Baiting the Issue

Pet Insurance Australia is urging all pet owners to be vigilant in regard to the recent increase in baiting attempts.

“The RSPCA has noted a spike in baiting attempts so pet owners need to be aware of the risks and take steps to ensure their beloved pets are safe,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says.

There were close to 5,000 poisoning cases in 2016.

“However, these do not signify exactly if this was a case of baiting or not,” Crighton says. “Poisoning can range from human medication, to rat poison, flowers and everything between, so it would depend on the circumstances surrounding the nature of the poisoning and if it was done on purpose or not.”

Symptoms

If you suspect your dog has ingested anything poisonous it’s best to seek veterinary advice immediately. The quicker you get help the better the chance of a full recovery. Some of the symptoms of poising include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea, possibly bloody
• Black tar like stools
•  High temperature
• Lethargic
• Rapid breathing
• Abnormal behaviour
• Abdominal pain
• Pale gums
• Muscle rigidity
• Weakness
• Seizures / tremors
• Increased heart rate

“If you do suspect poisoning immediate veterinary treatment is needed,” Crighton says. “As too, informing your local police.”

Kirsten Lambros, Senior Dog Handler from the Guard Dog Training Centre also advises that owners seek professional advice on how to train dogs against baiting. She is adamant that this type of training saves lives.

“Bait training can be VERY successful providing it is maintained correctly,” she says. “85% of our clients enrol their dogs into our training knowing that this is included.”

“On a personal note, I had a dog pass-away due to baiting incident at the family home,” Nadia Crighton from Pet Insurance Australia says. “Since then we have always been insistent that all of our dogs are bait trained.”

It’s also a good idea to ensure you have a good relationship with your neighbours and take steps to ensure your dog is not a nuisance when you are not at home.

“The recent cases were dogs that were caught up in a neighbourly dispute over noise,” Crighton says. “Having a well-trained and mannered dog, alongside good relationships with your neighbours is important.”

Pet Insurance Australia advises that if you are having problems with your dog to seek help through a professional training service.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-10/dog-baiting-sunshine-coast-rat-poison/9033596

Nadia Crighton

Nadia Crighton is a renowned and accomplished professional in the fields of Journalism, Public Relations, and Writing, with an extensive career spanning over 25 years, 20 of which have been dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of pets.

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