Be Aware of Other Household Poisons in Hawaii
Be Aware of Other Household Poisons in Hawaii
Snail and slug baits containing metaldehyde can be extremely lethal. Symptoms can progress rapidly (within hours) after ingestion and include vomiting, weakness, tremors, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and death. It is really best to avoid these products if you have a pet. It is also safest not to allow pets to roam.
Rodenticides can kill dogs and cats in the same way that they kill rats and mice. The poison blocks coagulation and causes uncontrolled bleeding. Symptoms may take several days to develop, but can persist for weeks and severe cases may require hospitalization and blood transfusion(s). If ingestion of rodenticide is certain and recent (within hours), it is prudent to induce vomiting and initiate vitamin K supplementation. Contact your veterinarian immediately.
Ethylene glycol is an ingredient in antifreeze. It has a sweet taste that attracts animals to drink it. Although newer generation antifreeze incorporates an additive that makes it taste bad, older products are still available. Where there is a broad range of values towards animals, intentional poisonings do occur. Ethylene glycol will cause acute and severe renal failure and can be fatal. Again, it is safest not to allow pets to roam. Early detection and intervention improves chances of survival and recovery. If known ingestion occurs, contact your veterinarian immediately.