A DOG owner told how his beloved pug fought to survive after swallowing suspected poison during a walk.

One-year-old Vince was rushed to the vets after falling ill. He become unsteady on his feet and suddenly seemed lethargic, before being sick.

Russell Blunt, 30, of Rockleigh Avenue, Leigh, had asked his mum to take the fawn pug for a walk while he was at Southend Hospital’s neo-natal ward with his daughter and partner Ashleigh.

He said: “My mum took him out on Saturday through Leigh Broadway, down to the seafront and back.

“Within an hour of my return, Vince was just not himself. He was unsteady on his feet, lethargic and cautious of being touched.

“I took him into the garden to see if he would go to the toilet but he vomited instead.

“I knew something wasn’t right as he’s a very energetic, playful and inquisitive pug, so I decided to rush him to Downes Vets, in London Road, Leigh, where they suspected poisoning based on his symptoms.”

Vince was deemed too sick to go home with Russell that night as his heart rate was very low.

Russell added: “Vince was kept overnight on an IV drip and medication was provided to bring his heart rate back up.

“When I came home, I decided to wash through his vomit for clues and found a strange pellet-like object which I suspect was what caused it.

“Vince is OK now but we were very scared, particularly at the speed of which his symptoms seemed to increase.

“We have had great support from other dog lovers on Facebook and the local communities who’ve raised awareness.”

The RSPCA states if you suspect your dog has been poisoned you should remain calm and remove the dog from the source of the poison before contacting your vet immediately. Never attempt to treat dogs yourself or attempt to make them vomit as it can be extremely dangerous.

Russell added: “I was aware that poisonings have occurred locally. My advice would be to keep your dog on the lead and your eyes on the ground. It only takes a second for them to find and eat something, especially for pugs.”