POISONS 



of a respectable chemist should be obtained without delay, 

 and care must be taken to regulate the amount of the doses 

 to the size of the dog. (See Poisons.) 



Poisons. — The following is a list of poisons which most 

 commonly are fatal to dogs, together with their symptoms 

 and antidotes for immediate use. 



Aconite is used in cases of lockjaw and as a sedative. 

 Symptoms. — Continuous retching, extreme exhaustion, and 

 a difficulty in moving the hind-legs. Antidote. — Emetics, 

 and repeated doses of strong brandy and water. 



Antimony, or tartar emetic, used as a counter-irritant, 

 an emetic, or by some people in small quantities to improve 

 their dog's coat. Symptoms. — Violent sickness, diarrhoea, 

 thirst, a difficulty in breathing, and coldness of the limbs 

 and ears. Antidote. — Tannic acid, or if this is not at once 

 available, repeated doses of the very strongest tea that 

 can be made. 



Arsenic is frequently given to dogs as a tonic and in 

 cases of skin trouble. Symptoms. — Diarrhoea and vomiting, 

 the evacuations being usually tinged by blood, great 

 thirst, difficult breathing, bloodshot eyes, and convulsions. 

 Treatment. — An emetic of salt and water, from lo to 30 

 grains of magnesia if it is at hand. Moist hydrated per- 

 oxide of iron should at once be obtained for immediate 

 administration. If the strength fails an ^gg beaten up in 

 milk may be given at frequent intervals pending the arrival 

 of professional advice. 



Belladonna is given as a sedative. Symptoms. — Dila- 

 tion of the eyes, coma. Antidote. — Strong brandy and 

 water, or ammonia in frequent doses ; a dog suffering from 

 belladonna poisoning should be kept moving if possible, 

 and may derive benefit from smelling-salts held under 

 his nose. 



Carbolic Acid, when used for disinfecting purposes, 

 is occasionally drunk by dogs, the flavour not being un- 

 pleasant to some of them. Symptoms. — A feeble irregular 



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