Did you know that your puppy buyers can get a subscription to Pet Poison Helpline through their dog’s AKC Reunite enrollment? It’s true! Pet Poison Helpline is a 24/7 animal poison control service available for pet owners and veterinary professionals who require assistance with treating a potentially poisoned pet.
Pet Poison Helpline has the ability to help owners and veterinarians with almost every type of poisoning a pet may encounter. Normally costing $59 per incident, with AKC Reunite pet owners can plan ahead and subscribe their pets to this lifesaving service for only $15 for the lifetime of the pet. To add Pet Poison Helpline to a pet’s AKC Reunite enrollment, click here or call 800-252-7894.
Our friends at Pet Poison Helpline also have some useful tips and reminders to help keep your pets safe during the holidays.
Snow Globes: Snow globes may contain antifreeze (ethylene glycol). As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze in a cat or a tablespoon or two for dogs, depending on the size of the animal, can be fatal. Immediate treatment with an antidote is vital. Signs of early poisoning include acting drunk or uncoordinated, excessive thirst, and lethargy. While signs may seem to improve after 8-to-12 hours, internal damage is actually worsening, and crystals develop in the kidneys, which result in acute kidney failure.
Bubble Lights: Bubble lights have methylene chloride that can result in depression, aspiration pneumonia, and irritation to the eyes, skin, and gastrointestinal tract.
Tinsel: Tinsel, like any long, stringy item, can prove deadly if ingested. While it does not pose a poisoning risk, it can cause severe damage to a dog’s intestinal tract if swallowed. Ultimately, dogs run the risk of severe injury to, or rupture, of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.
Holiday Plants: Though they have a bad rap, poinsettia plants are only mildly toxic. Far more worrisome are holiday bouquets containing lilies, holly, or mistletoe. Peace lily, calla lily, amaryllis, lily of the valley, autumn crocus and the common houseplant, giant Dracaena or palm lily are all dangerous to dogs. The berries and leaves of holly as well as mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and even heart arrhythmia if ingested.
Alcohol: Because alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, it affects pets quickly. Ingestion of alcohol can cause dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure. Additionally, foods such as desserts containing alcohol, and unbaked dough that contains yeast, should be kept away from pets as they may result in alcohol toxicity, vomiting, disorientation, and stomach bloat.
Ornaments: Ornaments on the tree can cause injury and a potential gastrointestinal obstruction risk, but are not usually toxic unless they are the homemade salt-type ornaments. These are very appealing to dogs and result in serious salt toxicity with signs of vomiting, diarrhea, and serious electrolyte changes.
For more information contact: AKC Reunite at 800-252-7894 or found@akcreunite.org