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Today marks World Animal Day, a day dedicated to i

Today marks World Animal Day, a day dedicated to improving animal welfare across the globe. On this day 4 years ago, the launch of the Animal Poisons Helpline was also announced. Since then, the Helpline has assisted over 40,000 animals that have been exposed to various poisons including human and veterinary pharmaceuticals, chemicals, pesticides, poisonous plants, fungi, and venomous terrestrial and marine creatures. The service has also provided a plethora of poisons prevention education to pet owners.

Without expert knowledge, it can be difficult to differentiate a benign poison exposure from an exposure that could result in severe or life-threatening effects. The Helpline can rapidly assess whether home observation is appropriate and safe, or when immediate veterinary assessment is required. There is no doubt that the service has had a significant positive impact on animal welfare in Australia and New Zealand, preventing a great deal of suffering and death due to poisoning.

The Animal Poisons Helpline could not have achieved all of this without the ongoing support of its steadfast Platinum Sponsor, Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. Their assistance has ensured that pet owners can access free animal poisons advice, 7 days a week. If you are looking for pet insurance for your furry friend, please show Bow Wow Meow your support so that they can continue to back the Helpline and keep it accessible to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand. More information on Bow Wow Meow’s flexible policy options can be found at www.bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons.

#WorldAnimalDay

🐶🐱 The Animal Poisons Helpline’s toxic foo

🐶🐱 The Animal Poisons Helpline’s toxic food fridge magnets are back by popular demand. These magnets have been sought after by veterinary clinics for placement into puppy packs or for simply handing out to pet owners.

If you are a member of an Australian veterinary team and your clinic is interested in obtaining a complimentary pack of these magnets, simply tag your clinic (or write your clinic name) in the comments below and we will arrange the postage.

If you are a pet owner, share this post with your local veterinary clinic so they don’t miss out.

Be quick, the supply of these magnets will be limited to the first 100 clinics that express interest. We thank Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance for making this magnet distribution possible and for raising awareness of the life-saving service that the Animal Poisons Helpline provides.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted abo

The Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted about pets that chew on or ingest leaves from plants in the Yucca genus. These perennial shrubs have sword shaped leaves and white flowers that are typically held on strong stems above the foliage. There are over 40 species of yucca and due to their hardy low maintenance nature, they can often be found growing in gardens throughout Australia and New Zealand.

When ingested by companion animals, gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling and reduced appetite may occur. Some species of yucca have sharp leaf margins and/or terminal spines which can potentially result in injury to the mouth and gastrointestinal tract when chewed on or ingested. There are also reports of liver disease in cattle and horses that regularly graze on some species of yucca, however this has not been reported in dogs and cats.

☎️ If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides free advice to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand and can be reached on 1300 869 738 (AU)
or 0800 869 738 (NZ).

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow for Pets, who are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons for more info and enter promo code AP368 when you get a quote.

🐍 Snakes are currently active across the countr

🐍 Snakes are currently active across the country, and we would like to remind our followers that all snake bites in Australia should be regarded as life-threatening. If your pet is bitten, it is vital that you keep them calm and as still as possible. Try to limit any movement (including walking) where possible and transport them to your nearest veterinary practice immediately, even if they look well. The sooner your pet is treated, the better their chances of survival.

Signs of a snake bite can include:

➖ Sudden weakness or collapse, which may be followed by transient improvement
➖ Vomiting
➖ Laboured breathing
➖ Paralysis, starting with the hind legs
➖ Loss of bladder and bowel control
➖ Blood in the urine

❌ DO NOT try to catch or kill the snake for ID or for any other purpose
❌ DO NOT apply a tourniquet
❌ DO NOT wash the bite site
❌ DO NOT cut, suck or apply any other treatments to the bite-site

If your dog or cat has been bitten or potentially bitten by a snake, immediate veterinary assessment is recommended in all cases. Whilst veterinary treatment of snakebite can be lifesaving, it is costly in many cases. Pet insurance provides peace of mind and protection if your pet is ever bitten. Our platinum sponsor Bow Wow Meow for Pets are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Animal Poison Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

🌿☠️ Have you seen this plant? Ricinus comm

🌿☠️ Have you seen this plant?

Ricinus communis (more commonly known as the castor bean or castor oil plant) is a highly poisonous plant that grows throughout Australia and New Zealand. Often found in vacant plots of land and unkept gardens, the castor oil plant is fast-growing and produces spiny seed capsules that each hold several seeds. When ripe, the seed capsules rupture and launch the seeds up to a few metres from the plant.

Within the seeds is a highly poisonous compound called ricin. When ingested, ricin enters cells and inhibits protein synthesis resulting in cell death. Small ingestions of the castor oil plant can result in serious poisoning and whilst there is no antidote, early veterinary treatment can be lifesaving.

Signs of poisoning can include abdominal tenderness, vomiting and diarrhoea (which may contain blood), weakness and multiple organ injury or failure. Whilst cases are rare, dogs can be seriously poisoned or even die from eating this plant. A range of other animals, including horses, sheep, pigs, rabbits, geese, and cattle can also be affected. If you are a pet owner and see this plant growing on your property, it is best removed. Do not allow your pets access to (or in the immediate vicinity of) any established castor oil plants.

☎️ If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides a free service for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand, and we can rapidly determine if your pet requires immediate veterinary assessment or can be observed at home.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow for Pets, who are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

🐛 Have you seen this caterpillar? The white ced

🐛 Have you seen this caterpillar? The white cedar moth (Leptocneria reducta) is found in all Australian states and territories except Tasmania. These caterpillars can be present in large numbers near white cedar trees, typically migrating en masse during the evenings to feed on the foliage.

With fine hairs covering their body, contact with these caterpillars can result in itching and swelling. This condition is known as erucism, or more commonly ‘caterpillar dermatitis’. Pets that lick, chew, or ingest the caterpillars can be at risk of problems from hairs becoming embedded in the mouth and throat. Inhalation of airborne hairs can also result in respiratory complications.

If you have a white cedar tree growing in your neighbourhood, ensure you leash and observe your pet whilst near them. The berries from the white cedar tree can also result in poisoning if ingested and are said to be sweet and highly palatable.

☎️ If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Their support helps to keep this service FREE for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand.

Hill's Pet Nutrition: Premium pet food backed by science. From their days as puppies and kittens to their years as senior dogs and cats, Hill's nutrition starts with science for differences you can see, feel and trust.

Visit www.hillspet.com.au to learn more.

Please join us in congratulating our Santa Paws Ch

Please join us in congratulating our Santa Paws Christmas Giveaway winners!
Our major winner:

DEBBIE PLUS DACHSHUND JAGGER AND RETRIEVER SASHA (VIC)!

Plus our two runners-up:

ROXANNE AND CATS COCO, KITTEN AND KEISHA (WA)
NICOLE AND JACK RUSSELL JAXXIE (TAS)

If you enjoy our competitions, why not help us to continue to run giveaways and provide lifesaving advice to pet parents like you by donating: animalpoisons.com.au/support (or via the link in our bio). 🐶🐱

#AnimalPoisons #Poisons #Toxins #Toxicology #Pets #Animals #Dogs #Cats #AnimalWelfare #AnimalLovers #RSPCA #Vets #Veterinarian #VetSchool #AustralianVets #Vetlife #AnimalEmergency #EmergencyVet #PetEmergency #AustraliaZoo #AnimalWelfare #Toxicovigilance #Vet #VetMed

Dracaena trifasciata, more commonly known as the s

Dracaena trifasciata, more commonly known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is a common indoor house plant. Many of our followers will instantly recognise this plant from the characteristic flat elongated vertical leaves. Calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline regarding plants in the Dracaena genus also form a significant portion of all plant related calls that the Helpline handles.

The snake plant contains a variety of saponin and glycoside compounds. Whilst pets that ingest this plant are unlikely to develop life-threatening effects, significant irritation to the gastrointestinal tract, with subsequent drooling, vomiting, and reduced appetite can occur. Occasionally, pets that eat this plant may develop other effects such as dilated pupils, weakness, unsteadiness on the feet and labored breathing.

☎️ If your pet shows interest in your indoor house plants, ensure they are kept out of reach wherever possible. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides a free service for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand, and we can rapidly determine if your pet requires immediate veterinary assessment or can be observed at home.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow for Pets, who are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is sometimes grown i

Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea) is sometimes grown in temperate cottage gardens of Australia and New Zealand for its attractive and colourful bell-shaped flowers. All parts of this plant contain toxic compounds known as cardiac glycosides. When ingested, these toxins can alter the electrical activity in the heart, which can be life-threatening.

Whilst not a common poisoning that the Animal Poisons Helpline is contacted about, severe effects can occur after the ingestion of a relatively small amount of plant material. Poisoning has been reported in a variety of animals including dogs, horses, ruminants, poultry, and pigs. Early signs of poisoning can include drooling, refusal to eat or drink, vomiting (in those animals that can vomit), and diarrhoea. As the poisoning progresses, animals may become weak, lethargic, and unsteady on their feet.

Whilst the plant is bitter and generally considered unpalatable, if you have Digitalis growing in your garden please ensure your pets cannot access it. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Their support helps to keep this service FREE for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand.

Hill's Pet Nutrition: Premium pet food backed by science. From their days as puppies and kittens to their years as senior dogs and cats, Hill's nutrition starts with science for differences you can see, feel and trust.

Visit www.hillspet.com.au to learn more.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is often phoned about

The Animal Poisons Helpline is often phoned about pets ingesting nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Pets can easily be exposed to toxic doses of these medications by either directly chewing into packets (tablets, liquids, or topical gels) or by being inadvertently overdosed by owners. The five most common NSAIDs that the Animal Poisons Helpline is contacted about are ibuprofen, diclofenac, naproxen, meloxicam, and celecoxib.

In small animals, NSAID overdose can be serious. The risk of poisoning is highly dependent on the actual drug and dose ingested, the species and weight of your pet (cats being more sensitive than dogs), and any underlying medical conditions that may be present. Overdose may result in gastrointestinal effects, kidney injury, and even neurological signs such as coma and seizures with large doses. Pets can be very sensitive to many ‘human’ NSAIDs and should only ever be given medication under strict veterinary advice.

Please ensure all medications are always stored well out of reach of your pets. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU)
or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Their support helps to keep this service FREE for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand.

Hill's Pet Nutrition: Premium pet food backed by science. From their days as puppies and kittens to their years as senior dogs and cats, Hill's nutrition starts with science for differences you can see, feel and trust.

Visit www.hillspet.com.au to learn more.

If you enjoy home brewing, please be aware that ho

If you enjoy home brewing, please be aware that hops can be incredibly toxic to dogs. Hops are used as flavouring and stability agents in beer, and come in the form of dried flowers, pellets, and plugs. Unfortunately, the sweet mixture of spent grains/hops is quite tasty to dogs, and with the increasing popularity of homebrewing comes the increased risk of hops ingestion in dogs.

When ingested, signs of hops poisoning include a rapid increase in body temperature, panting, restlessness, a rapid heart rate, seizures and even death. Whilst poisoning in cats has not been reported, both fresh and spent hops have been associated with poisoning in dogs.

If you have hops in your house, please ensure they are always kept well out of reach of dogs. If your pet has ingested something they should not have, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Hill’s Pet Nutrition. Their support helps to keep this service FREE for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand.

Hill's Pet Nutrition: Premium pet food backed by science. From their days as puppies and kittens to their years as senior dogs and cats, Hill's nutrition starts with science for differences you can see, feel and trust.

Visit www.hillspet.com.au to learn more.

Our Santa Paws Christmas Giveaway is now closed.

Our Santa Paws Christmas Giveaway is now closed.

Thank you to everyone who entered, donated and supported the helpline.

We’ll be announcing our lucky winner and runners-up very soon - so keep an eye on your inbox...

🐕 Hurry! There’s only one week left to get yo

🐕 Hurry! There’s only one week left to get your hands on our Santa Paws Prize Pack!
To help us spread awareness of our FREE poisons information helpline that provides rapid, upto-date and evidence-based poisoning advice to pet owners, we regularly run competitions and giveaways with the support of our wonderful sponsors.

If you enjoy our competitions, why not help us to continue to run giveaways and provide lifesaving advice to pet parents like you by donating: animalpoisons.com.au/support.

Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. PDS and Target Market Determination are available at bowwowinsurance.com.au.

#AnimalPoisons #Poisons #Toxins #Toxicology #Pets #Animals #Dogs #Cats #AnimalWelfare #AnimalLovers #RSPCA #Vets #Veterinarian #VetSchool #AustralianVets #Vetlife #AnimalEmergency #EmergencyVet #PetEmergency #AustraliaZoo #AnimalWelfare #Toxicovigilance #Vet #VetMed

🎄 We’ve reached the halfway point in our Sant

🎄 We’ve reached the halfway point in our Santa Paws Christmas Giveaway! 🐾
Next week we will be drawing our second weekly, runner-up so if you’ve already entered, you’re in the draw to win and if you haven’t entered yet, what are you waiting for? Spoil your fur babies this Christmas with a Santa Paws Prize Pack chock full of goodies to keep your furry friend healthy, happy and entertained this festive season!

😸 Don’t forget, this competition is also open to cat owners, so don’t forget to tell your cat-loving friends about our competition too!

Find out more and enter here: animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway (or click the link in our bio).

Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. PDS and Target Market Determination are available at bowwowinsurance.com.au.

#AnimalPoisons #Poisons #Toxins #Toxicology #Pets #Animals #Dogs #Cats #AnimalWelfare #AnimalLovers #RSPCA #Vets #Veterinarian #VetSchool #AustralianVets #Vetlife #AnimalEmergency #EmergencyVet #PetEmergency #AustraliaZoo #AnimalWelfare #Toxicovigilance #Vet #VetMed

🐈 Have you entered to win a Santa Paws Prize Pa

🐈 Have you entered to win a Santa Paws Prize Pack yet? 🐶
To enter, simply go to animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway (or click the link in our bio) and pop in your details for your chance to win all this for your beloved cat or dog:

🐾 Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance discount voucher plus Pet ID tag coupon
🐾 Hill’s Dog Nutrition Pack tailored to your cat or dog’s dietary requirements
🐾 KONG Toy Play Pack tailored to your cat or dog’s size and weight
🐾 DOG by Dr Lisa Scentsational coat and skincare products - OR - CAT by Dr Lisa No Wash Set

PLUS we have two weekly runner-up prize draws!

One lucky runner-up winner will receive a DOG by Dr Lisa Scentsational Set -OR- CAT by Dr Lisa No Wash Set.

Our second lucky runner-up winner will receive a KONG Toy Play Pack tailored to your cat or dog’s size and weight.

Enter here: animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway (or click the link in our bio).

Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. PDS and Target Market Determination are available at bowwowinsurance.com.au.

🎅 Win a Santa Paws Prize Pack! 🐾 Enter to wi

🎅 Win a Santa Paws Prize Pack! 🐾
Enter to win a Santa Paws Prize Pack valued at up to $1,848.95 AUD from The Australian Animal Poisons Helpline. Head to animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway (or click the link in our bio) and enter your details for your chance to WIN!

😻 Calling all cat lovers! You asked and we listened - this time we’re opening up entries to your furry friends too, with not one, not two but three prize packs that can be tailored to both cats and dogs! What are you waiting for? Enter meow! animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway

Our competition is open to Australian residents aged 18 and over. Commences 4 November 2022 and closes 18 November 2022. Total prize pool is valued at up to $1,848.95 AUD and is not transferable or exchangeable and cannot be taken as cash. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Instagram. Promoter’s decision is final. Full T&Cs available at animalpoisons.com.au/christmas-giveaway.

Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance is issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) before purchasing Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance. PDS and Target Market Determination are available at bowwowinsurance.com.au.

#AnimalPoisons #Poisons #Toxins #Toxicology #Pets #Animals #Dogs #Cats #AnimalWelfare #AnimalLovers #RSPCA #Vets #Veterinarian #VetSchool #AustralianVets #Vetlife #AnimalEmergency #EmergencyVet #PetEmergency #AustraliaZoo #AnimalWelfare #Toxicovigilance #Vet #VetMed

If you have been following the Animal Poisons Help

If you have been following the Animal Poisons Helpline social media channels, you will know that there are some ‘human’ foods which you should simply not feed to your dog. Today we would like to take a look at just some of the many food items that can be incorporated, in moderation, into your dog’s diet. Some foods that are considered safe include:

Apples (seeds and core removed), asparagus, bananas, beef, blueberries, bread (not raisin bread!), broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, cheese (small amounts), cherries (pits removed), chicken, corn (off the cob), cucumber, eggs, fish, green beans, kiwifruit, milk (small amounts), oats, peanut butter (check for xylitol first!), peas, pineapple, plain popcorn, plain yoghurt (small amounts), pork, pumpkin, rice, rockmelon, spinach, strawberries, sweet potato, watermelon and zucchini.

When feeding these food items to your dog, ensure they are cut or divided into small pieces where necessary to prevent choking. Meat should be lean, deboned, unseasoned, and cooked. Where possible, remove non-edible seeds (apples, cherries and other stone fruit), peel, and cores before feeding.

For more information on safe food options for your dog, Bow Wow Meow for Pets have put together an informative article available at bowwowinsurance.com.au/pet-community/pet-talk/foods-dogs-can-eat.

☎️ If your pet has ingested something they should not have, please phone the Animal Poisons Helpline 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ) for advice. The Animal Poisons Helpline provides a free service for all pet owners in Australia and New Zealand, and we can rapidly determine if your pet requires immediate veterinary assessment or can be observed at home.

The Animal Poisons Helpline is proudly sponsored by Bow Wow Meow for Pets, who are currently offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Helpline followers. Visit bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons and enter AP368 at checkout to take advantage of this offer.

👩‍⚕️ Are you a member of a veterinary tea

👩‍⚕️ Are you a member of a veterinary team? The Animal Poisons Centre has recently launched a Facebook group specifically for Australian and New Zealand veterinary staff. The group is regularly updated with toxicology tidbits, case studies and poisoning trends. Join today at facebook.com/groups/animalpoisonscentre.

We are very excited to announce that Bow Wow Meow

We are very excited to announce that Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance has renewed their Platinum Sponsorship of the Animal Poisons Helpline.

From our beginnings, Bow Wow Meow has been an incredible supporter of the Helpline. Since their sponsorship of the Helpline began in 2020, we have assisted over 20,000 poisoned animals. Their renewed Platinum Sponsorship ensures that Australian pet owners can continue to receive free expert phone advice from our experienced team 7 days a week.

Bow Wow Meow is one of Australia’s most trusted pet insurance providers, giving peace of mind to over 130,000 Aussie pet owners since 2008, They are proud to have been chosen as Product Review’s Pet Insurance Award winners every year from 2018 to 2022! If you are looking for pet insurance for your furry friend, please show Bow Wow Meow your support so that they can continue to help keep the Helpline available for all Australian pet owners.

Bow Wow Meow is now offering two months free pet insurance in the first year of coverage for Animal Poison Helpline followers. This exclusive discount is available at https://bowwowinsurance.com.au/poisons.

Please join us in congratulating our Suppawt and W

Please join us in congratulating our Suppawt and Win competition winners!

Our major winner:
NAME & DOG BREED AND NAME (STATE)

Plus our four runners-up:
NAME & DOG BREED AND NAME (STATE)
NAME & DOG BREED AND NAME (STATE)
NAME & DOG BREED AND NAME (STATE)
NAME & DOG BREED AND NAME (STATE)

Our competition may be over, but the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline still needs your suppawt! Please consider donating at animalpoisons.com.au/suppawt to help us continue our vital work. 🐶

#AnimalPoisons #Poisons #Toxins #Toxicology #Pets #Animals #Dogs #Cats #AnimalWelfare #AnimalLovers #RSPCA #Vets #Veterinarian #VetSchool #AustralianVets #Vetlife #AnimalEmergency #EmergencyVet #PetEmergency #AustraliaZoo #AnimalWelfare #Toxicovigilance #Vet #VetMed

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