A Westie in Scotland has had a lucky escape after unwittingly eating rat poison in a park popular with dog walkers near her home, EdinburghLive reported.
Abbi was in Greenwell Park in the town of Glenrothes when she found and ate chunks of meat with the poison hidden inside. But soon after, her feces turned black. Thankfully, Abbi’s dog parent recognized that something was wrong and took her to the vet.
They placed Abbi onto a drip, and while the pup is now back at home, she still needs medication.
Appealing for Information
The Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has started an investigation, appealing for information and making dog parents aware.
We are very concerned about the circumstances surrounding how Abbi came to be poisoned,” said Robyn Gray, SSPCA inspector. “This is a very serious incident which, had her owner not acted with such speed, could have had a very different outcome.
“Using poison, or any dangerous item, with the intent of deliberately harming animals, is a crime and is enforceable by law.”
“If your pet shows any signs that they may have been poisoned, take them to the vet immediately.”
Suspect Rat Poison? Call the Hotline
Certainly, you should keep the number of the Animal Poison Control hotline to hand so that you can be prepared if your pup even eats something they shouldn’t. In the US, it’s (888) 426-4435, and you can ring it 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
While Abbi continues to recover at home, not all canines are so lucky. In November, a Rottweiler puppy in Manhattan consumed rat poison on a walk with her dog dad. But while he rushed her to the vet, they ultimately had to euthanize her.
Sometimes, people will set out to harm dogs, but on other occasions, a dog might consume poison that was used for its intended purpose. Either way, it’s best to remain vigilant – it just might save your pup’s life.
