One of the more macabre problems that we face in the cities and towns of South Africa is the trend of dogs being poisoned. Criminals will sneak dangerous pesticide substances into food that your dog might eat in the hope that it will kill the animal. Although it is not always the case, houses that are targeted to be robbed may first experience an attempted dog poisoning. Without a dog to alert the owner of an intruder and perhaps even attack the trespassers, the house is a much easier target. Unfortunately, we are experiencing a consistent rise in incidents of dog poisoning and we urge residents to be aware.

Illegal poisons such as Aldicarb, Carbofuran and Terbufos are commonly associated with dog poisoning. Although they are prohibited in South Africa they can still be found with ease on the informal market. These poisons are very potent and, should your pet eat them, they can take effect between five to twenty minutes after consumption. You can identify a poisoned dog by vomiting, convulsions and seizures, or if the dog is comatose, paralyzed or bleeding from unusual orifices. If you suspect that your pet has been poisoned you should take it to the vet immediately. Vets advise that giving your dog activated charcoal can buy time in milder cases, but it is not a treatment and no time should be wasted before hospitalising the animal. If you can find evidence of the poison or food that might have contained the poison take it with to the vet but get to a vet immediately.

Preventing Dog Poisoning:

If possible, sleep with your dog inside the house. This will allow the dog to alert you to intruders without being vulnerable.

Don’t allow dogs to sleep in the front yard of the house. Criminals can deliver poisons easily through a front gate, so whenever the front garden is not being watched it’s best for dogs not to have access to it.

Be sure to monitor your garden for suspicious foods such as cold meats or any treat your dog might eat, particularly at places in the garden where someone might be able to reach a hand in from the street.

Always be vigilant. If you notice any suspicious activity contact Loskop Alarms at

+27 13 262 2171 or email us for help on how to protect your home further to prevent the poisoning of your dog on info@loskopalarms.co.za