The articles below follow various stories reported in the media involving the VPIS. The VPIS is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
"Vets warn dog owners about dangers of artificial sweeteners" (Jul 2010)
The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and VPIS warn dog owners of the dangers of xylitol, an artificial sweetner harmful to dogs. Xylitol can be found in sugar-free chewing gum, in some medications and as a sugar alternative in baking, causing hypoglycaemia and liver damage in extremis.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
BVA press release
For more information on xylitol please see our VPIS summer newsletter
"Pet poisoning dangers around Easter" (Mar/Apr 2010)
The VPIS and PDSA warn of the potential pet hazards of substance commonly found around the home and garden at Easter time, particularly chocolate and daffodils.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
Dog Magazine PDSA press release
"Slug pellets kill dog" (May/Jun 2009)
Following the death of Milo, a chocolate Labrador, an investigation was launched into the labelling of a slug pellet said to be repellent to animals (such as cats and dogs). Karen Sturgeon, a Specialist in Poisons Information from the VPIS comments about the underreporting of metaldehyde toxicity.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
Daily Mail Horticultural Week
"Rise in animal poisoning" (Jul 2008)
The VPIS reports seeing a record increase in the number of reported incidents chocolate and vitis vinifera (grapes, raisins and sultans) poisoning in dogs. The number of enquiries concerning chocolate poisoning jumped from 790 enquiries in 2006 to 1166 enquiries in 2007.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
Daily Mail Dog Magazine The Telegraph Evening Standard
"Antivenom proves difficult to obtain" (Jul 2008)
A veterinarian from Horncastle, Lincolnshire highlights the issue of shortage of European adder antivenom after Kelly the black Labrador was bitten by an adder. Alex Campbell the manager of the VPIS comments on the importance on veterinary practices maintaining an inhouse supply if located close to an adder rich area.
For more information please follow the link below.
Horncastle news
"Poisons experts warn of Christmas dangers to pets" (Dec 2007)
The VPIS issue a press release to raise owners awareness to the dangers posed to pets around Christmas time i.e. chocolate, grapes, raisins, sultanas, onions etc.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
BBC News Evening Standard The Guardian
"Owners accidentally poison cats with dog Flea treatment" (Nov 2007)
The VPIS publicise a 2007 study (please click here to view publication) with the help of the Feline Advisory Bureau (FAB). The study found that 97% of cats exposed to permethrin spot-ons (PSOs) became symptomatic. 88% of cats developed signs of increased muscular activity and 10.5% of cases were fatal.
For more information please follow one of the links below.
The Times Daily Mail BBC News The Guardian The Metro