Fort Lauderdale Pet Poisoning Clinic

Knowing what to do if you suspect that your dog or cat has been poisoned can help to save the life of your four-legged and furry friend. Here are some key facts every pet parent should know about how to identify and treat cases of poisoning for your cats or dogs. If you fear your pet has been exposed to any of the following poisons contact our Fort Lauderdale pet poisoning experts at Family Pet Medical Center.

Keep Out of Reach of Pet Children

Some foods and household items can be extremely dangerous to pets if ingested. For cats, the list of dangerous items include the following:

• Easter lilies, daylilies and tiger lilies
• Vitamin D3
• Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen
• Prescription antidepressants
• Garlic, onions, leeks and chives
• Chocolate
• Household cleaners and insecticides

Dogs are vulnerable to an array of items found in most households as well. Some of the foods and products that present the highest risks of poisoning for dogs include the following:

• Over-the-counter medications and herbal supplements
• Prescription medications
• Macadamia nuts
• Grapes and raisins
• Artificial sweeteners
• Avocados
• Tomatoes
• Chocolate
• Pesticides
• Tulips, daffodils, azaleas and rhododendrons

Keeping these potentially hazardous materials away from your pets can prevent most cases of Fort Lauderdale pet poisoning and can keep your pet healthier and happier for many years to come.

Signs of Poisoning in Cats and Dogs

The symptoms shown by your dog or cat will vary depending on the type of poison and on the way in which it was ingested:

• Swallowed poisons can typically cause retching, vomiting, diarrhea, gastrointestinal upsets and loss of appetite. They can also result in disorientation, heart issues, ulcers, staggering, irritability and, in some cases, lethargy and coma.
• Poisons that are inhaled, like bug sprays or foggers, can cause coughing and drooling. They can also create issues with breathing that can lead to unconsciousness or a comatose condition.
• Poisons and toxins that are absorbed through the skin can cause itching, irritation, hives, rashes and biting at the site of the exposure. In some cases, patches of blood or damaged tissue may be visible through your pet’s fur.

If any of these signs of poisoning are present in your dog or cat, it is important to try to identify what toxin is responsible for these symptoms. Even if you do not know the source of the problem, you should also call your Fort Lauderdale animal hospital to let them know there is an issue. In most cases, your veterinarian will be able to make an emergency appointment for your pet to be seen immediately.

What to Do Right Away

Your first steps in addressing a Fort Lauderdale pet poisoning will depend in part on the symptoms shown by your dog or cat, the presence of the poison and how it was delivered. If the poisonous or toxic material is evident, you should bag it or otherwise move it to an area out of your pet’s reach. Your veterinarian may need to look at the container or the ingredients of the poison to determine how to treat your pet.

If your pet is reacting to toxic fumes, your first move should be to remove your pet from the area where these fumes are present. Poisons that have been ingested or that are absorbed through the skin should be reported to your Fort Lauderdale animal hospital as quickly as possible. In most instances, your pet will need to be seen as soon as possible to ensure the most effective treatment for these incidents.

Treatment in our Fort Lauderdale Pet Poisoning Veterinarian’s Office

If the source of the poisoning is known, your Fort Lauderdale veterinarian may be able to provide an antidote. If no antidote is available or if the source of the poisoning is not known, however, your veterinarian may choose to treat the symptoms of the poisoning, which can sometimes save the life of your pet. Your veterinary team will make every effort possible to restore your pet to good health and to reduce the complications and

At Family Pet Medical Center, our team can provide you with the practical assistance necessary to manage emergencies more effectively. Our team accepts walk-ins for emergencies and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergency care requirements. If you are looking for a Fort Lauderdale animal hospital that puts the health and safety of your pets first, Family Pet Medical Center is the perfect choice for you and your four-legged feline and canine companions. Give us a call today at 954-567-2500 to schedule an appointment or to request assistance in a veterinary emergency. We are here to serve you and your pets now and in the future.