Vivi Got Into the Heartgard Medicine...
 

...And unfortunately it was human error, for the most part. I came home from church yesterday and found two Heartgard boxes ripped to shreds on the bedroom floor and on our bed. So, I collected the pieces to try and figure out how many were missing. Besides the ones I gave to each of our dogs yesterday morning, as their monthly prevention, there were two more missing. The ER in our area told me to call poison control. Did you know you have to pay $40 to consult with the center? Anyway, it was well worth it.

I did find out that an overdose would take at least 7 pieces of Heartgard (under 25 lb. package.) She told me that if we would have had stronger doses for bigger dogs, there could have been a huge problem. I had to watch for vomiting or seizures last night, but I believe Vivi only had an upset stomach. So, Vivi did not have to go to the ER and have her stomach pumped and I am thankful for that.

The other good news is she is fine today and I imagine she found the Heartgard might tasty.

I am mad at myself and for not doing a better job securing the medicine. I thought that if the medicine was in the box, in the foil, in a basket, and up on the filing cabinet it would be secure and I was so wrong. We also forgot to gate the pups in the kitchen yesterday, so Vivi had a double chance for getting into trouble. I have now put what is left of the medicine in a secure drawer, by-the-way.

Anyway, I am posting this because I do not recall anyone having something like this happen, and wanted it available, if it could help someone in the future. (And to remind people to double secure things like this.) Honestly, I am ashamed for not being a better pet parent, but thankful that Vivi is okay.

Oh my! Stop it... you're a great Mommie. When did Vivi turn into a little monkey? Lol! Mine hate Heartgard. Last time I checked, the Poison Control fee here was $75.00, but they send records to the vet and will consult with the vet. And if I don't call, and the vet has to make the call, I get billed for it anyway. So it's good to know if there is something I can do before I go to the vet, or at least call and give them the info so they can be prepared.

Glad she's okay! And heartworm free!:D

Hmmmm, I did not know that it cost to call Poison Control! Thanks for the info and I am happy that you pup is ok!

Oh my goodness Lisa!! How scary for you!! I am so glad Vivi is ok! Stop beating your self up, accidents happen. They ave happened to all of us. Nice to know about the fee to pay as well. You are right, well worth it. Keep us updated but glad she is ok!

We've called poison control in nyc a few times and it was about $65. I agree, money well spent. We had one accidental ingestion years ago and I thought it was no big deal until I called the hotline and they said I should leave immediately to take the dog to the ER.

Ps hope your little one is fine!!

Glad little Vivi is ok and thanks for the info. I just went and put all pet meds in the medicine cabinet w my medications!

Lisa so happy that Vivi is okay

I think the ASPCA Poison Control website for dogs charges $65.00. I think I linked to it from some page over the weekend and saw that, remembered from a prior visit to their site that there was a charge.

Lisa, would you share the number you called that was only $40.00?

WOW that is something I would never have thought would happen, how did she get on the file cabinet? I am so glad Vivi is ok and good to know about the poison control hotline.
I keep all of Jada and Bogie's medications in a basket in an upper kitchen cabinet, but I still worry about DH taking his daily meds and dropping one.

Oh my goodness the little stinker! I can't imagine how smart she is. I remember Lady Jane once said she asked her vet about it and he said Heartgard was some of the safest pills out there and they could eat a 6 months’ supply and not be harmed. I guess these are just so tasty, you need to be extra careful though, glad she's okay, but please don't blame yourself, nobody is perfect! All we can do is learn from our mistakes and help teach others.

Glad to hear that Vivi is doing well... Thanks for sharing the info

How scary! I'm glad that she is okay. I hadn't ever thought about that... My two do love their Heartgard though, so it wouldn't surprise me if they had the chance... They probably would devour it! Thanks for the warning... I will make sure theirs is out of reach.

Oh wow! You are a great mom so stop tormenting yourself. Vivi is just an acrobat, obviously. And super smart!! :)

So glad she is ok and thank you for posting this info. I've never had to call Poison Control..I had no idea there was a charge. That's good info to have :)

Sorry you had such a scare Lisa.

I called my vet once when I gave all 4 of my dogs Heartgard (the treat kind), and Tiki spit hers out and Meika snatched it up and swallowed it. I was worried about her getting a double dose. The vet said not to worry, it was not toxic, just a very expensive treat.

Still, I appreciate your reminder to all of us to secure all meds and other toxic substances.

Lisa, what a terrible scare for you! I am so thankful Vivi is okay. A good reminder to us all to make sure our "safe" places are truly safe.

Honey loves her Heartgard pills. She will eats them like they are candy. I hide hers in her bag that a carry when we go plaaces. I have it still in the box in a ziplock bag all the way at the bottom of her carry around bag. I make sure I always put her toys and everything else on top so she want make it that far down. Sorry for your scare and Im happy that your baby is doing well. I never knew it cost to call Poison Control I thought it was free.

Haha about Vivi being a monkey. She was a stray and came to our house very street wise. She knows how to knock over trash cans, etc. Now my princess Piccolo doesn't even know how to nudge a door open. Just like a princess, she barks to get a human to do it for her. :rolleyes:

I did not know there was a charge for calling poison control, so it makes sense that the vet would charge you too, if they have to call. I was telling my DH about your post and how I learn something on this site everyday.



Thank you Rhonda!

Wow, I hope your pup turned out okay.

I gotta add that I do appreciate our local ER telling me to call the poison control line first. Saved me a bunch of money... But of course, Vivi's health is much more important.

Thank you!

Thanks Michelle. There is always something to worry about, isn't there? I try to be so careful and it sounds like you both do too. Anyway, I think Vivi must have jumped from the chair to the file cabinet. I didn't see it, so not exactly sure. Now everytime she comes into this room she starts sniffing to see if there is anything else up there. Guess she hit the jackpot yesterday. :rolleyes:

Gosh, my husband even asked me why I did not ask Linda first.

Obviously, Vivi finds these things quite good, to go to all that trouble and I agree, she is a stinker.

Thank you friend!

Ha ha, could have saved yourself a few bucks!

I will be glad to share the number, Jeanie, and thanks for asking. The number is 1-800-213-6680. I have not looked this up on the white pages by reversing yet, to see if a website pops up for more information. Soon as I have a little more time, I will try and post a link. Sorry I cannot remember the exact name the ER gave me. (I was hurrying!)

I can just see that happening, Sandy! Bet it was scary. I agree with your vet, since Vivi had three yesterday, we can consider both Vivi and your Meika both having a gourmet appetizers. :D:eek:

Thanks ladies. Your well wishes are much appreciated.

Lisa, how scary!
That little street smart imp is very creative!

So glad all turned out well and really appreciate the heads-up and poison control number. We try to be so careful but still the strangest things happen despite all of our OCD efforts:D

how scary/ thanks for the Info// glad she is ok

Good to know. I'd still be scared silly but that is good to know.

Too funny, I'm with you on the OCD efforts, Jay. :D

Thank you thank you thank you. Here is the link:

Pet Poison Hotline, Animal Poison Control Center, Pet Poison Helpline

Thank you for looking this up, Jeanie! My week has been hectic and I appreciate you doing this. :) Just went to the site and it looks like a good one. I thought the woman I talked to earlier in the week about Vivi was helpful, so I am going to keep the number/site.