National Poison Prevention Week 2011

MARCH 20-26, 2011 is NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK

3 NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($ 65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($ 35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

Listen Now to the Radio Interview with Ines De Pablo on WPFW 89.3FM

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.

In 2010, the ASPCA Poison Control Center handled more than 167,000 cases of pets exposed to toxic substances, many of which included everyday household products.

Below are the 10 most common pet toxins of 2010 as outlined by the ASPCA and PetPoisonHelpLine.com

1. Human Medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins for 2010. Almost 25 percent of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (AAPC) calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications. Other common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include: Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills. PetPoisonHelpLine.com warns against Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®; acetaminophen as found in Tylenol® and antidepressants like Effexor®, Cymbalta® and Prozac® that can cause serious harm to your pets when ingested. NSAIDs can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure. Acetaminophen can damage red blood cells in cats, limiting their ability to carry oxygen, and in dogs, it can lead to severe liver failure. Ingestion of antidepressants, which, of all human medications account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, can lead to neurological problems like sedation, in coordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.
For the Top 10 Drugs that can poison your pet click here.

2. Insecticides. About 20% of the calls to the APCC were about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.

3. Rodenticides are baits used to kill mice and rats, mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremors or seizures. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.

4. People Food. Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Many sugarless gums, including some Tridentâ„¢, Orbitâ„¢, and Ice Breakerâ„¢ brands, contain xylitol. Candies, flavored multi-vitamins, desserts and baked goods may also be made with xylitol. Even small amounts when ingested can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, or with large amounts of ingestion, liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors and seizures.
To read more about the risks of xylitol click here.

5. Veterinary Medications although made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.

6. Chocolate contains methylxanthines(a relative of caffeine), which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate,hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and death. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to our pets.

7. Household Toxins such as cleaning supplies (bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents), can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors. Rule of thumb: If it has a warning label on it keep out of the reach of children and pets. Other toxic household items include; Fabric softener sheets, mothballs, post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)

8. Plants. Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Certain types of lilies including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies, are highly toxic to cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Severe kidney failure can result from ingestion of even a few petals, leaves, or even the pollen. In addition, ingestion of certain spring bulbs (e.g. daffodils, tulips) can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. More serious reactions include abnormal heart rate or changes in breathing. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.  
For a full list of plants poisonous to dogs and cats click here.

9. Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.

10. Outdoor toxins such as antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them. Fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants. However, some are often combined with dangerous chemicals and compounds called organophosphates or carbamates, which can be harmful or deadly to pets. Ingestion can result in drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever and even death.


What information will I need when I call poison control?
Whether you call your regular, emergency veterinarian or any any of the suggested poison control centers always have the following information available:
– the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved
– the animal’s signs (Animals can’t tell us symptoms. Tell them what you notice)
– information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known),
– the amount of the agent involved
– the time elapsed since the time of exposure.
Have the product container/packaging available for reference.
Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.
Use extreme caution when handling some of the chemicals. Wear non-latex gloves if at all possible.

I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the poison control centers or rush it to my local emergency veterinarian?
If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm! Contact your local veterinarian or any of the above mentioned Poison Control Centers first. Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic. Remain calm. Pets can sense your agitation and may become excited, which will raise their blood pressure and may contribute to spreading the poison through the bloodstream faster.


What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?
Remain calm and composed. If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the Poison Control Center. Bring the suspected substance with you.


Additional Resources:
PetEducation.com – First Aid for ingestion of toxic products by pets. Click here (GREAT RESOURCE)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Household Hazards (PDF File here)

ALWAYS KEEP THE NUMBERS BELOW IN 

- Your cell phone directory

- Home  and Office phonebook

- In black & white hard copy in your car, kitchen and in the garage.

Why in black and white? Electronics fail, batteries die, phones don’t like liquids, people forget to plug the phone, etc. If you have a hardcopy you can use any phone at any time and still make the call.

ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($ 65 Consultation Fee)

Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($ 35 Consultation Fee)

Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

YOUR VETERINARIAN’S NUMBER HERE

EMERGENCY VETERINARY HOSPITAL NUMBER HERE

REMEMBER

No matter what article you find on the internet and no matter who wrote it that provides advise on what to do in case of poisoning – human or animal

POISON CONTROL KNOWS BEST!
ITS THEIR JOB TO KNOW.

Peroxide CANNOT be used for ALL cases of poisoning in cats and dogs. 
Some chemicals and toxins may counteract negatively with the ingested substance. 
In other cases some poisons should not be coming back up by forcing the animal to vomit. 
Poisons can be ingested, inhaled and injected. 
If you have a doubt, there is no doubt. Call Poison Control! 
Even the human line can help in most pet cases.

October | 2011 | San Mateo County Newsroom

Sawyer Camp Trail will be closed for two days, Wednesday, November 2, and Thursday, November 3, for work by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission.

During the closure, construction crews will deliver additional rock for new access road segments and continue seismic upgrades to the Crystal Springs/San Andreas Pipeline. Water in this pipeline has been “turned off” for the months of October and November to facilitate this work.

The Crystal Springs/San Andreas Transmission System Upgrade project is part of the $ 4.6 billion Water System Improvement Program to repair, replace and seismically upgrade the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System.

To receive construction updates and important information for recreational users of the Peninsula Watershed, subscribe to the website: www.sfwater.org/SCT or follow the project on Twitter: @SawyerCampTrail. Please call (866) 973-1476 (24-hours a day) with any questions or concerns.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office offers the following tips to help keep your Halloween trouble free:

PREPARATION:   
Purchase several connectable “glow sticks” to wear as necklaces and bracelets.  
Make sure kids wear light colors and, put reflective tape on their clothing or both.  
Keep costumes a short length to prevent trips, falls and other bumps in the night.  
Use make-up instead of masks if possible.  Masks are hot and uncomfortable and obstruct vision.  
Make sure the kids wear flame retardant costumes.  
Create a map of a safe trick-or-treating route and set a time limit for your kids to return home.  
 
CHILDREN:  
Carry a flashlight and always keep a safe distance from moving cars.  
Cross at street corners, NOT diagonally across an intersection and NEVER between parked cars!  
Look in ALL directions before crossing; obey all traffic signals; walk and NEVER run.  
Wear a glow stick necklace and wear glow stick bracelets – These glow sticks have saved lives.  
Do not take shortcuts through back yards, alleys or parks.  Only visit homes with porch lights on.  
Don’t go inside anyone’s home; instead remain on the porch at all times.  
Don’t accept rides from cars with strangers.   
Don’t eat any treats until your parents have inspected them.  
Discard any homemade or unwrapped treats.  
 
PARENTS:  
Clear all outdoor obstructions such as ladders, hoses, and toys from your property and walkway.  
Welcome trick-or-treaters with your porch lights and all exterior lights turned on early.  
Make sure your “trick-or-treat” rules are clear to your children BEFORE they leave the house.   
Try to “trick or treat” while it is still light outside.  
Carry a flashlight and use a powerful flashlight if at all possible – it will command attention better.  
Parents should always accompany young children while trick or treating.  
Older kids should “trick-or-treat” with friends that are known and familiar to parents.   
Trick or treaters should be in groups so they aren’t a tempting target for real-life goblins.  
 
MOTORISTS:  
Halloween is one of the nation’s MOST DANGEROUS nights to drive a car.  Use extreme caution.  
Consider driving at least five miles per hour UNDER the speed LIMIT in residential areas.  
Accept that you will be late to your destination; Call them, excuse yourself and drive extra slow.  
  
PETS:  
Costumes and special effects can be stressful on pets – they can misunderstand Halloween time.   
Electrical cords from special effects make tempting chew toys, or animals may become frightened of the “monsters.”  Take pets into a garage to calm their curiosity and cool their protective instincts.  
Halloween treats can be deadly to dogs and cats.  Shiny foil wraps attract animals and can cause intestinal distress. Chocolate, (especially dark) contain theobromine, a stimulant for humans, but causes shaking, seizures, heart issues and death for dogs. Sugar free candy and gum with Xylitol can cause liver damage, blood pressure drop and death. One gram of Xylitol can require veterinary treatment for a 22 pound dog. Raisins & grapes also can also have a poisonous effect and have caused kidney failure in dogs. Keep these dangerous goodies away from pets! 
 
Get more information on the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at www. SMCSHERIFF.com

Bring your sneakers and your best costume for the final Take A Hike of the 2011 season this Saturday, October 28. It will be SPOOKTACULAR! Best costume wins a prize!

The hike begins at 9 a.m. at Coyote Point Recreation Area in San Mateo. Take A Hike is a ranger-led hike that encourages residents to discover a San Mateo County park one Saturday each month.

Plan to spend at least 45 minutes for this activity. Rangers and volunteers will provide information about park history and the local habitat. Bring water, dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes. We supply the beauty and fresh air courtesy our San Mateo County parks.

Once you enter the park, follow the signs for Take A Hike. The hike will feature a portion of the Bay Trail.

This is a very kid friendly event. Most of the trails are paved and suitable for strollers. In the spirit of the season, costumes are encouraged for this hike.

For more information, call (650) 599-1009.

Monday, October 24, is the last day for eligible voters to file a new or updated voter registration card to be entitled to vote in the November 8 Consolidated Municipal, School and Special District Election.

To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be: (1) a U.S. citizen; (2) at least 18 years old on Election Day; (3) not in prison or on parole for a felony conviction; and (4) not deemed by a court to be mentally incompetent to register and to vote. Further, registered voters must re-register whenever they have (1) moved to a new address, or (2) changed their name, or (3) desire to change political party affiliation prior to a Primary Election.

Voter registration cards are available at the County Elections Office, as well as at any public library, city hall, or any office of the U.S. Postal Service or Department of Motor Vehicles. Cards are also available online, from the website of the California Secretary of State at https://www.sos.ca.gov/nvrc/fedform/

Voter registration cards require the applicant’s original signature and must be submitted in person or through the mail. A mailed registration card that is postmarked on or before October 24 will satisfy the deadline.

The website of the County Elections Office provides the latest registration statistics, updated weekly: https://www.shapethefuture.org/voterregistration/registrationstats.asp

The website also contains a link that allows eligible and registered voters to confirm their current registration status on the Home page, click on “Check My Registration/Access My Election Materials/View My Sample Ballot Pamphlet.”

Contact: Mark Church, Chief Elections Officer & Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Phone: 650.363.4988 Fax: 650.363.1903 E-mail: mchurch@smcare.org

Alternate: David Tom, Deputy Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder
Phone: (650) 312-5222 E-mail: dtom@smcare.org

You can download eBooks and eAudiobooks from the San Mateo County Library eBranch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All you need is a San Mateo County Library card.

Don’t have a library card? You can get one here: http://www.smcl.org/content/get-a-card

You can learn more here: http://www.smcl.org/en/ebookseaudiobooks

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission has informed us that Sawyer Camp Trail will be closed Wednesday and Thursday, October 19 and 20, for work on their water pipeline project.

The trail is scheduled to reopen Friday at sunrise.

The trail was scheduled to close earlier this month but the work was delayed due to rain.

This work is part of the $ 4.6 billion Water System Improvement Program to repair, replace and seismically upgrade the Hetch Hetchy Regional Water System.

Please contact the San Francisco PUC 24-hours a day with any questions or concerns: (866) 973-1476. You can also subscribe to an e-newsletter for updates at: http://www.sfwater.org/SCT or follow the project on Twitter: @sawyercamptrail

On Monday, October 24, members of the public are invited to share a potluck dinner and learn about local efforts to promote a food system that is affordable for all residents, profitable for farmers and ensures access to land for future generations.

The free event is sponsored by the San Mateo Food System Alliance in honor of Food Day, a nationwide grassroots campaign to encourage Americans to “eat real” and support healthy, affordable food grown in a sustainable, humane way. The Alliance’s mission is to inspire and connect people to the source of their food.

The event will also include a series of short films about Pie Ranch, a nonprofit educational farm in Pescadero, and a brief panel discussion on the Alliance’s work to promote a sustainable food system. It will take place from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Foster City Library.

The Alliance encourages participants to join the potluck and bring a dish prepared with a local ingredient.

The three films, approximately 5 to 7 minutes each in length, will show how local high school students learn about food by baking pie. On a pie-shaped farm, Pie Ranch focuses on three key activities: growing food with sustainable farming practices, educating youth, and training future farmers. They also offer apprenticeships for aspiring farmers.

Alliance members will discuss their efforts to increase access to agricultural land, promote garden-based education in all schools, support sustainable food policies, and connect county grown produce to schools and hospitals. Panelists will include: Jered Lawson, executive director of Pie Ranch; Ned Conwell, co-owner of Blue House Farm; Robin Galas, Garden Program Director of the San Mateo County Court and Community Schools; Cindy McCown of Second Harvest Food Bank; and others.

On October 4, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors issued a proclamation supporting the San Mateo Food System Alliance and Food Day and endorsed “the continued efforts of the Food System Alliance to improve access to locally, sustainably produced and healthy food in San Mateo County.”

Event Details: When: Monday, October 24, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. The films will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the panel discussion and Q&A at 7 p.m.

Where: Foster City Library, 1000 E. Hillsdale Blvd., Foster City.

Space is limited and residents should RSVP to Juvy Ann Reyes at jareyes@co.sanmateo.ca.us or 650-573-2398 by October 19.

For more information about the event and the Alliance, please contact Nicole Wires at 650-324-2769 or nicole@collectiveroots.org

Visit http://www.sanmateocofsa.org for more information.

Hundreds of other Food Day events can be found on an interactive map at FoodDay.org.

Attend free informational sessions and speak with a lawyer at Community Law Night on Thursday, October 20, at the San Mateo County Hall of Justice, 400 County Center, Redwood City.

The event will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Child care and refreshments will be provided.

Community Law Night is sponsored by the San Mateo County Superior Court, San Mateo County Bar Association and the County of San Mateo. For more information, call (650) 363-4168.

All San Mateo County offices except emergency services will be closed on Monday, October 10, for Columbus Day. The San Mateo County Superior Court will also be closed.

All offices will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, October 11.

The deadline for nominations to the San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame is November 1.

Nominations are also being accepted for the Young Women of Excellence Awards and, for the first time, the Making a Difference for Women in the Workplace Award. That award will recognize one San Mateo County business or non-profit organization that has exemplary or model policies or programs that benefit women employees.

The annual San Mateo County Women’s Hall of Fame, established in 1984, is an important and lasting way to recognize the incredible work of women of all ages and walks of life in our community.

Each year a new slate of women, including outstanding high school students, joins the ranks of some of San Mateo County’s greatest contributors, an honor roll that today exceeds 200.

For more information please contact the Commission on the Status of Women at 650-363-4463 or cswinfo@smcgov.org

National Poison Prevention Week 2011

MARCH 20-26, 2011 is NATIONAL POISON PREVENTION WEEK

3 NUMBERS TO KEEP HANDY


ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435 ($ 65 Consultation Fee)


Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($ 35 Consultation Fee)


Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 (FREE)

All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.

More than 2 million poisonings are reported each year to the 61 Poison Control Centers (PCCs) across the country. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home. The majority of non-fatal poisonings occur in children younger than six years old. And, poisonings are one of the leading causes of death among adults.


Below are the 10 most common pet toxins of 2010 as outlined by the ASPCA and PetPoisonHelpLine.com


1. Human Medications are once again at the top of the list of pet toxins for 2010. Almost 25 percent of ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (AAPC) calls concerned human medications accidentally ingested by pets. The most common culprits include over-the-counter medications (ibuprofen, acetaminophen), antidepressants and ADHD medications. Other common examples of human medications that can be potentially lethal to pets, even in small doses, include: Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, vitamins and diet pills. PetPoisonHelpLine.com warns against Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like Advil®, Aleve® and Motrin®; acetaminophen as found in Tylenol® and antidepressants like Effexor®, Cymbalta® and Prozac® that can cause serious harm to your pets when ingested. NSAIDs can cause serious stomach and intestinal ulcers as well as kidney failure. Acetaminophen can damage red blood cells in cats, limiting their ability to carry oxygen, and in dogs, it can lead to severe liver failure. Ingestion of antidepressants, which, of all human medications account for the highest number of calls to Pet Poison Helpline, can lead to neurological problems like sedation, in coordination, agitation, tremors and seizures.


2. Insecticides. About 20% of the calls to the APCC were about insecticides. Insecticides are commonly used on our pets for flea control and around our houses to control crawling and flying bugs. The most serious poisonings occurred when products not labeled for use in cats were applied to them. Always follow label directions.


3. Rodenticides are baits used to kill mice and rats, mostly grain based. Not only does this attract rodents, but it attracts dogs and cats. There are several different types of rodenticides that can cause seizures, internal bleeding or kidney failure. Rodent baits typically can result in blood clotting disorders, brain swelling or kidney failure, while snail and slug baits can result in severe tremors or seizures. Always make sure these items are placed in areas that pets cannot access.


4. People Food. Xylitol, grapes, raisins, onions and garlic are commonly ingested by our pets. Grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure in dogs, while onions and garlic can cause anemia if enough is ingested. Xylitol, a sugar alcohol used to sweeten sugar free gums and mints, can cause low blood sugar and liver failure in dogs. Many sugarless gums, including some Tridentâ„¢, Orbitâ„¢, and Ice Breakerâ„¢ brands, contain xylitol. Candies, flavored multi-vitamins, desserts and baked goods may also be made with xylitol. Even small amounts when ingested can result in a life-threatening drop in blood sugar, or with large amounts of ingestion, liver failure. Signs of xylitol poisoning include vomiting, weakness, difficulty walking, tremors and seizures.


5. Veterinary Medications although made for our pets are flavored for ease of giving. Unfortunately, that means that animals may ingest the entire bottle of medication if they find it tasty. Common chewable medications include arthritis and incontinence medications. Contact your veterinarian if your pet ingests more than his proper dose of medication.





6. Chocolate contains methylxanthines(a relative of caffeine), which act as stimulants to our pets. The darker the chocolate, the more methylxanthines it contains. Methylxanthines can cause agitation, vomiting, diarrhea, high heart rate,hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, muscle tremors, seizures and death. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. The darker and more bitter the chocolate, the more dangerous it is to our pets.

 7. Household Toxins such as cleaning supplies (bleach, acids, alkalis and other detergents), can cause corrosive injury to the mouth and stomach. Other household items such as batteries and liquid potpourri can cause similar problems. Always keep these toxins behind securely locked doors. Rule of thumb: If it has a warning label on it keep out of the reach of children and pets. Other toxic household items include; Fabric softener sheets, mothballs, post-1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)


8. Plants. Both house plants and outdoor plants can be ingested by our pets. Certain types of lilies including tiger, day, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese lilies, are highly toxic to cats, while sago palms can cause liver failure in dogs and cats. Severe kidney failure can result from ingestion of even a few petals, leaves, or even the pollen. In addition, ingestion of certain spring bulbs (e.g. daffodils, tulips) can cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. More serious reactions include abnormal heart rate or changes in breathing. Keep house plants and bouquets away from your pets.


9. Many herbicides have a salty taste, and our pets will commonly ingest them. Always follow label directions and keep pets off treated areas until they are dry.


10. Outdoor toxins such as antifreeze, fertilizers and ice melts are all substances that animals can find outdoors. Keep these items in securely locked sheds or on high shelves where pets cannot get to them. Fertilizers are basic gastrointestinal irritants. However, some are often combined with dangerous chemicals and compounds called organophosphates or carbamates, which can be harmful or deadly to pets. Ingestion can result in drooling, watery eyes, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing, fever and even death.

 What information will I need when I call poison control?


Whether you call your regular, emergency veterinarian or any any of the suggested poison control centers always have the following information available:


- the species, breed, age, sex, weight and number of animals involved


- the animal’s signs (Animals can’t tell us symptoms. Tell them what you notice)


- information regarding the exposure, including the agent (if known),


- the amount of the agent involved


- the time elapsed since the time of exposure.


Have the product container/packaging available for reference.


Collect in a sealable plastic bag any material your pet may have vomited or chewed.


Use extreme caution when handling some of the chemicals. Wear non-latex gloves if at all possible.

 I think my pet has ingested something potentially dangerous, but she seems normal. What should I do first: call the poison control centers or rush it to my local emergency veterinarian?


If you suspect that your pet may have become exposed to a harmful substance, but is not showing signs of illness, stay calm! Contact your local veterinarian or any of the above mentioned Poison Control Centers first. Not all exposure situations require an immediate trip to the clinic. Remain calm. Pets can sense your agitation and may become excited, which will raise their blood pressure and may contribute to spreading the poison through the bloodstream faster.

 What should I do if I think my pet ate something poisonous?


Remain calm and composed. If your animal is having seizures, losing consciousness, is unconscious or is having difficulty breathing, telephone ahead and bring your pet immediately to your local veterinarian or emergency veterinary clinic. If necessary, he or she may call the Poison Control Center. Bring the suspected substance with you.


ALWAYS KEEP THE NUMBERS BELOW

- Your cell phone directory

- Home and Office phonebook

- In black White; white hard copy in your car, kitchen and in the garage.


Why in black and white? Electronics fail, batteries die, phones don’t like liquids, people forget to plug the phone, etc. If you have a hardcopy you can use any phone at any time and still make the call.


ASPCA Poison Control Center (888) 426-4435
($ 65 Consultation Fee)


Pet Poison Helpline 1-800-213-6680 ($ 35 Consultation Fee)


Nationwide Standard Human Poison Control Center
1-800-222-1222 (FREE)


All 3 numbers are available 24/7 year round.


YOUR VETERINARIAN’S NUMBER HERE:
Johnson Ranch Animal Clinic: Telephone: 480-987-4555
Address: 270, East Hunt Hwy. Ste. 4.
San Tan Valley, Az 85143. Hunt Hwy and Bella Vista
Website: www.jrvets.com



EMERGENCY VETERINARY HOSPITAL NUMBER HERE:

1st Emergency Pet Care: Telephone: 480-924-1123.
Address: 1423 S. Higley Rd. Ste. 102. Mesa, Az 85206. US 60 and Higley

Emergency Animal Clinic: Telephone: 480-497-0222
Address: 86 West Juniper Ave., Gilbert, Az 85233. Gilbert Road between Gaudalupe and Elliot. On the West Side of the Road.


REMEMBER


No matter what article you find on the internet and no matter who wrote it that provides advice on what to do in case of poisoning – human or animal


POISON CONTROL KNOWS BEST!


IT’S THEIR JOB TO KNOW.


Peroxide CANNOT be used for ALL cases of poisoning in cats and dogs.


Some chemicals and toxins may counteract negatively with the ingested substance.


In other cases some poisons should not be coming back up by forcing the animal to vomit.


Poisons can be ingested, inhaled and injected.


If you have a doubt, there is no doubt. Call Poison Control!