Pufferfish And Your Dog

🚨**ALERT**🚨
The Animal Poisons Helpline has received an increase in the number of calls regarding pufferfish poisoning over the past week. As we are about to enter summer, we would like to remind all pet owners to be cautious with their pets whilst on the beach.
🐡 Pufferfish (also known as toadfish, blowfish or simply blowies) can be very attractive to pets. Dogs have been known to quickly eat washed up pufferfish before their owners can stop them, in some cases whole! Sometimes pet owners may be unaware that their pet has ingested a pufferfish until they develop the signs of poisoning soon after a visit to the beach.
Most pufferfish are toxic when ingested. They contain a highly potent neurotoxin known as tetrodotoxin in their organs and skin. Pufferfish ingestion can be life-threatening and result in a rapid onset of paralysis which typically begins in the back legs and progresses forward to the respiratory muscles. If your pet has ingested a pufferfish, they require urgent veterinary attention. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
Whilst on the beach, always observe your pets and do not allow them to approach any washed-up fish. To the fishing enthusiasts, please immediately return any pufferfish that are caught to the water rather than leaving them behind where dogs may eat them.
☎️ For all animal poisoning queries, you can call the Animal Poisons Helpline on 1300 869 738 (AU) or 0800 869 738 (NZ). Our service is free for all pet owners.
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