A recent dog poisoning warning from De Wetshof in Johannesburg has worried many dog owners. More than 10 dogs reportedly died in one street after being poisoned, according to local media reports.
This is a painful story, but it can also help owners think about safety in a calm and practical way. Dog poisoning is always an emergency. Training can help reduce risk, but it can never replace fast veterinary care.
Quick answer:
- If you think your dog has eaten poison, contact a vet immediately.
- Do not try home treatment unless your vet tells you to.
- Watch for vomiting, drooling, weakness, tremors, seizures or breathing problems.
- Teach “leave it” and “drop” as useful safety cues.
- Check your garden or walking area for strange food or objects.
Why this dog poisoning warning matters
The De Wetshof case was reported in South Africa, not the UK. The Citizen reported that more than 10 dogs died overnight in one street, and police were investigating a case of cruelty to animals. Residents were also urged to keep dogs indoors at night and check their yards for suspicious items, such as meat thrown into the property.
BusinessTech also reported warnings about dog poisoning incidents in South Africa, including cases where suspicious food may have been thrown into yards. The report said owners were advised not to touch suspicious items with bare hands and to take a dog to a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected.
For dog owners in the UK, the main lesson is not to panic. The lesson is to prepare. Dogs are curious. Many dogs will sniff, lick or eat things before we notice. That is why safe routines, close supervision and simple training are useful.
Dog poisoning symptoms to watch for
Dog poisoning symptoms can vary. They depend on what the dog has eaten, how much was eaten, the size of the dog and how quickly help is given.
The RSPCA says owners should stay calm, move the dog away from the source of poison and contact a vet immediately. If possible, owners should safely take packaging, a plant or a substance sample to the vet, but only if it can be done without risk.
Possible signs of poisoning can include:
- vomiting
- diarrhoea
- drooling
- shaking or tremors
- weakness
- unusual tiredness
- breathing problems
- seizures
- collapse
- pale or unusual gums
The PDSA explains that if a dog has eaten something harmful, owners should contact a vet immediately and should not wait to see if the problem develops.
Do not try to make your dog vomit at home. The PDSA says vets may sometimes give treatment such as induced vomiting or activated charcoal in certain cases, but this should be handled by a vet.
What to do if you think your dog has been poisoned
The first step is simple: move your dog away from the suspected item. Keep your dog as calm as possible and phone your vet or an emergency vet straight away.
Tell the vet:
- what your dog may have eaten
- when it may have happened
- how much your dog may have eaten
- your dog’s size, age and health condition
- what symptoms you can see
Blue Cross gives similar advice for toxic foods. If you think your dog has eaten something toxic, even a small amount, you should contact your vet immediately because acting quickly can improve the chance of a better outcome.
If the item is still in your dog’s mouth, do not put your hand deep into the mouth if your dog is stressed or panicking. A frightened or painful dog may bite without meaning to. The PDSA suggests using a treat or toy to encourage the dog to drop the item if it is safe to do so.
If you find suspicious food in your garden, do not pick it up with bare hands. Keep your dog away from the area and ask your vet, local council, animal welfare organisation or police for advice if you think it may be a deliberate poisoning risk.
How training can help reduce the risk
Training cannot make every situation safe. It can, however, give you more control in everyday moments.
A strong “leave it” cue can help when your dog notices food on the ground. Start indoors with low-value items. Reward your dog for turning away from the item and looking back at you. Keep the training easy at first.
A good “drop” cue is also useful. This teaches your dog that giving something up is not a bad thing. Swap the item for a treat or toy. Do not chase your dog around the room, as this can turn the item into a game.
Reward-based training is the safest approach. The PDSA supports reward-based training because it helps dogs learn without fear.
You can also build safer habits on walks:
- keep your dog close in areas with lots of litter
- avoid letting your dog eat unknown food from the ground
- use a lead near bins, picnic areas and roadsides
- practise recall away from distractions
- reward your dog often for checking in with you
For some dogs, a well-fitted basket muzzle may be useful during walks if they have a strong habit of scavenging. This should be introduced slowly and positively. A muzzle should never be used as punishment.
Common mistakes to avoid
One common mistake is waiting too long. Some owners hope the dog will “sleep it off” or improve on their own. With possible poisoning, waiting can be dangerous. The RSPCA and PDSA both advise contacting a vet immediately if poisoning is suspected.
Another mistake is using home remedies. Milk, oil, salt water or forced vomiting can make things worse depending on the substance. Only follow advice from a vet.
A third mistake is blaming the dog. Dogs explore the world with their nose and mouth. Scavenging is not “bad behaviour” in a human sense. It is normal dog behaviour that needs safe management and training.
Do not punish your dog after they pick something up. Punishment may teach your dog to hide items or swallow them faster. Calm swaps, reward-based training and prevention are much safer.
When to get professional help
Contact a vet immediately if your dog may have eaten poison, toxic food, medication, chemicals, plants or an unknown substance. This is not a training problem first. It is a medical emergency.
Speak to a qualified dog trainer if your dog often picks up food outside, ignores your recall or guards items. A trainer can help you build safer cues in real-life settings.
Ask a qualified dog behaviourist or vet for help if your dog shows panic, strong guarding behaviour, biting, severe anxiety or repeated dangerous scavenging. These cases need careful support, not force.
A calm safety routine for dog owners
You cannot control everything outside your home, but you can reduce risk. Check your garden before letting your dog out, especially in the morning. Keep bins secure. Store chemicals, medication and toxic foods away from dogs.
On walks, stay aware of what is on the ground. Practise “leave it” and “drop” often, not only during emergencies. Reward your dog for choosing you over distractions.
A dog poisoning warning is frightening, but good preparation helps. Fast vet contact, safe handling and kind training can give your dog a better chance when something unexpected happens.
