This is a warning to all pet owners in Australia. The Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) contains ingredients that are poisonous to dogs.
As millions of people around Australia seek out Rapid Antigen Tests, the charitable organisation Animal Poisons Helpline has warned that the self testing kits contain the ingredient sodium azide, which is poisonous to dogs. Sodium azide is an ingredient in the test buffer solution.
Animal Poisons Helpline has revealed that there has been a recent rise in the number of calls they receive. The calls were mostly from anxious pet owners whose pets had ingested the test buffer solution. The charity issued the urgent warning on its Facebook page, and asked for people to spread the message to all pet owners, especially those in Australia or New Zealand.
The charity explained that a small quantity of the dangerous chemical sodium azide appears in the test buffer solution. Sodium azide helps preserve the solution. And while the amount of sodium azide located in the solution is fairly small and shouldn’t pose a risk of major injury in the majority of dogs, the risk of poisoning will need to be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The risk of poisoning depends on the weight of the animal and the amount of sodium azide consumed. Notably, small animals such as young puppies and kittens are at the most risk of poisoning.
Animal Poisons Helpline are encouraging pet owners to call their helpline if they believe that their pet consumed something they shouldn’t have. This includes the consumption of sodium azide, chocolates, or any other foods that can make your dog feel sick. Click here to find out what common household foods can make your dog sick.
Small animals are at the most risk of poisoning from sodium azide, an ingredient in some RAT tests.
You can contact the Animals Poisons Helpline at 1300 869 738. If you’re unsure, you can always give them a call and they will help assess your pet’s exposure and whether a veterinary visit will be required.
Click here to visit the Animals Poisons Helpline website.
