It was great to meet The Hon Jackie Jarvis MLC, WA’s Minister for Agriculture & Food at the newly established Perth Vet Emergency in Cannington last week....
With warmer weather comes an increase in snake activity. This prompts an increase in calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline regarding snake interactions where a bite is suspected or known to have occurred....
Human use of prescribed stimulant medication has significantly increased over the years. As these medications are now frequently found in the home, calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline regarding pets that ingest such medication ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline has recently posted about the dangers of pets ingesting 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) cream. 5-FU is found in several prescription creams that are used for solar keratosis (sun damaged skin) and other precancerous...
Adenium obesum, commonly known as Desert Rose, is a succulent plant species that typically bloom in spring and summer months. It is a popular ornamental plant found in many Australian and New Zealand households...
Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as the 'corn plant' or 'happy plant’ is a popular and easy-to-grow plant that is found in many homes and gardens throughout Australia and New Zealand. Whilst these plants are appreciated for their bright green leaves...
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...
Spring flowering bulbs are a seasonal highlight that capture the excitement, colour and beauty of spring. These plants come in all shapes and sizes and are commonly planted in gardens throughout Australia and New Zealand....
We are thrilled to have Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance’s ongoing support as an Animal Poisons Helpline Platinum Sponsor! Bow Wow Meow for Pets are a steadfast supporter of the Helpline....
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...
With the cooler weather upon us, the Animal Poisons Helpline has noticed a seasonal change in the types of toxins that animals are being exposed to. A reminder to our pet owning followers to be mindful of winter hazards ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is seeking donations for its winter appeal. The service helps over 10,000 poisoned animals per year and now requires your support to meet the demands of a hazardous winter. ...
We are pleased to welcome SERB Pharmaceuticals on board as an Animal Poisons Helpline supporter. Animal welfare is very important to the SERB Pharmaceuticals team, who are a dedicated ally to healthcare providers...
Pyrethroids are commonly found in domestic insecticide products such as insect and spider sprays, ant sands and mosquito coils. These insecticides may also be found in some flea and tick spot-on products for dogs. ...
With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, the Animal Poisons Helpline is anticipating an increase in calls regarding pets that have accessed bouquets and ingested flowering plants. Some flowering plants are considered highly toxic...
Over the past two months, the Animal Poisons Helpline has received over 50 calls regarding pets eating wild mushrooms. Most of these calls have come pet owners in Victoria and New South Wales. Whilst the ingestion of most mushroom species...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is often phoned regarding pets that have ingested topical pharmaceutical products. These may include creams, ointments, lotions, and foams. Whilst most of these exposures do not lead to significant harm...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is noticing an increase in the number of calls regarding pets eating wild mushrooms. This comes as no surprise given the seasonal growth characteristics of fungi and the recent rains throughout much of Australia....
After another busy year of providing a free poisons advice service to pet owners in Australia and New Zealand, we wanted to share the most common dog breeds that the Animal Poisons Helpline was contacted about in 2022....
Syagrus romanzoffiana (more commonly known as the queen palm or cocos palm) is an introduced palm that commonly grows in Queensland and New South Wales. The queen palm can grow up to 15 metres high and produces clusters of yellow or orange fruit. ...
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. ...
With your support, the Animal Poisons Helpline xylitol database now contains over 750 products. This information helps our team rapidly determine the presence and quantity of xylitol in a large range of pharmaceuticals...
It can be a stressful experience to find out that your pet has ingested something they should not have. The Animal Poisons Helpline is here to support you and your pet through such circumstances if they ever occur. Our team will assess ...
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...
As we approach the holiday period, calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline are on the rise. Many of us will be are aware of the additional poison risks Christmas brings for our pets, such as chocolate, alcohol, macadamia nuts or even button batteries. This holiday......
Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) are currently coordinating a recall of various baby spinach products in Australia that are contaminated with unsafe plant material. These products are considered unsafe for human consumption...
We have just been notified today that there is a large number of washed up bluebottles at Redhead Beach in Newcastle. Dogs that ingest bluebottles may be stung in the mouth and throat. These stings are immediately painful and ...
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 ...
With summer on our doorstep, we want to remind pet owners that some toxins are seasonal. For all animal poisoning queries, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 (AU)or 0800 869 738 (NZ). The service is free for all pet owners...
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. ...
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...
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...
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......
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 and enter your details for your chance to WIN!...
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. ...
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...
With recent increases in building works and DIY home renovations, the Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted about pets that chew on or ingest different building related products. One such product is timber adhesives ...
Did you know that Duranta erecta (commonly known as Geisha girl, Sheena’s gold, golden dewdrop, or simply Duranta) can be toxic to your pets? The leaves and berries are known to be toxic, however the toxin responsible...
As we head into warmer weather and drift closer to summer, our team have already noticed an increase in calls regarding beach related poisonings. From the weird and wonderful creatures which wash up on our pristine shores...
We have recently posted about the dangers of xylitol to dogs and the types of products that it may be found in. With your support, the Animal Poisons Helpline xylitol database now contains over 400 products...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is often phoned regarding pets (typically dogs) that have ingested oral contraceptives or birth control pills. These tablets may contain a combination of an oestrogen and progestogen...
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 ...
As the weather slowly starts to warm up, some of us will be planning our next camping adventure. If bringing your furry friend along for the ride, a little planning can significantly reduce the risk of a holiday poisoning disaster....
As the weather slowly starts to warm up, some of us will be planning our next camping adventure. If bringing your furry friend along for the ride, a little planning can significantly reduce the risk of a holiday poisoning disaster....
Did you know that plants in the Kalanchoe genus (more commonly known as widow’s-thrill, mother-of-thousands, and mother-of-millions) can be toxic to pets that eat them? These are common houseplants...
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. ...
We have just been notified today that there are a number of beached puffer fish at Bonbeach, Victoria, Australia. Pufferfish (also known as toadfish, blowfish or simply blowies) can be very attractive to pets....
You may have heard that xylitol can be lethal to dogs. Due to human health benefits, this popular sugar substitute is being found more commonly in: Chewing gum, Breath mints, Sweets ,Cough syrup, Oral hygiene products...
Sore throat lozenges are another seasonal pet poison that the Helpline is often contacted about throughout winter. Whilst most pets that ingest sore throat lozenges are unlikely to run into serious harm...
The Animal Poisons Helpline has recently been contacted regarding a number of pets that have been exposed to house paints. Whilst these exposures do not usually result in significant harm, each exposure...
Have you ever looked closely at the label of your household disinfectants? You might notice that many of them contain the active constituent “benzalkonium chloride”. This is a cationic disinfecting surfactant...
In 2021, approximately 10% of calls made to the Animal Poisons Helpline were regarding plant exposures. Whilst there are a large number of plants which can potentially be harmful to pets, most exposures tend to result in only...
Have you ever looked closely at the label of your household disinfectants? You might notice that many of them contain the active constituent “benzalkonium chloride”. This is a cationic disinfecting surfactant...
Have you ever looked closely at the label of your household disinfectants? You might notice that many of them contain the active constituent “benzalkonium chloride”. This is a cationic disinfecting surfactant...
Did you know that cats are more susceptible to certain poisons than dogs? Unfortunately, our feline companions are unable to effectively metabolise some substances. Their red blood cells are also very sensitive to ...
In 2021, approximately 10% of calls made to the Animal Poisons Helpline were regarding plant exposures. Whilst there are a large number of plants which can potentially be harmful to pets, most exposures tend to result in only...
To enter, simply go to animalpoisons.com.au/suppawt-and-win and pop in your details for your chance to win all this for your four-legged friend...
A huge shout-out to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for their continued generous support of the Animal Poisons Helpline. Their platinum sponsorship helps keep the Animal Poisons Helpline FREE for pet owners. Hill's Pet Nutrition: Premium...
Have you ever looked closely at the label of your household disinfectants? You might notice that many of them contain the active constituent “benzalkonium chloride”. This is a cationic disinfecting surfactant...
As we are now heading into cooler weather, many of you will be switching on gas heaters and fireplaces to keep warm. This winter, it’s important to be aware of the risks of carbon monoxide ...
Bow Wow Meow Pet Insurance, in collaboration with the Animal Poisons Helpline, invites you to a 30 minute webinar which will explore the hidden dangers of household poisons to your pets....
The Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted about pets that chew on or ingest leaves from Ficus lyrata, commonly known as the Fiddle-leaf fig. This is a common indoor house plant...
We have just been alerted that bromadiolone based rodenticide has been found placed in the Prince Alfred dog park in Surry Hills, NSW. ...
Want to win one of five bumper prize packages for you and your dog? Simply SUPPAWT the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline and you could WIN! ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline has recently been contacted regarding several isolated cases of bromoxynil and MCPA poisoning in dogs. These chemicals are selective herbicides ...
Did you know that most radiator coolants contain a toxic substance called ethylene glycol? Ethylene glycol raises the boiling point of radiator fluid, and it (or similar compounds) may also be found in some...
Most pet owners know that batteries can be dangerous if chewed on or swallowed. The majority of household batteries (including AA and AAA batteries) contain a highly alkali electrolyte paste. ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is once again starting to receive an increase in the number of calls regarding pets eating wild mushrooms. This comes as no surprise given the seasonal growth characteristics of fungi ...
Barbecue cleaners are a seasonal pet poisoning risk that the Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted about. The residue oil on used barbecue plates is highly attractive to pets, who will actively seek ...
Some pets find organic fertilisers simply irresistible, particularly those that contain blood and bone. Over the past 12 months, the Animal Poisons Helpline has received hundreds of calls for help...
The Animal Poisons Helpline often receives calls about pets (most commonly dogs) ingesting iron containing products. Such products may include certain snail baits, iron containing supplements...
The vast majority of calls received by the Animal Poisons Helpline are in regard to animals that have accidentally been poisoned. Despite what many may think, in most of these cases pet owners have ...
The bird of paradise (Strelitzia spp.) is an easily recognised common perennial flowering plant found in both Australia and New Zealand. It is well known for its flashy orange, yellow or white flowers...
Here is one for our New Zealand followers. Karaka (also known as the New Zealand laurel) is a common tree in New Zealand, particularly in the north island. Whilst the berries are an important food source...
The Animal Poisons Helpline has recently received a number of calls regarding dogs ingesting COVID-19 rapid antigen test buffer solutions. As millions of these tests are now being dispersed, we anticipate ...
There are various herbicides, commonly known as weed sprays or weed killers, readily available on the market. The active constituents as well as their concentrations can vary widely between products. ...
As we close out 2021 and celebrate the beginning of 2022, calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline are on the rise. Please keep your pets safe during the New Year’s Celebration...
Last month, the Animal Poisons Helpline was contacted regarding a pair of Kerry Blue Terriers named Josie and Maggie. These two inquisitive girls managed to lick up ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline has recently received several calls regarding dogs ingesting beached bluebottles. Otherwise known as man-of-war or blue bottle jellyfish...
Redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) tend to live in close association with people, but prefer dry, dark areas where they will not be disturbed. This means they are often found...
We are excited to announce the launch our small business supporter program, designed for smaller organisations that care about animal welfare. If you are part of a small business...
Ageratina adenophora, more commonly known as Crofton weed or Mexican devil, is a common poisonous pasture weed found primarily in coastal regions of NSW, southern QLD...
A huge congratulations to our major Pawesome Prize Pack winner: Shannon & Cheche the Mini Schnauzer in VIC! Plus our four runners up:...
As the weather begins to warm up in many parts of Australia, snakes are becoming active and our pets are once again at risk! All snake bites or suspected snake bites in Australia should be ...
Happy Halloween! Did you know that some toxins our pets may encounter today could be just as scary as your costume? Keep your pet safe by making sure you’re familiar with these ...
Did you know that Brunfelsia, commonly known as yesterday-today-and-tomorrow, is a highly poisonous plant? Some species in this genus contain several toxins that are known to result in...
Spot-on flea and tick products can be hazardous to your pet if used incorrectly. These products are liquids intended for application to the skin, usually at a location where a pet is unable to lick...
Intermittent COVID lockdowns have seen many of us taking up new hobbies, including home baking. But did you know that raw bread dough can be toxic to pets? Bread dough poisoning occurs when ...
With the recent investigation of 68 dogs in Victoria being accidentally poisoned through eating horse meat contaminated with indospicine ...
Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) and other cycads can be lethally poisonous to dogs. We have posted about cycads previously, however as we continue to receive reports of dogs being poisoned...
Almost all plants that arise from bulbs or corms have the potential to be poisonous if ingested by your pet. These include daffodils, jonquils, tulips, hyacinths, iris, bluebells...
Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a common poisonous shrub that grows throughout Australia and the north island of New Zealand. It is often used as a landscaping plant ...
Daphne plants are currently flowering in many parts of the country. There are many species of Daphne with varying degrees of toxicity. They all contain toxic compounds...
Did you know that nicotine poisoning can be life-threatening for our pets? Calls to the Animal Poisons Helpline regarding pets that have ingested nicotine are common...
Did you know dogs are much more sensitive to the effects of marijuana than people? Dogs metabolise the psychoactive constituent, D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)...
Is avocado truly toxic to animals? Let us set the record straight! Avocado or Persea americana contains a naturally occurring compound known as persin. ...
Chilly winter weather has many households lighting fires, and the Animal Poisons Helpline has started receiving calls about dogs ingesting firelighters and matches. ...
Did you know that vitamin D can be dangerous to pets if consumed in excessive quantities? Such exposures may occur when pets have access to containers of human vitamin D supplements...
Azaleas have just started flowering and whilst they may appear spectacular in full bloom, they are particularly toxic to most animals. Azaleas contain variable amounts of grayanotoxins...
Please join us in extending a tremendous thank you to Animal Welfare Victoria and the Victorian government for awarding the Animal Poisons Helpline an Upgrades ...
Camphor and naphthalene containing mothballs and flakes were banned in New Zealand in 2014, however, they are still readily available to purchase in Australia. ...
Winter is upon us once again and the Animal Poisons Helpline has already noticed a seasonal change in the types of poisons that pet owners are calling us for. Whilst many warmer...
You may already know that onions can be toxic to your pet, but did you know that garlic, chives, leeks, and possibly other vegetables in the Allium genus can cause similar toxic effects?...
Have you seen this plant? Araujia sericifera, otherwise known as the Moth Vine, Moth Plant, False Choke or Cruel Vine is a common and widely distributed introduced perennial weed ...
Please be cautious with your pets as Melia azedarach (also known as White Cedar, Chinaberry or Cape Lilac) berries are now ripe and falling from trees throughout Australia and New Zealand. ...
If you have been following our page, you will know that sago palm, lilies, spring bulbs and oxalate containing plants can all be problematic for our pets. But what about safe plants?...
The last common poison we wanted to share with our followers for National Pet Poison Prevention Month is the pyrethroid insecticides. Pyrethroids are commonly found in domestic insecticide ...
Did you know that oxygen absorber sachets can be dangerous to your pets? These sachets are typically used to preserve dried food items and may contain varying amounts of iron powder....
With a mouse plague running rampant over parts of eastern Australia, we would like to remind our followers about the risks of using rat and mouse baits around our pets ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is thrilled to announce Dr Lisa Chimes, an emergency veterinarian and media personality, as our Veterinary Ambassador. You may know Dr Lisa Chimes ...
With the recent rains over many parts of Australia, we have noticed a significant increase in the number of pets ingesting wild mushrooms. Australia and New Zealand ...
Sugar substitutes and sweetening agents are growing in popularity due to their possible beneficial effects for people including weight loss, diabetic control ...
National Pet Poisons Prevention Month is here, and to contribute to this important initiative we will be sharing a series of informative posts on five common poisons. ...
You may have heard that grapes are toxic to dogs, and yes, we can confirm that grapes, raisins, and sultanas are all bad for your pooch. Whether they are black, red, or green...
The Animal Poisons Helpline is often contacted regarding pets that have chewed on or walked over weeds that have recently been treated with glyphosate. Glyphosate is a non-selective ...
Our Win a Doggy Bag of Goodies from the Australian Animal Poisons Helpline Competition is officially open! The Australian Animal Poisons Helpline is giving you the chance...
We have recently posted on the dangers of Lilies and wanted to take this opportunity to remind all cat owners to avoid them. Valentine’s day marks a particular risk as cat owners may be...
A huge shout-out to Hill’s Pet Nutrition for becoming a Platinum Sponsor of the Animal Poisons Helpline. By doing so, they have helped to keep the Animal Poisons Helpline FREE for all pet owners. ...
The Animal Poisons Helpline receives calls every day regarding pets ingesting poisonous plants. Many exposures can be managed at home, with only approximately 1 in 10 plant exposures ...
If you live in or near one of these postcodes, it may be a great idea to add us to your contacts! These are the most common postcodes in each state and territory that we received calls...