My dog ate something poisonous! What should I do?

   This is an urgent question. There's no time to waste if you believe your dog has ingested something poisonous! Don't panic - get the container or label of the substance, or gather any remnants from what was swallowed. It's vital that you can give the veterinary health professional as much information as possible. Then, call your veterinarian or the closest veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

   I spoke with Lynae, from the Animal Emergency and Specialty Center in Parker, who said that there is a national clearinghouse that veterinary clinics and pet owners can call, sponsored by the ASPCA.  It's the Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. She added that sometimes an owner can be directed to treat a dog at home, without a costly trip to an emergency facility. Keep this number handy.

   Listen carefully to any instructions you are given. If home treatment is recommended, do everything exactly as instructed. There are a variety of antidotes and treatments for your dog; using the wrong strategy could make matters worse. For example, a caustic liquid could do more damage to your dog's throat and mouth if you induced vomiting. In other circimstances, getting him to throw up the dangerous substance would be the best outcome.

   If you are told to bring your dog in, don't hesitate. The less time the poison is in your dog's system the better.

   Here's the 10 most common dog poisonings, listed by Kevin Fitzgerald, D.V.M. Ph.D.,  at a seminar I attended in 2006 at Alameda East Veterinary Hospital:

1. Anticoagulents (rodent poison)
2. Cholecalciferol ( rodent poison)
3. Organophosphates (insecticides)
4. Carbamates (insecticides)
5. Ethylene glycol (antifreeze, rust remover)
6. Spiders, ants, bees
7. Snakes
8. Chocolate
9. Illicit drugs
10. Human medications

   Did you know that grapes, raisins, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs?

   Keep ALL dangerous substances out of your dog's reach. Prevention is the key.