Over the last few weeks, under the rubric of “EMERGENCIES”, we have focused on various types of skin burns (and their causes) which could result in your pet’s death, if not treated immediately and with great urgency, even while you seek to involve professional help. We have dealt with emergencies related to electric shocks, and the harmful effects of excessive sun rays.
Today, we will specifically cast our attention to the pet’s confrontation with toxic (poisonous) agents and materials. As with skin burns, many of the poison episodes experienced by companion animals are caused by caregivers inadvertently placing them in harm’s way; that is to say: toxic substances have inadvertently been placed in a location where they can easily be available for ingestion by the pet.
Additionally, pets encounter toxic compounds which are rubbed and sprinkled onto the skin via the usage of shampoos, oils, and powders.
All poisons do not have the same/similar courses of action after entering the animal’s body. Some poisons may attack either the blood or its circulatory system; while others may decrease/ destroy the function of the Central Nervous System.
PLACING TOXIC SUBSTANCES ON THE PET’S SKIN TO REMOVE ECTOPARASITES
(e.g. ticks, mites, fleas, lice, etc.)
It is imperative that I stress that dogs do not need constant baths. (Cats clean themselves thoroughly without your assistance). Every time you complete the bathing exercise, you will notice that the first thing that your dog does, after the bath, is to rub itself in the grass/sand/soil probably to remove the intolerable scent that you have just placed on the poor animal.
For you, the smell is pleasant. After all, you don’t want your pet pooch to “smell like dog”. I am sorry to inform you that it is a dog, and regardless of what you do, it will have the odour of a dog, and it will find the scents you place on it repulsive, disgusting, and unacceptable.
The message of this contention is that dogs must not be bathed often; rather, they must be combed and brushed at least every other day. This type of grooming stimulates the blood circulation in the skin, and has a lot more positive values relative to the skin’s /hair’s health. It also allows you to bond with your pet and be more attentive to the condition of the skin (lesions, hair matting, growths, and the presence of ectoparasites such as ticks, fleas, lice and mites).
Because we live in the tropics, ectoparasites abound – many of which are blood-sucking and disease-transmitting agents. You cannot leave these parasites on the animal’s skin. You must take positive action in trying to remove them. And you may very likely turn to insecticides and dangerous chemicals which are easily obtainable over the counter.
The advice on the usage of these over-the-counter products is often given by the vendor, who is more than likely non-knowledgeable of the consequences of the properties of the chemical.
Or you might follow the dosage rate which is printed on the container and then inopportunely add a little more than what is recommended. Or you might overlook the fact that the chemical may not be safe for puppies.
The problem arises when the toxic chemical begins to act by killing, say, the fleas. The fleas, in an attempt to escape the poison, tend to bury themselves deeper into the superficial skin layers. This creates an itch, which the pet tries to counter by biting at its own skin – thus ingesting the poison. So, you have a double whammy – ingestion as well as the poison itself being absorbed by and through the skin and getting into the bloodstream.
If enough of the poison (chemical) gets into the bloodstream, it is then carried to all of the cells, tissues, and organs of the body. You see where we are going with this! Your well-meaning intention has led to the poisoning of your pet.
The physiologically important functions of the body begin to shut down – and death is approaching.
Pet owners often tell me that the sellers should have told them about the dangers of the chemicals. Well, you are dealing with a dangerous substance with a potentially deadly end effect. Perhaps you should ask your vet about the chemicals, dosage rates, and dangers before purchasing and administering them.
I swear organophosphates (Sevin dust, Supona, etc.), Triatox and Jeyes Fluid, and old engine oil kill more home animals than any of the terrible canine diseases, like Distemper or Parvovirus or Leptospirosis. Do not assume that the vendor has in-depth knowledge of the chemical you have purchased. Your vet is your best bet!
The antidote for organophosphate poisoning is a drug called Atropine. Only your vet would have the product and be qualified to administer it.
Next week, we shall deal with other poisons, e.g. “Rat Bait”.
