1. If your pet is unwell following ingestion of fertilizer, seek veterinary attention immediately.
  2. If possible, bring the product packaging with you to enable your veterinarian to determine the potential toxins involved.

TOXICITY

MILD

CLINICAL SIGNS

Clinical signs occurwithin 2-10 hours of ingestion.

  • Lethargy
  • Inappetence
  • Hypersalivation
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhoea

Less commonly:

  • Skin rashes
  • Generalised itching
  • Stiffness
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

EFFECTS OF TOXICITY

Fertilisers usually contain a combination of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium derived from bone, canola or fish meal. Some fertilisers have high iron levels which can cause intoxication. Some fertilisers contain calcium cyanamide (CCaN2) which can cause more severe irritation and systemic signs.

TREATMENT

Veterinary care may consist of decontamination (inducing vomiting or flushing the stomach), intravenous fluids and symptomatic care such as anti-emetics.

REFERENCES

Mostrom M (2011) Miscellaneous toxicants. In: Small Animal Toxicology Essentials ed. RH Poppenga and SM Gwaltney-Brant. London: Wiley-Blackwell. Pp285-299.