Wandering Jew
What it looks like:
The leaves
of the Wandering Jew are oval, smooth, shiny, fleshy and have pointy tips. It
is dark green, and found on the undergrowth on riverbanks, coastal areas and
forests, spreading quickly to a carpet of 50cm thick. Growing in moist, damp
and warm environment. During spring to summer, three petalled white flowers are
produced.
Signs:
Allergic
Dermatitis of sparsely haired areas when coming into contact with the plant. Red, itchy skin produced most commonly under stomach, groin area or between toes.
Treatment:
If the irritation is small, you can try one of our itch relieving products to soothe the skin.
Contact your
local vet if the affected area is severe, as your pet will require medication to control itchiness and prevent
secondary skin infections from scratching.
Sea Slugs
What it looks like:
Grey,
side-gilled, slimy, slippery, found on beaches, usually North Shore and the
Coromandel Area. Producing a toxin known as Tetrotoxin, which is also found in
pufferfish, this can be fatal if it comes in contact with your dog. Also, slug
eggs produce toxins too, so always supervise your dog at the beach, as consuming
these eggs will be fatal. Egg sacs of these seas slugs are toothpaste like,
opaque in colour with white flecks and tend to stick to shells and seaweed.
Signs
Colour
change in gums
Vomiting
Quivering
Seizures
Diarrhoea
Involuntary muscle contraction
Involuntary eye movement
Slug/Snail Bait
What it looks like:
Slug/snail
bait looks like white/grey pellets, resembling some dog foods, which means it caneasily attract dogs. Usually found sprinkled onto garden beds and boxes left
outside or in the shed.
Slug Bait is
extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Signs of poisoning occurs quickly.
Liver failure may occur 2-3 days after poisoning.
Signs:
Rapid Heart
Rate
Salivation
Anxiety
Vomiting
Diarrhoea
Panting
Incoordination
Twitching
Seizures
Treatment:
If your dog
shows signs of consuming slug bait, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Treatment includes induced vomiting, intravenous fluids, medications to
decrease seizures and flushing out the poison during anaesthesia.
Toxic Algae
What it Looks Like:
Toxic Algae (Cyanobacteria) generally
forms brown/black mats that grow on rocks in river beds. These mats come
loose and washes up on riverbanks or floating rafts in shallow places. The mats
also dry out during exposure, turning to light brown/white in colour. Toxic
Algae also produces a strong musty smell.
Toxic Algae is widely found in rivers and lakes throughout New Zealand. Forming toxic flowers,
it is highly toxic to both animals and humans. Being exposed to high levels of
toxic algae can be fatal, resulting in serious illness or death. Dogs are
susceptible to poisoning from toxic algae due to scavenging and playing near
water. It is important to avoid contact from toxic algae.
Signs:
Lethargy
Muscle tremors
Fast Breathing
Twitching
Paralysis
Convulsions
If your dog has consumed toxic algae,
it is an emergency and you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Death
can occur within half an hour after the first signs appear, depending on how
much they have consumed.
Karaka Berries
What it looks like:
During the months between January and
April, green berries from Karaka Trees turn orange. It is oval in shape and
grows in bunches.
The berries
are extremely toxic to dogs and remains toxic for a long time after they fall
from the tree.
Signs of
poisoning are usually delayed by 24 to 48 hours, but if not treated in time, can
be fatal.
Signs to
watch out for:
Vomiting
Weakness
Paralysis of
back legs
Convulsions
Confusion
If you
witness your dog eating Karaka Berries, contact your vet immediately.