There has been a worrying spike in the number of dog poisoning incidents across the Fidelity ADT footprint recently and dog owners are advised to be cautious and take note of these life saving tips for their beloved animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cResidents need to be extra vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or vehicles seen in the area to either Fidelity ADT or the SAPS.<\/p>
\u201cUsually we see a spate of house robberies following incidents of dog poisonings so we all need to work together to ensure these properties are secure,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, marketing manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>\n
Fidelity ADT confirmed it would be upping its presence in those areas specifically identified to ensure greater visibility and support for these residents.<\/p>
Fidelity approached Dr Hannekom from Onderstepoort Academic Hospital\u00a0 to provide homeowners with the following advice if they believe their pet may have been poisoned:<\/p>\n
\u2022 If you suspect your dog has been poisoned, please take them to the vet immediately. Owners try to treat animasl themselves, however, it is always better to seek veterinary assistance as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Signs will vary depending on the type of poison swallowed. They can be as mild as lethargy, malaise, and weakness to gastrointestinal signs like vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, and nausea. More severe signs can include agitation, twitching, seizures, or even a coma.<\/p>\n
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ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Solid perimeter security measures are still the best deterrent<\/a><\/p>\n Top 5 tips to prevent a home invasion<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u2022 If your pet has started vomiting, gather a sample of it in a plastic bag and take it with you to your vet immediately. It may be used for testing and analysis. Never induce vomiting without consulting the vet.<\/p>\n \u2022 Try to stay calm and move your dog to a safe area. Check your dog is breathing and if not, you may need to perform CPR, before taking the dog to the vet.<\/p>\n \u2022 If your dog begins to convulse, also move them to a safe area where they won\u2019t cause injury to themselves.<\/p>\n \u2022 Aldicarb, also known as two-step\/Temik, is the commonly used poison. It looks like little black poppy seeds and is granular in appearance. Hannekom said it is highly toxic. Do not touch it with your bare hands \u2013 wear gloves when removing the poison from your property. Criminals usually hide it in meat so that dogs consume it.<\/p>\n The bottom line is you need to get your pet to a veterinary specialist as soon as possible in the event of any possible poisoning said Hattingh.<\/p>\n She added that it is vital that any incidents of dog poisonings are reported to the SAPS immediately.<\/p>\n \u201cAll poison cases must be reported to the local SAPS with a request for them to investigate the case and remove any suspected poison residues\/bait from your property.<\/p>\n \u201cA poisoning incident is a crime and should therefore always be reported,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n