Female Focus


Page 33 Intoxication in pets


There are many toxins that can affect our pets, but in this article we are going to talk about the most prominent ones this time of year. In this article we will debunk some common myths, explain the intoxication, and give a brief explanation of the steps you should take if you think your pet has been intoxicated. Intoxications are a build-up of a toxic substance in a body. There are many toxic substances and each one has its own symptoms and treatment. It is very important not to self medicate or to assume that it will pass; the symptoms need treating straight away to avoid further progression of the toxins.


Processionary Caterpilars (Thaumatopea pytocampa) We have written about the caterpillars before we know, but this year they are out even earlier. These caterpillars form their nests up in the pine trees, and when the temperature rises from the cold winter, they travel down from the trees and form a processionary line; hence their name. They have “fur” around there body which acts as an armour against other animals, in this case against our pets. If your cat or dog has come into contract with these you will likely notice a swelling around the nose and mouth, heavy salivation and pawing at their face.


You should: 1st Wash the affected are with WARM water, or as warm as possible, because the heat kills the toxin. 2nd Call the emergency veterinary service. 3rd Take your pet to the veterinarian so they can be properly evaluated and the correct treatment administered.


You shouldn’t: Use any soaps to wash the dog, give them any food water or medication (unless stated by a veterinarian), leave the animal without medical attention, (even though there may just be swelling) the toxins progress and it can have a serious health risk to your pet.


Common Toad (Bufo Bufo) This common toad isn’t as commonly known as it should be. Every year we see more and more pets that come into contact with the toad. These toads tend to come out when it is nice and


humid, and just like the caterpillars they have also been coming out earlier in the year, as the weather is favourable for them. These toads secrete a substance that is toxic to our pets, it is not just that, they can also spit this substance at our pets. This intoxication can be very serious, if your pet has come into contact with the toad, you will likely notice your pet swaying as if he were drunk, constant urination, vomiting and or diarrhoea, convulsions and trembling.


You should: 1st Call the emergency veterinary service. 2nd Ask for the best advice of transporting your dog depending on the symptoms. 3rd Take your pet to the veterinarian so they can be properly evaluated and the correct treatment administered.


You shouldn’t: Use any soaps to wash the dog, give them any food water or medication (unless stated by a veterinarian), leave the animal without medical attention, even though there may just be swelling, as the toxins progress it can have a serious health risk to your pet.


Other flying insects Flying insects such as bees, wasps, hornets and other gnats can often be a pain all year. But in winter time most of the insects are more clumsy and flying low because of the low temperatures, which means it is easier for your pet to chase and catch them. This doesn’t just pose a risk of being stung by them, but more a risk of getting stung while eating or biting at the insect. Also just like humans, animals can also have a severe allergic reaction to insects, Therefore all insect bites should be treated as an emergency.


You should: 1st Use a cold compress on the swelling. 2nd Call the emergency veterinary service. 3rd Take your pet to the veterinarian so they can be properly evaluated and the correct treatment administered.


You shouldn’t: Administer any medication unless stated by your veterinarian, wait for the swelling to go down or wait to see if the reaction passes... by doing this your pet could be suffering unnecessarily.


Debunking common myths:


These are certain myths that have been mentioned to us by some of our clients and we wanted to make sure the public are aware that they are old wives tales: * Myth: Cats are immune to the proccesionary caterpillars or toads. Truth: Cats can get intoxicated just like dogs. * Myth: An animal has to eat the toad or caterpillars to get ill. Truth: Animals get intoxicated by contact. * Myth: I can give a normal antihistamine if my pet has a reaction to a bite or an intoxication. Truth: Certain antihistamines do not have the same affect on humans to pets. * Myth: Giving your pet milk, lemon, or any substance to induce vomiting is okay. Truth: Only your veterinarian should decide whether to induce vomiting.


Always remember: stay calm, don’t panic, call the emergency veterinary service, write down the instructions given by the veterinarian and follow them.


Article written by Clinica Veterinaria El Puerto in Jávea. English spoken. Av. Lepanto No 8, Local 10. Tel. 965 793 551. Emergencies 657 823 784. www.elpuerto-veterinaria.com.


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