Toxic Ingestion

Keeping your pets healthy sometimes means reacting properly to emergency situations such as toxic ingestion. At Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, serving Surrey, British Columbia, we can help you navigate these frightening events. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Toxic Ingestion?

Toxic ingestion is an event in which your pet ingests anything that is toxic. It is important to remember that toxicity is different from species to species. What may be perfectly safe for one type of animal could be deadly for another. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to be aware of which substances are toxic.

Some substances are toxic to all living things, such as corrosives, cleaning supplies, and chemicals. It is the responsibility of the pet owner to always keep these substances out of reach of pets.

Symptoms of Toxic Ingestion 

You should be aware of the symptoms of toxic ingestion so that you know when you should visit an emergency vet. In most cases, animals start to vomit if they ingest something that is toxic to them. You may notice your pets acting listless or disoriented. All of these can be signs of toxic ingestion. Other symptoms can include:

• Foaming of the mouth
• Acting strangely
• Difficulty waking them up
• If you notice any of these symptoms you should contact an emergency vet

How to Prevent Toxic Ingestion

The best way to prevent toxic ingestion for your pets is to always keep known toxic substances out of their reach. These can include:

• Cleaning supplies
• Chemicals
• Fuel
• Alcohol

Beyond this, it is very important for pet owners to educate themselves on all substances that could be toxic to their particular type of pet.

To learn more about our veterinarian services, contact us at Peace Arch Veterinary Hospital, serving Surrey, British Columbia, and the surrounding areas. Call us today at 604-536-3131.