Help For Poisoned Animals

Animal Poison Control Centers

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center

College of Veterinary Medicine
University of Illinois
(888)426-4435
http://www.aspca.org/apcc

There may be a consultation fee for the APCC services, billed to your credit card.

To learn more about the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and its services, visit their website at www.aspca.org/apcc.

• excessive dilatation of the pupil of the eye (mydriasis)
• coma
• tremors
• ataxia - loss of coordination of the muscles, especially of the extremities
• stupor
• vomiting (emesis)
• drooling
• changes in color in mouth
• change in respiration
• diarrhea
• extreme restlessness or lethargy

Please note that some pets may exhibit similar behavior even when they are healthy.

• One of our cats exhibits "binge and purge" behavior. As long as the dish of food is constantly full, she eats occasionally and does well. But if the dish gets empty, as soon as you fill it, she stuffs herself and vomits. We are familiar with this behavior and know that it is not a symptom of something dangerous. For that cat, vomiting is not necessarily a sign of poisoning.
• While sleeping, some of our cats exhibit muscle spasms. We think that they are hunting in their dreams. We know it's OK.
• A neighbor has a cat who drools whenever you pet him. For that cat, it just means he's happy to see you.

Look for things that are unusual.

• medication overdose
• use of unsuitable medication on pets (e.g. Aspirin can be fatal to cats)
• overuse, or incorrect use, of flea control products (e.g. dog flea shampoo on a cat)
• consumption of human or pet medication (e.g. Fluffy found an open bottle of Valium)
• consumption of dangerous household products (e.g. cleaning compounds)
• consumption of dangerous flowers, plants, or shrubbary
• consumption of things not suitable for pets (e.g. cigarettes, chocolate)
• consumption of non-food material (e.g. rubber bands, foam padding, etc.)

Disclaimer

I am not a veterinarian or any other kind of health practicioner. You should leave diagnosis and treatment to a veterinary professional. If your pet looks sick or injured, you should be on your way to the vet now.