Dog Poisoning: What Every Pet Owner Should Know

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dog poisoning aldicarb two-step

Dog poisoning is a serious and often fatal emergency that can happen in any neighbourhood. Sadly, poisons such as Aldicarb (commonly known as “Two Step”) are still being used illegally — sometimes to target dogs before break-ins.

Even tiny amounts of these substances can be deadly, and dogs can die within minutes of ingestion if not treated immediately. Knowing what to look for — and how to respond — can save your pet’s life.

Common Symptoms of Poisoning in Dogs

If your dog suddenly becomes ill, look out for the following warning signs:

  • Foaming at the mouth
  • Vomiting or diarrhoea
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Muscle twitching or spasms
  • Weakness, collapse, or coma
  • Breathing difficulties
  • Sudden changes in behaviour
  • Constricted or dilated pupils

If you suspect poisoning, seek veterinary help immediately — every minute counts.

What To Do in an Emergency

  • Get to a veterinarian right away. Do not wait for symptoms to worsen.
  • Keep pets and children indoors until the property has been checked.
  • Wear gloves when handling your pet — saliva or vomit can still be toxic.
  • Search your yard or surroundings for suspicious food or bait.
  • Clean contaminated areas with slaked lime and water (use gloves).
  • Alert your security company or neighbourhood watch.
  • Report the incident to the police so it can be properly documented.

Prevention Tips

  • Keep dogs indoors at night whenever possible.
  • Check your property regularly for unfamiliar or suspicious food.
  • Warn neighbours about poisoning risks in your area.
  • Never use “Two Step” or Aldicarb for pest control — it’s illegal and deadly to pets, wildlife, and people.
  • Aldicarb is often sold unlabelled as rat poison by hawkers, so it’s important never to buy any such products.

A Final Word

Poisoning causes intense suffering, and even with emergency treatment, survival is not guaranteed. Prevention and vigilance are the best ways to protect your pets.

If you ever suspect poisoning, act fast — immediate veterinary care can make all the difference.

Bruma Lake Vet
1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene
Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 for emergency assistance or advice.

Understanding Canine Parvovirus: Why Vaccination Is Critical

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parvovirus puppy

Canine Parvovirus (commonly known as Parvo) remains one of the most serious and preventable diseases seen in dogs today. Unvaccinated dogs are especially at risk — and while some may survive with intensive care, many do not.

This highly contagious virus spreads quickly through communities, making vaccination and awareness essential to protect your pets.

What Is Canine Parvovirus?

Parvovirus is a highly contagious and potentially fatal viral disease that attacks a dog’s gut and immune system.

It spreads through:

  • Contact with infected stool or vomit
  • Contaminated shoes, clothing, bowls, or kennels
  • Surfaces where an infected dog has been — the virus can survive for months in the environment
  • Flies, birds and rodents, which can carry and spread the virus from contaminated areas to clean ones

Even a trace amount of the virus is enough to infect another dog.

Symptoms to Watch For

Parvovirus symptoms often appear suddenly and progress rapidly. Look out for:

  • Vomiting and diarrhoea (often bloody)
  • Loss of appetite and weakness
  • Severe abdominal pain or collapse

If you notice any of these signs, seek veterinary attention immediately. Early treatment significantly improves the chances of survival.

Treatment

There is no specific cure for Parvovirus. Treatment focuses on intensive supportive care, which may include:

  • Intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Medication to control vomiting and secondary infections
  • Nutritional and immune support

Newer therapies, such as antibody treatments, are showing encouraging results — but success still depends on early, aggressive veterinary intervention.

Prevention Is the Best Protection

The good news is that Parvovirus is entirely preventable.

Vaccination saves lives. Most Parvo cases occur in unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs.

Ensuring your pet’s vaccinations are current and complete is the most effective way to protect them.

Important: Don’t let your puppy leave your property until at least two weeks after their third vaccination, when their immunity is properly developed.

Stay Informed and Prepared

If you’re unsure about your dog’s vaccination status, contact us today — it could save their life.

Our team can check your pet’s records and schedule any necessary boosters.

Bruma Lake Vet
1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene
Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 to book vaccinations or request advice.

How Often Should Dogs Be Vaccinated Against Parvovirus, Distemper, and Hepatitis?

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vaccination schedule

A client recently asked us a great question: “Are vaccinations for Parvovirus and Distemper a once-off, or do they need to be repeated?”

It’s an important topic — and the answer could save your pet’s life.

Vaccinations are not a once-off. They’re essential for maintaining your pet’s immunity and protecting them from preventable, often fatal diseases such as Parvovirus, Distemper, and Infectious Canine Hepatitis throughout their life.

Puppy Vaccination Schedule

Starting at 5–6 weeks old, puppies receive their first vaccination. Three vaccinations are given, each one month apart. These protect against:

  • Distemper
  • Infectious Canine Hepatitis
  • Parvovirus
  • Coronavirus
  • Parainfluenza

The third vaccination also includes Rabies.

Important: Don’t let your puppy leave your property until at least two weeks after their third vaccination, when their immunity is properly developed.

Adult Dog Vaccinations

At one year old:
Your dog needs a booster for all vaccines, including Rabies. This is their fourth vaccination.

At two years old:
Another full booster is recommended for continued protection.

After this, the frequency of vaccination depends on your dog’s lifestyle and risk level:

  • Active dogs (those that go for walks, attend training, go to daycare or stay in kennels, or participate in shows): Annual vaccinations
  • Homebodies (dogs that rarely leave the property): Every second year
  • High Rabies risk areas (such as KwaZulu-Natal) or dogs that travel between provinces: Annual Rabies vaccination is mandatory

Dogs that stay in kennels or attend daycare should also receive a Kennel Cough (Bordetella) vaccination, as this infection spreads easily in social environments.

Why Staying Up to Date Matters

Keeping your pet’s vaccinations current protects them from serious and preventable diseases — and helps prevent the spread of these illnesses in your community.

It’s also important to know that Parvovirus and other infections are dose-dependent — meaning the severity of infection can depend on how many virus particles your dog is exposed to.

If there have been many Parvo cases in your area, or if your dog has come into contact with a Parvo case, you should vaccinate immediately, even if you normally fall into the group that vaccinates every two years.

If you’re unsure when your pet’s last vaccination was, contact us to check their records or schedule a booster.

Bruma Lake Vet
1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene
Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 to book your pet’s vaccinations or confirm their schedule.

Understanding Addison’s Disease in Dogs — Present’s Story

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addison's disease

Meet Present, affectionately known as Pressies — a brave dog living with a rare hormonal condition called Addison’s Disease, also known as Hypoaldosteronism. Addison’s is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder that affects the adrenal glands, which are responsible for producing essential hormones that regulate many body functions.

Pressies’ Journey to Diagnosis

Pressies was brought in to see me after she had been losing weight for about two weeks and seemed a little down. In the few days before her visit, she had stopped eating and had become very listless and depressed.

I performed routine blood tests, which pointed to mild kidney issues. However, Addison’s disease can often mimic kidney disease, and Pressies’ clinical signs didn’t quite fit the pattern. She showed signs of dehydration and abdominal pain — a variable but important indicator of Addison’s.

To investigate further, I performed electrolyte tests, which revealed high potassium and low sodium levels. While this can occur in kidney disease, it is also typical of Addison’s.Presence

We then ran one more specific confirmatory test, which confirmed that Pressies’ illness was indeed caused by Addison’s. In her case, the adrenal glands were not producing enough cortisone and aldosterone — two hormones vital for regulating electrolytes, hydration, and stress response.

Since Addison’s can lead to sudden and severe collapses known as Addisonian crises, constant attention and careful monitoring are essential. These crises require intravenous fluids with electrolytes to correct life-threatening imbalances quickly.

What Is Addison’s Disease?

In healthy dogs, the adrenal glands produce hormones such as aldosterone, which controls sodium and potassium levels, hydration, and blood pressure.

When the adrenal glands fail to produce enough aldosterone (or when the kidneys don’t respond properly to it), the body can’t maintain the right fluid and electrolyte balance — causing dangerous drops in blood pressure, severe dehydration, and compromised heart function. Without prompt treatment, Addison’s can be fatal.

Why Addison’s Is So Serious

Because aldosterone affects multiple organ systems, Addison’s can cause a wide range of symptoms that may appear gradually or suddenly.

Dogs may experience weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea, weight loss, or even collapse during what’s known as an Addisonian crisis — a medical emergency that requires immediate veterinary care.

Diagnosis and Ongoing Care

Diagnosing Addison’s disease can be complex, as its symptoms often mimic other illnesses, especially kidney disease. Diagnosis requires:

  • Routine and electrolyte blood tests
  • A specific confirmatory test to accurately identify the condition

Once diagnosed, dogs with Addison’s require lifelong hormone replacement therapy and regular monitoring to keep their electrolytes balanced.

With consistent care and attention, dogs like Pressies can live long, happy, and active lives.

A Message from the Team

Pressies is a wonderful reminder of the resilience of animals and the importance of early diagnosis and consistent care.

If your dog shows signs of weakness, vomiting, or unexplained weight loss, don’t wait — early testing can make all the difference.

Bruma Lake Vet

1 Glanville Avenue, Cyrildene

Call 011 622 8813 or WhatsApp 065 977 1082 to book a consultation or discuss your pet’s health concerns.

Understanding CBD Use in Pets: Benefits, Risks, and Veterinary Guidance

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cbd in pets

Using CBD in Pets

CBD (cannabidiol) is a compound extracted from the hemp plant that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Unlike THC — a compound found in the cannabis plant — CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not cause unwanted side effects such as a “high” or severe anxiety.

However, it is not without other side effects, and should therefore be used with caution.

Potential Benefits

Pet owners commonly use CBD to help with:

  • Stiff Joints and Discomfort: Thanks to its potential anti-inflammatory properties.

  • Stress and Anxiety: Providing a calming effect for issues such as separation anxiety or fear of loud noises.

  • Seizures: CBD has shown promise in reducing seizure frequency.

    Note: Do not stop your pet’s prescribed epilepsy medication. Always discuss possible interactions with your vet first.

  • Appetite: May help with nausea and encourage eating in pets with poor appetite.

Crucial Veterinary Warnings and Risks

  • Lack of Regulation: CBD products are largely unregulated, meaning their quality, purity, and actual CBD content can vary widely.

  • Potential Contamination: Some products may contain other substances that are toxic to pets.

  • Drug Interactions: Always consult your veterinarian before starting CBD, as it can interact with certain medications, including:

    • Anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenobarbital)

    • Anti-inflammatories

    • Cortisone

    • Blood thinners

    • Antidepressants

    • Certain antibiotics and antifungals

Dosing and Side Effects

  • Dosing: It’s best to start low and go slow. A common starting dose is 1–2 mg of CBD per 5 kg of body weight, given once or twice daily.

  • Possible Side Effects: Watch for signs such as drowsiness, increased thirst (dry mouth), or mild diarrhoea, which can occur if the dose is too high.

In summary:
While CBD may offer some benefits for pets, it should only be used under veterinary guidance. The safety, dosage, and quality of CBD products can vary greatly — so professional advice is essential before trying it for your pet.

THIS IS ME 

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I really appreciate all your good wishes on my birthday. Thank You. Many years ago, my wife gave me this very precious collage as a birthday present, a collage of which I have grown steadily more fond with every passing year. What every picture has in common, is a particular smiling happy boy. This is […]

The post THIS IS ME  appeared first on Dr Larry Kraitzick.

THIS IS ME 

/in , /by

I really appreciate all your good wishes on my birthday. Thank You. Many years ago, my wife gave me this very precious collage as a birthday present, a collage of which I have grown steadily more fond with every passing year. What every picture has in common, is a particular smiling happy boy. This is […]

The post THIS IS ME  appeared first on Dr Larry Kraitzick.

ARE WE KILLING OUR PETS WITH KINDNESS ?

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ARE WE KILLING OUR PETS WITH KINDNESS ?   Obesity disease which is defined by an excess of body fat such that it greatly increases the risk of disease.Dogs and cats are often considered overweight if their weight is >15% above ideal and are obese when weight is >30% of ideal. In veterinary medicine, body […]

SHOULD YOU CLIP YOUR DOG IN SUMMER ?

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SHOULD YOU CLIP YOUR DOG IN SUMMER ?   Though it may seem like logical to shave your dog when summer comes ,there are many important reasons why you should not do this.   Double coated dogs refer to the animals that, like Huskies, Chow and Pomeranians have two layers of fur. The first, or […]

Jolie

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  Hi .. Jolie here   Visiting Dr Larry today as I have Snuffles- a viral infection causing sneezing and conjunctivitis.   I am going to let you into a secret .. love being tickled on my left cheek recieving compliments .Dr Larry tickled me and told me I am beautiful …we are now best […]