Dog owners are being urged to stay alert following a possible pindone poisoning incident near the Clyde dog exercise area. 

On Wednesday afternoon Central Otago District Council said it had received a report of dogs being exposed to the poison in the vicinity of Dunstan Hospital, which borders the off-leash area.

“Our animal control officer has done a sweep of the park and could not locate any pindone, but please be vigilant when in this area,” the council said in a social media post.

The council reminded pet owners symptoms of pindone poisoning include difficulty breathing, bleeding gums, lethargy, and blood in urine or faeces, and urged anyone who suspects exposure to contact a vet immediately.

The warning follows an incident in Alexandra in July, when a Labrador named Toffee nearly died after eating pindone-laced carrot while on a walk near Alexandra Cemetery.

Owner Nadine Black said her husband’s quick action - rushing Toffee to the vet after spotting her eating chunks of carrot covered in "green slime” - probably saved the dog’s life.

Pindone is a slow-acting anticoagulant poison used for rabbit control that prevents blood from clotting, causing internal bleeding. 

Alexandra veterinarian Carol Laird, of PetFirst Alexandra, previously advised dog owners to seek immediate veterinary help if poisoning is suspected, with information to identify the chemical involved if possible.

The veterinarian also warned areas treated with pindone could remain risky for several months, as poisoned rabbit carcasses may still be dangerous to dogs. 

While the source of this week’s suspected poisoning near Clyde remains unconfirmed, the council urged vigilance and asked residents to spread the word among other dog owners.