WARNING TO WEST COAST PET OWNERS: Do Not Give Potassium Iodide to Your Pets!
A UC Davis veterinary cancer researcher is advising pet owners residing in the West Coast of the United States who are fearing the possible movement of radioactive material from Japan’s damaged nuclear power plants, to not give their dogs, cats or other pets potassium iodide tablets.
“At this point there is no risk to pets in California stemming from radiation released from the tragedy that continues to unfold in Japan,” said Michael Kent, a faculty veterinarian who specializes in radiation cancer therapy.
“While potassium iodide might help protect dogs, cats and other pets, as it would people, from the risks of radiation exposure in the unlikely event that radioactive iodine reaches here in appreciable levels, giving it ahead of time carries risks and would be ill advised,” Kent said.
He cautioned that side effects for pets taking potassium iodide — especially if they consume too much — include severe allergic reactions; gastrointestinal upsets including vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia; decreased normal thyroid function; and damage to the heart.
At high enough levels, potassium iodide can even cause death.
“At this point there is no risk to pets in California stemming from radiation released from the tragedy that continues to unfold in Japan,” said Michael Kent, a faculty veterinarian who specializes in radiation cancer therapy.
But what about pets in Oregon & Washington?
And pets in Alaska?
Potassium is crucial mineral supplement for human. It protect to low blood pressure. You can take potassium supplement from Bananas, Avocadosm, Nuts, like almonds and peanuts, Citrus fruits and milk.
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