Humans are not the only beings who can suffer from poisoning. Animals, be they wild or of the domesticated variety can also suffer poisoning. Each species of animal is unique, and therefore its response to poisoning and subsequent treatment will be different.

Both domestic and wild animals may be poisoned by the effect of eating poisonous plants, but whatever the cause, if there is concern about animal poisoning there are two main centers in the USA which can help and give advice.

  1. The National Animal Poison Control Center at the University of Illinois.

The NAPCC as it is commonly known was founded in 1978. It is a non profit organization which gives advice to animal owners and interacts with veterinarians on dealing with animals who have suffered exposure to poisons.

To contact the NAPCC, call 1-900-680-0000 or 1-800-548-2423 and you can speak directly about your concern to one of the universities licensed veterinarians or vet. toxologists, who have a wide range of experience in dealing with poisoned animals.

These people can give specific advice for individual cases and not just the general kind of information which is often offered.

While the NAPCC is a non profit organization, a small charge is made for the call. For calling the 900 number it is about $20 for the first 5 minute period, and thereafter, $2.95 per minute. A charge of $30 is made for using the 800 number (major credit cards accepted!) and included is as many follow up calls as necessary along with consultations directly with your veterinary doctor.

  1. ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center.

This poison control center is a branch of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and began as the Animal Toxology Hotline in 1978, also in Illinois, and it can still be called on 1-888-426-4435, where it operates a 24 hour advisory service.

Again like the NAPCC it offers consultation with other animal owners, veterinarians and toxologists and provides specific information on individual cases of animal poisoning.

Obviously for any call made to either of these poison control centers, detailed information will have to be provided, and each caller will be asked for—

-          Full name, address and telephone number.

-          The type of animal poisoned, along with details of gender, breed, age and weight.

-          Information about the type of poison involved. The person should try to be as specific as possible. If the animal has been poisoned by a plant, describe or name the plant.

-          What kind of effect is being experienced by the animal, what are its symptoms.

Either of these animal poison control centers provide much help to the public in assisting with poisoned animals, based on their experience of dealing with thousands of past cases, and being able to refer to past histories carried in a large data bank.

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