2021 Success Story Piper

This beauty is Piper—she’s a sheep dog, poodle, Great Dane, Mastiff mix; and we think she’s stunning!

Piper and her family live outside of town where there are a lot of rodents lately. Piper is affectionately dubbed a house pony at home because of her size, and ability to reach things that most wouldn’t realize was possible. And that is just how Piper earned an emergency visit to the veterinarian. 

Piper was able to get into some rat poison that was set out to help control the rodent issue. Unfortunately, Piper took a turn for the worst, and her mom had to run her into the vet clinic. There, she applied to Fur Kids Foundation for help with this unexpected and emergent visit. 

Piper's oxygen levels were low, and it appeared she was bleeding into her lungs. Piper was set up in the oxygen chamber at the clinic and given blood clotting medicine. The vet clinic even  brought in a personal dog who was prepared to donate her blood to help Piper.

For those who don’t know, rat and mouse poisons (rodenticides), are formulated to kill rodents; unfortunately, the chemicals used in these products are highly toxic to dogs and can cause internal bleeding, kidney failure, organ damage and even death. Some common signs that your dog may have been poisoned include: 

• collapsing
• coughing (with or without blood)
• difficulty breathing
• lack of energy, weakness
• pale or bleeding gums

But, there are some other, less common symptoms, such as: 

• bloody nose
• bloody urine
• bruising
• diarrhea (with or without blood)
• swollen joints
• vomiting (with or without blood)

Fortunately, Piper's blood started clotting and she started making a recovery on her own without needing the transfusion. The last update we received from her mom was that sweet Piper was doing great at home, and she was committed to helping Piper make a full recovery.

If you suspect that your dog has eaten poison, Fur Kids Foundation encourages you to call your vet immediately. Your vet is best suited to offer advice; please do not spend precious time trying to treat your dog yourself. Don’t give your dog anything to make them sick without speaking to your vet as this could do more harm than good.

To prevent rat poisoning in your pet at home by storing any rodenticide products well out of their reach. 

About Fur Kids Foundation
Fur Kids Foundation is 100% run by dedicated volunteers who give their time to help the Foundation raise money with events, take applications, and spread the word about the good work the Foundation does in Campbell County, Wyoming. If you would like to help Fur Kids Foundation continue to help local families with animals afford emergency veterinary care, please consider making a tax-deductible donation via PayPal or signing up to become a volunteer. Read more Success Stories.