A FARNHAM vet is warning pet owners of the potentially fatal dangers to animals of leaving medicines lying around the house.

The warning comes after experts at Cathcart & Winn veterinary clinic and hospital in Hale Road saved the life of Murphie, a three-month-old Cavachon puppy who ate a pack of his owner’s ibuprofen tablets.

The poorly pup was rushed to the vets by his worried owners and was given an injection to make him vomit, before being put on a drip to flush out any remaining drugs.

Cathcart & Winn veterinary surgeon Caroline Montgomery has since issued a warning to all animal-lovers to ensure pills and medicines are kept well out of the reach of inquisitive pets.

Caroline said: “People should always assume all human medications are poisonous to their pet and keep them well out of reach.

“The reactions to human painkillers can be so serious they may have to be admitted into hospital for intensive treatment.

“They can cause intestinal problems, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea, bleeding disorders and even kidney or liver failure in pets. There are occasions when these toxicities can even be fatal.

“If you are concerned your pet has consumed human medicines or pills, contact your vets immediately and please take any packaging with you to help staff identify what has been taken and how much.”

For more information about Cathcart & Winn, which also has a practice in Aldershot, visit www.cathcartandwinn.com or call 01252 721191 (Farnham) or 01252 321996 (Aldershot).