ASPCA Reminds Pet Owners to Beware of Venomous Creatures This Summer

With the long, hot days of summer upon us, The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) has issued a press release reminding us of a danger that we often overlook. While you are out enjoying the lovely weather, you might be taking along your favorite critter; to picnics, hikes, and walks. Remember that your critter might not be the only one amongst the action. Poisonous snakes, bees, spiders, scorpions, and other venomous creatures can be lurking in your pet's path. Not only can these animals pose a risk to humans, they can be just as dangerous to your pet.

The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center, alone, dealt with over 480 cases where a pet was bitten or stung by a venomous creature in 2006. These figures do not even begin to reflect the true total of cases that may have been handled by personal veterinarians or went unreported. With this in mind, the ASPCA has offered some tips on how to prevent an encounter that could result in your pet becoming ill or dying.

Many venomous creatures are nocturnal, meaning they are more active during the evening and nighttime hours. The ASPCA would encourage you to resist the temptation to walk your pets in the cooler evening hours for this reason. The chances of your pet being bitten or stung are much higher during this time of day.

If you are taking your pet along on a hike outdoors, keep him or her on a leash. While this might not seem quite as much fun for your pet, it will give you greater control over their whereabouts. By keeping your pet close to you on a path, you can help them to avoid a dangerous animal, such as a snake or a scorpion.

Dogs, in particular, love to snoop around while out and about. However, it is imperative for you to keep your dog away from woodpiles, rocks, logs, and holes. Many venomous animals live in areas such as these and would not hesitate to sting or bite your friend on the nose or face.

No matter how careful you are your pet may still become a victim. It is important to know how to handle a situation like this to maximize your pet's chances of recovery. The most important step you can take as an owner is to get the assistance of a veterinarian as soon as possible.

"Attempts to suction out or remove the poison yourself usually don't work well," says Dr. Steven Hansen, board-certified veterinary toxicologist and senior vice president with the ASPCA, who manages the ASPCA's Midwest Office, which houses the APCC in the press release. "And antivenin kits are generally not practical for most pet owners to keep on hand, because most are formulated for a specific species or group of venomous animal, and don't necessarily cover all types."

If you notice any telltale signs of an incident like this, it is crucial that you keep your pet calm and inactive. Some of these signs include weakness, breathing difficulties, tremors, seizures, or abnormal heart rhythm. You may also notice a bite wound that has dying tissue peripherally due to the venom that will be causing pain to your pet. The best way to handle this is to contact a veterinarian so that your pet gets the best treatment possible.
If you cannot locate a veterinarian, the ASPCA has an emergency hotline that you may call for advice as to what to do. The number to the Animal Poison Control Center is 1-888-426-4435. A fee will be charged for this call, but your pet's life very well may be saved.

SOURCE:

ASPCA Press Release. URL: (http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=press_080107)