, do not touch it with your bare hands – the poison can be absorbed through the skin. Wear gloves when removing the poison from your property. Criminals usually hide it in meat so that dogs will eat it.

Some of the basic rules and guidelines – the dos and don’ts:

– Never let your dog eat anything lying on the floor and/or ground

– Always feed your dog from the same bowl, in the same place and at about the same time

– If your dog spills food from the bowl while eating, stop him/ her eating and make him/ her wait while you pick up every piece and put it back in the bowl. Only then may he/she continue eating

– Teach your dog never to eat or take food without a specific “eat” comment – this eat command should be a word totally unrelated to food, feeding, eating etc.

– Know the number and address of your closest 24-hour vet

Some of the signs and symptoms of poisoning in dogs and cats:

– Vomiting

– Diarrhoea

– Drooling and hyper-salivation

– Loss of appetite

– A racing heart rate or unusually slow heart rate

– Weakness or lethargy and paralysis

– Excessive thirst or urination

How should a poisoned animal be handled?

The poisoned animal is a potential source of human over-exposure. Avoid direct contact with vomit, other body fluids or bait potentially containing toxins. The animal should be wrapped in a blanket to avoid human exposure to the toxin, to calm the animal and keep it warm. Any skin that comes into contact with the toxin should be washed immediately. Use rubber or plastic gloves to protect yourself and ensure that you protect your eyes.

The animal should be removed from the source of exposure and taken to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Ideally, vomit or bait containing suspicious material should be placed in a plastic bag without touching the toxin. This sample should also be taken to the veterinarian for visual identification and submission for chemical analysis if necessary. Any packaging of products used on animals or in and around the house should be taken to the veterinarian to assist in the correct diagnosis and treatment of affected animals.

What treatment is required?

Veterinary treatment is required as soon as possible, as carbamate or organophosphate toxicity usually results in rapid death. The veterinarian will probably hospitalise the pet to administer medication and enable monitoring.

Once a pet returns home after successful veterinary treatment, it should be monitored for further clinical signs, as toxins could be recycled and reabsorbed from the intestines, causing a recurrence of the clinical signs of poisoning. If this occurs, the animal should be returned to the veterinarian immediately. Carbamate and organophosphate-based products should not be used on affected animals for at least six weeks after recovery.

Unfortunately, survival is not guaranteed after exposure to toxins, but early treatment and an aggressive treatment regimen could improve the chance of survival.

How should dead animals be disposed of?

The bodies of dead animals should be incinerated as incineration temperatures will destroy the toxin. Some poisons such as Aldicarb/ Temik/ Two Step are poisonous up to the third level and can easily contaminate other food and water sources if the animal is buried.

Emergency telephone numbers:

– Contact your local vet, or the West Rand Animal Emergency Veterinary Clinic on 011 475 2833

– SPCA Roodepoort/ Krugersdorp: 011 672 0448. Office Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 4pm and Saturdays 8am to 12pm