Across the Channel, accidental poisonings affect thousands of dogs

  According to the latest figures from the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS), 56,491 dogs ingested substances with toxicity in the United Kingdom between 2010 and 2014, and 470 died as a result. To raise awareness among pet owners about the risks of poisoning, the British Kennel Club has published a guide with recommendations*.   The Kennel Club’s recommendations were released following the tragic death of Jagger, the Irish setter who was poisoned by pesticides in Belgium just one day after competing at Crufts (see below) . This incident brought the issue of poisoning in animals into the spotlight. The Kennel Club hopes to help prevent poisonings by encouraging any animal owner who suspects their pet has ingested something harmful to contact their veterinarian immediately. In its 2014 report, the VPIS recorded 10,896 cases of poisoning across 17 different animal species, although dogs accounted for the vast majority (83%), followed by cats (14%). In dogs, the substances most frequently responsible for poisoning are human analgesics, led by ibuprofen (789 reported cases), anticoagulant rodenticides (635 cases), chocolate (568 cases), fresh or dried grapes (308 cases), and xylitol, an ingredient found in chewing gum (110 cases). In cats, 5.6% of poisonings are caused by plants of the genus Lilium (lilies). As for rabbits, they are most commonly affected by bromadiolone, an anticoagulant pesticide used against rodents. Many seemingly harmless foods, such as blue cheese, raisins, onions, and chocolate, are particularly dangerous for dogs. Similarly, several common household and gardening products are toxic, including detergents, plants of the genus Allium , slug baits, rat and mouse poisons, spring bulbs, and so on. Their effects can range from simple stomachaches to death. In its annual report, the VPIS recorded 48 fatal cases in dogs in 2014, including 24 euthanasias. The most common substance involved was metaldehyde, a molluscicide used against slugs and snails. Among cats, the outcome was fatal in 43 cases, including 29 euthanasias. The most common substance involved (44%) was ethylene glycol , found notably in antifreeze. It was followed by acetaminophen and permethrin. Finally, e-cigarettes and palm oil pose a growing threat to dogs. For example, cases of poisoning from e-cigarettes rose from 17 in 2013 to 64 in 2014 (an increase of up to 276%), and those caused by palm oil rose from 6 in 2013 to 57 in 2014 (850%).   * http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/media/605397/poisons.pdf  

Crufts Cleared by Toxicological Analyses

Jagger, an Irish setter valued at €70,000, died of poisoning in Belgium on March 6, 2015, upon his return from Crufts in Birmingham. Although the possibility of poisoning during this renowned dog show was initially considered, toxicological analyses reassured dog lovers: the poisons (carbofuran and aldicarb), concealed in pieces of beef, were ingested shortly before Jagger’s death—meaning in Belgium, not in England. In fact, these two carbamate-based insecticides act quickly, taking effect within a maximum of three hours after ingestion. Furthermore, the pieces of beef were still in his stomach during the necropsy, performed on the morning of March 7, whereas dogs generally digest food within six hours of eating. He therefore could not have ingested the poisons on March 5 during Crufts.