How to Tell if a Dog or Cat has Eaten Poisoned Food

Cat and dog lovers around the country are worried sick every time there are reports of poisoned pet food. The Food and Drug Administration will always demand a recall of contaminated food, but it may still turn up in your home. Here’s how to know if your pet has been poisoned by tainted food.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. The signs of acute renal (kidney) failure caused by poisoned food are vague. They include loss of appetite, vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, change in urination, and thirst. If you see any one of these signs, contact your vet immediately.
2. Remember that loss of appetite and weight loss may be difficult to gauge and these symptoms may not be apparent until it is too late.
3. Be aware of your pet's energy level. If your dog or cat is not playing as much, doesn't meet you at the door, sleeps longer than normal and doesn't come when you call, these maybe signs that something is wrong.
4. You know what is and what is not normal for your cat and dog better than anyone else. Pay attention to your pet’s behavior so when something changes, you can detect the change.
5. Kidney failure can be successfully treated if caught quickly. So, if you’re at all worried, act immediately.
6. Checking to see if everything is right with your pet is a standard procedure. A vet will do a simple blood and urine test to determine whether the animal’s kidneys are functioning properly.
7. If your pet gets sick report the incident to the Food and Drug Administration. A list of Consumer Complaint Coordinators can be found on the FDA Web site (a link is provided in the Resources box).

Tips & Warnings

• Even if your pet hasn't eaten one of the recalled foods, but still displays some of the poisoning symptoms, be sure to consult your vet. These signs are indications of a variety of illnesses, not just kidney failure.
• Act as soon as you worry. It is much easier — and less expensive — to treat a disease in its early stages than later on in the process.
• Pet food brands are recalled from time to time. Check with your pet store or at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Web site to find out which brands have been recalled.
• Kidney failure is a progressive disease. The longer you wait, the more damage is done and, in some cases, the damage is permanent. If your vet can’t start an appropriate therapy in a timely manner, your pet's kidneys may reach a point of no return and the illness will be fatal.