Dr. Mindy March
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Common Hazards

 

  • Non-toxic substances for dogs and cats that may still cause mild GI upset in some animals:
  • Water based paints
  • Toilet bowl water
  • Silica get
  • Poinsettia
  • Cat litter
  • Glue traps
  • Glow jewelry
  • Christmas tree water
  • Foods to avoid feeding your pet:
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Avocado
  • Chocolate (all forms)
  • Coffee (all forms)
  • Fatty foods
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Moldy or spoiled foods
  • Onions, onion powder
  • Raisins and grapes
  • Salt
  • Yeast dough
  • Garlic
  • Products sweetened with xylitol (see below)

     o Warm Weather Hazards:

  • Animal toxins – toads, insects, spiders, snakes scorpions
  • Blue-green algae in ponds
  • Citronella
  • Cocoa mulch
  • Compost piles
  • Fertilizers
  • Certain flea products
  • Outdoor plants and plant bulbs
  • Swimming pool treatment supplies
  • Pesticide hazards: when using herbicides or insecticides in or around your home:
  • Always use pesticides in accordance with label instructions
  • Keep pets away from treated areas for the label recommended amount of time
  • Store unused products in areas that will always be inaccessible to pets
  • Be aware that fly baits containing methomyl and slug/snail baits containing metaldehyde are particularly dangerous
  • Medication precautions:
  • Keep all prescriptions and OTC drugs out of reach of your pets, preferably in closed cabinets (they will eat them)
  • Remind guests to store medications safely as well
  • Pain killers, cold medicines, anti-cancer drugs, antidepressants, vitamins and diet pills are common examples of human medication that can be potentially lethal, even in small dosages
  • ONE regular strength ibuprofen tablet (200mg) can cause stomach ulcers in a 10 pound dog and be potentially lethal to a cat
  • Cold weather hazards:
  • Antifreeze – MAJOR EMERGENCY!  CALL, THEN GET IN ASAP
  • Liquid potpourris – sever eye, mouth, skin damage
  • Ice melting products – very irritating to skin and mouth
  • Rat and mouse baits – MAJOR EMERGENCY!  CALL, THEN GET IN ASAP  (place these in areas inaccessible to your pets)
  • Christmas Tree Hazards:
  • Water may contain fertilizer, which, if ingested, can upset the stomach.  Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria also leading to vomiting nausea and diarrhea, if ingested
  • Electrical cords – avoid animal exposure to electrical cords.  If they are chewed, they could electrocute your pet.  Cover up or hide electrical cords and NEVER let you pet chew on them!
  • Ribbons or tinsel can become lodged in intestines and cause intestinal obstruction – a very common problem in cats/kittens
  • Batteries contain corrosives and if ingested, can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue and the rest of the intestinal tract
  • Glass ornaments can cause internal laceration when ingested…they will sometimes do this – believe it or not.

 


 

 

Xylitol poisoning warning.

 

Xylitol is a sugar substitute which is often used in sugarless gums and candies. Cases of Xylitol poisoning have been becoming increasingly more common over the past few years.

 

Xylitol is dangerous to our pets because it acts differently with their metabolism than it does ours. In dogs, Xylitol causes rapidly lowering blood sugar levels leading to hypoglycemic crisis. This is similar in nature to what a diabetic would experience if given an overdose of insulin. The chemical also damages the liver and can cause abnormalities in the blood.

 

Xlitol poisoning is all too often fatal to our pets. Symptoms including vomiting, depression, weakness, diarrhea, seizure, collapse, coma and even death in some cases. Progression of the illness can be quite rapid.

 

If you suspect your pet has ingested Xylitol, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. Poisoning can occur with even a very small amount of Xylitol being ingested. Death has occurred by eating just one stick of gum containing Xylitol.

 

Check the labels of sugarless candies and gums and keep them out of the reach of your pets.


 

 

                               SPRINGTIME HAZARDS__________________

 

Lawn chemicals and fertilizers can be hazardous to dogs and cats

 

When the grass gets green in the springtime, many of us begin using various pesticides, fertilizers, weed killers and chemicals on our lawns and in our gardens. However, many of these chemicals can be dangerous to our dogs and cats because many of them are poisonous, some even in small quantities.

 

Cocoa mulch is poisonous for dogs and cats.

Cocoa mulch is commonly used in gardens and flower beds. However cocoa mulch contains theobromine, a chemical known to act as a poison in dogs and cats. Dogs and cats can be attracted to cocoa mulch by the odor and taste as well. As a result, cocoa mulch can be quite dangerous to your dog or cat.

 

Plants and flowers can be dangerous to your dogs and cats.

Many plants and flowers are known to be poisonous to your dogs and cats who chew on leaves. Examples of plants and flowers which may be a danger to your pets are:

 

                                                           Rhododendrons

 

                                                           Japanese Yew

       

                                                           Easter Lily

 

                                                           Foxglove

And many others. We have a whole list of poisonous plants. Ask a receptionist for a copy.

 

Flower bouquets are beautiful to look at but can be dangerous to your pet. Valentines Day and Easter are rapidly approaching so remember to put all chocolates (which can also be toxic to your pet), flower bouquets and plants out of their reach.