BUSSELTON vets are warning dog owners of the danger of blowfish.
A dog was recently presented to GeoVet after eating a blowfish at the beach.
Although the owners brought it in when it started to look unwell it died within hours.
Vet Christina Webb is warning owners to bring their dogs in straight away if the dog has vomited it up.
“Many of the dogs that eat a blowfish will vomit it up but this does not mean that they cannot get very sick very fast.
“Blowfish toxicity is not something to monitor at home.”
If you think your dog has come in contact with a blowfish contact your vet immediately.
Christina explains that blowfish, puffer fish and toadfish have a toxin called tetrodotoxin that is one of the most potent paralysers that vets encounter.
“Tetrodotoxin acts quite fast and if your pet is not taken to the vet there is a chance they can stop breathing.
“Signs of blowfish toxicity include vomiting and diarrhea, trembling, drooling, wobbly walking, pattern weakness, difficulty breathing, blue tinged gums, dilated pupils and no blinking, paralysis and coma.
“There is no cure for this poison but supportive care from intravenous fluids all the way to ventilation for severe cases may just save your dog’s life,” she said.
Blowfish toxicity is quite common in Western Australia due to the number of dog friendly beaches.
If you think your dog has come in contact with a blowfish contact your vet immediately.
