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Pet Safety Part Two

10/11/2014

 

​Keeping the Holidays Safe

By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.

Yep, 'tis the season again. The holidays are approaching and so are the potential hazards for your pets. With a little knowledge and some preventive measures you can keep your pets happy, healthy, and part of the festivities.
 
In Part I of the series “FOOD ITEMS THAT POSE A DANGER TO YOUR PET," we discussed several common foods that pose a danger to pets including;
  • Fatty foods
  • Spoiled food
  • Raw meats
  • Animal bones
  • Chocolate
  • Coffee and coffee grounds
  • Xylitol sugar substitute
  • Macadamia nuts
  • Grapes and raisins
  • Onions (Allium) garlic, scallions, shallots, and leeks
  • Avocados
Exposure to these foods is common particularly around the holidays when family and friends gather for meals. Children often feed pets scraps from the table or give chocolates to the dog. After dinner or the following day, pets get table scraps bones, or an improperly stored bag of garbage for which you get the veterinary bill. I can attest to the fact that while your household may be hectic during the holidays, the veterinary hospital is busier.

Since we discussed these food items in detail in part one of the series, let’s focus on other potential seasonal and holiday hazards. 
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Foreign Bodies pose a real threat to pets particularly during the holidays. Decorations, wrapping, and packaging materials often end up as inadvertent toys for pets. Foreign bodies are objects that are ingested or puncture into the body. Most frequently objects are ingested by a pet. The objects are not broken down by the digestive tract and may block, lacerate, puncture, or erode sections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Some objects that are very small may pass uneventfully through the GI tract. But, even in large dogs, objects such as corks from wine bottles and whole walnuts and other nuts often left in bowls on coffee tables, can block the small intestine posing a real threat to any pet capable of swallowing them. These objects generally require medical and surgical intervention. It’s an expensive nut to swallow and a serious and painful experience for your pet. Keep these objects away from pets by making sure they are kept far beyond their reach.
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Batteries pose a double threat to pets that ingest them. They often block the GI tract and corrosive and potential toxic compounds in the battery can be released, severely eroding and damaging the lining of  the GI tract. These objects show up readily on radiographs (the image created from an X-Ray) and can be removed from the GI tract in different ways depending on their size, shape, location, and duration in the digestive tract. Ingestion of batteries is a medical emergency, and your pet should be examined immediately if you suspect or know your pet has ingested them. If caught before these objects leave the stomach, your veterinarian may be able to avert serious complications, and in some cases, your pet may be able to vomit these objects back out of the stomach with some pharmaceutical assistance from your  veterinarian. Again the best option is to avoid the problem by making sure batteries needed for holiday gifts, cameras, and grandpa’s hearing aid are kept far out of reach of your pet (and small children for that matter).
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Coins are another common foreign body. Young dogs in particular are more likely to swallow them. While they too can potentially obstruct the intestine, pennies minted after 1983 are made of zinc and coated with copper. Zinc can be very toxic causing the destruction of red blood cells in the body. This can lead to too few red blood cells to maintain normal oxygen transporting function to the body (Toxin induced Hemolytic Anemia). Zinc toxicity may require intensive medical treatment including blood transfusions if significant anemia is found. Signs of this toxicity include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, lethargy, yellow tinged skin, gums, eyes, and possibly red urine. Again, coins including pennies are easily imaged with a radiograph and should be removed as soon as possible in order to prevent obstructive damage and toxicity. (Peterson, Michael E., Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p758-760 L. Tilly, F. Smith The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult- Canine and Feline Blackwell Publishing Ver:9.03/2006.2.15)
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Holiday lights such as those used on Christmas trees can be dangerous to cats and dogs, particularly young ones who like to chew on them. In addition to the potential for electrical shock, small light bulbs can lead to intestinal obstruction in small pets, and if bulbs are chewed on, the glass could cause lacerations in the digestive tract. Monitor your pets carefully around these decorations and use common sense. Many adult pets don’t bother with decorations, but young pets are likely to investigate with their mouths. You may need to keep pets away from such decorations or choose safer alternatives for young pets to be around.
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Electrical Wires: Young pets in particular like to investigate their surroundings with their mouths. Pets use their mouth to investigate new objects similar to the way we use our hands. Electrical wires should be secured so your pet cannot gain access to them. Plastic tubing such as heavy gage fish tubing or small PVC pipe can be used to protect exposed wires helping to keep your pet safe from electrical shock. Make sure to cover electrical receptacles with plug covers just as you would do with toddlers.
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Tinsel, yarn, string, and thread are common foreign bodies in cats. These are referred to as linear foreignbodies and can cause tremendous damage to the digestive tract of pets that swallow them. Dental floss left in an open waste basket may also end up as a linear foreign body. These objects can lacerate, perforate, and strangulate sections of the digestive tract as the normal motions of the GI tract cause the linear object to rub against its lining. Surgery is often required to remove these objects and may require the removal of sections of the intestine that have been damaged. Pets with linear foreign bodies may have a decreased appetite, show lethargy, depression, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Bring your pet to your veterinarian immediately if you know or suspect your pet has ingested one of these objects or any time your pet is showing these clinical signs
House Plants, depending on the species of plant, can pose a serious threat to your pets. Some plants if ingested may not cause life threatening toxicities in healthy pets while others can be fatal in even small amounts if left untreated. Before bringing a plant into a home with pets, always check the toxic plant list provided in the link at the end of this section or an authoritative text. Young pets are particularly investigatory and often are more prone to toxic plant exposure. Three common toxic plants include Dumb Cane, Mistletoe, and Lilies.
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Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) is a common house plant and often given as gifts. It contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause severe irritation of the lips and mouth as well as drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While not usually life threatening, reactions to the chewing and ingestion of Dieffenbachia can be severe, and a veterinarian should be contacted immediately for consultation.   (Peterson, Michael E., Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p291)
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Mistletoe (Phoradendron) while it can pose either embracement or pleasure for those standing under it during the holidays can be far more dangerous if ingested. Phoradendron contains the toxins pharatoxin, toxalbumin, and viscumin. These toxins cause abnormal behavior,   gastrointestinal distress, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), bradycardia (too slow of a heart beat or rate), and potentially cardiovascular collapse leading to death. If your pet has been chewing on or has ingested mistletoe, take your pet to a veterinarian for assessment and treatment immediately. (Peterson, Michael E., Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p252)
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Lilies (Lilium) and their relatives Hemerocallis species are highly toxic to cats with only minimal ingestion of any plant parts causing potentially fatal kidney failure. Cats rapidly become ill and may begin vomiting shortly after ingestion of the plant material. Cats may be depressed and stop eating (anorexia) and may show signs of acute kidney failure within two days including excessive drinking, vomiting, and not being able to get up and walk (recumbancy). Un-treated, most cats will die within a week. It is critical to seek immediate veterinary treatment if you know or suspect your cat has ingested any part of a lily plant. The sooner an exposed cat is treated after exposure the better the prognosis. (Peterson, Michael E., Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p301.) (L. Tilly, F. Smith The 5-Minute Veterinary Consult- Canine and Feline Blackwell Publishing Ver:9.03/2006.2.15 )

For detailed list of toxic plants please visit the following site. http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pro_apcc_toxicplants
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Christmas tree water. OK, so you got the tree up and added the water to the base before you retire for the night. In the morning, the water in the tree base is empty and Fido is vomiting on the decorations. Sound familiar? Compounds from pine trees can leach into the water and cause gastric irritation as well as irritations to the   mouth and esophagus. In addition, some people may add plant food   or preservative to the water which may also be toxic depending on the formulation. There may be large amounts of bacteria in the water if it stagnates, and this to can cause vomiting and diarrhea. A little   tin foil or other protective covering over the base of the tree can keep pets from gaining access to the water and keep your pet safe from toxic compounds in the tree water. ​
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Medications. Remember, visiting family and friends may not be as conscientious as you when it comes to pet safety. Make sure any medications they may have with them are kept completely out of reach of your pets. If your pet does accidentally ingest medications, make sure to have the drug information and bottle on hand when contacting your veterinarian. If possible try to have an estimate of how many pills were ingested. You will likely be asked by your veterinarian to contact animal poison control to secure an initial case number. The contact numbers are listed at the end of this article. Please make sure your veterinarian specifies which service to call.
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Alcohol: Make sure to keep all alcoholic beverages out of reach of pets (not on the coffee table). Alcohol poisoning does occur in pets and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, coma and even death. Call your veterinarian immediately if your pet has ingested alcohol.
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Bread dough and raw pastas can expand in your pet’s stomach expanding to many times the size of what is ingested. Thus, even small   amounts can be a problem depending on the size of the pet. This can cause their stomach to distend leading to discomfort and potentially bloat.  Bread dough also releases alcohol as it rises which can lead to depression, vomiting, and an unsteady stance or walk (Ataxia).
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Non-Stick Cookware: Birds are highly susceptible to toxicities from fumes since they have a highly efficient respiratory system. Fumes from non-stick cookware, particularly when pre or overheated, can quickly kill birds. Many other fumes from cooking foods are respiratory irritants and potentially toxic to birds as well. Please keep pet birds away from and out of the kitchen when cooking. The web site below will provide additional information on this matter. If you have pet birds please read this information.
http://www.teflon.com/Teflon/downloads/pdf/bird_safety_tips.pdf
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Antifreeze ingested even in very small amounts can be a life threatening emergency. It is a common and highly fatal poisoning. Ethylene glycol present in most antifreeze formulas has a slightly fishy odor and a sweet taste to which pets may be attracted. If ingested, pets may initially seem drunk,   stumbling as they walk (Ataxia) or depressed and quiet. However within hours they may have vomiting and increased thirst and urination. Ethylene glycol is rapidly absorbed in the GI tract and converted in the liver into toxic compounds which cause severe damage to the kidneys resulting in acute kidney failure. This happens within hours, and many pets do not survive the poisoning. If you see your pet ingest antifreeze or even suspect that they may have, do not wait for signs of toxicity. Take your pet immediately to a vet hospital. Rapid detection and treatment can prevent or reduce the extent of acute kidney damage and potentially save your pet’s life. Rapid routine blood work and an ethylene glycol test can be performed to detect the possibility of this toxicity. For dogs there is an antidote that can be used called Fomepizole or 4MP. If this is not available or if it is a feline exposure, your veterinarian will likely use specific dosing of ethanol along with IV fluids and other medications to try to treat this toxicity. The first course of action is to prevent exposure to this deadly chemical. Always store antifreeze containers in a safety cabinet or secure location away from pets. Check the ground and your car regularly for radiator fluid leaks and clean these areas thoroughly as well as repair such leaks. When adding or changing antifreeze or coolant always clean up spills thoroughly and properly discard contaminated rags and paper towels.
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De-icing Salts can cause irritation to the feet of pets. If ingested as they clean their feet, it can cause GI upset. Although not common, if ingested in large quantities, salts can damage the kidneys, cause cardiac abnormalities, and neurologic signs. Secondarily, pets may drink excessive amounts of water after ingesting salt. In some dogs, particularly larger dogs, there is a potential for bloat (gastric dilatation volvulus) a life threatening and excruciatingly painful condition in which the stomach rotates over its self cutting off its blood supply. Homemade play dough often is made with large quantities of salt and should be kept away from pets as well. Contact your veterinarian if you know or suspect your pet has ingested salts in excess and or is showing signs of illness.
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Extreme Weather: Don’t forget your pets during the holidays—leaving pets outside exposed to extreme temperatures or weather is  more common than we would like to think. Often pets are left outside while meals are prepared or while dining. Pets can quickly succumb to extreme temperatures, cold or hot. Please read more about leaving pets in the car on hot days here. 
As always, keep your furry and or feathery family members safe and part of the festivities by knowing potential dangers and taking action to prevent their exposure. Remember that if you see or know your pet has been exposed to a toxic or dangerous material or they are showing signs of   illness, contact or take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. 

Please keep your pets safe and Happy Holidays!
ASPCA NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-888-426-4435
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the ASPCA. There is a $50.00 fee for the initial call.

​PET POISON HELPLINE 1-800-213-6680 
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the Pet Poison Control Center. There is a $35.00 fee for the initial call.

Your Pet's Safety Part One

10/2/2014

 

Food Items That Pose a Danger to Your Pet

By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.

It’s hard to resist. They’re sitting there salivating, looking up at you while you have your dinner. Or maybe they’re watching you throw away the leftovers or table scraps. There’s no harm in sharing, right? WRONG! Don’t give in. Many of the foods we are able to digest and metabolize can be dangerous to your pet; and although we often associate food with affection, there’s no love in making your pet sick.

While many foods like cooked lean boneless chicken or turkey, rice and potatoes in the correct proportion, are fine for your pet - the following items should be avoided entirely.

THE SKINNY ON FATTY FOODS
Fatty foods pose a particular problem to pets since guardians often share their food with their pets, or their pet sneaks it out of the garbage or away from children. Fatty foods such as pan drippings, poultry skin with fat, roast beef or animal greases can make your pet quite ill. Your pet may like the taste of such foods, but their digestive systems are not equipped to deal with large quantities of fats. These fats are not the same as the Omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon oil and flax seed oils that are used in supplements.

Signs of gastrointestinal upset due to fatty foods include:
  • Not wanting to eat (anorexia)
  • Depression, lethargy, agitation
  • A painful abdomen Distressed vocalizations or excessive panting
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
In more serious cases, the pancreas can become inflamed (pancreatitis) and cause its digestive enzymes to not only begin to digest the pancreas, but to leach out into the abdomen and cause widespread damage. Pancreatitis can be a life-threatening condition and requires immediate medical attention by your veterinarian.

IF IT’S FURRY AND LOOKING AT YOU, IT’S NOT YOUR GARBAGE CAN!
Spoiled food can lead to food poisoning in pets just as it can in humans. Bacteria and molds can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, pancreatitis as well as neurologic signs (unsteady stance or walking, tremors, seizures). Vomiting and diarrhea are common signs of food poisoning. Your pet should be seen immediately by your veterinarian if it shows signs of food poisoning.

NO "TAR TAR" FOR TOTO
Raw meats can contain parasites and high bacterial levels which can lead to infections. If meats are part of your pet’s diet, they should be lean and fully cooked.

KEEP IT CLEAN
Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly for your small pets, such as rodents and rabbits. This will reduce potentially harmful bacteria populations and residual insecticide and pesticide contamination.

THEY HAVE ALL THE BONES THEY NEED
Animal bones may also be a danger to your pet as they can splinter, forming shards that can lacerate and / or puncture through sections of the digestive tract. They can also form obstructions if larger pieces of bone are swallowed. This often requires surgical removal of the foreign material. In addition, raw, undercooked or store-bought bones can often contain high bacterial counts which can cause diarrhea and vomiting.

A MUDSLIDE MEDICAL EMERGENCY
Chocolate contains a chemical known as theobromine which can cause excessive stimulation of the brain and heart, leading to tremors, seizures, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), diarrhea, urinary accidents and vomiting. These effects can be life threatening and require specific medical management by a veterinarian. The amount of chocolate that will cause toxic effects depends on the theobromine content of the chocolate and the amount consumed by your pet. The highest concentrations of theobromine are found in baking chocolate and pure cacao powders, and decreases from dark chocolate to milk chocolate. Cacao bean mulch used in landscaping can also be a potential source of toxicity. While a single M&M would not likely cause notable toxic effects in most dogs, even a small amount of dark chocolate could cause toxic effects to a small dog. The most common causes of chocolate exposure for dogs are from family members, especially children, feeding candies or desserts to the dog, or from the dog taking it from a table or from the garbage. If you suspect or know your pet has gotten into chocolate, call your veterinarian immediately for advice.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 563-569

NO ESPRESSO FOR FIDO
Coffee and coffee grounds contain the stimulant caffeine which, like chocolate, causes excessive stimulation of the nervous system and heart. Pets begin acting restless about an hour after exposure. They may show signs similar to chocolate toxicity including tremors, seizures, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), diarrhea, urinary accidents and vomiting. Caffeine toxicity can be life threatening. Again, a veterinarian should be contacted immediately if your pet has ingested coffee or grounds.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 563-569

SUGAR: THERE’S NO SUBSTITUTE
Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in sugar-free products such as gum, toothpaste, children’s vitamins and baked goods. In dogs, xylitol can cause blood sugar to drop to dangerously low levels (hypoglycemia). It may lead to acute liver failure with or without the signs of hypoglycemia. Signs of exposure in dogs include weakness, shaking, and / or seizures due to hypoglycemia. These may occur within an hour of the time of ingestion. Signs including lethargy and vomiting may be seen within a day due to acute liver failure. If you suspect or know your dog has ingested products containing xylitol, see your veterinarian right away, as prompt medical treatment is critical. This is a potentially fatal toxicity, so take precautions including reading ingredient labels for products containing xylitol and keeping these products out of reach of your dog.

1.Dunayer EK, Gwaltney-Brant SM. Acute hepatic failure and coagulopathy associated with xylitol ingestion in eight dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2006; 229; 1113-1117 
2. Dunayer EK. New findings on the effects of xylitol ingestion in dogs.Vet Med 2006, Dec; 791-796


A NUTTY TOXICITY
Macadamia nuts found in candies, cookies and as roasted nuts can cause weakness, particularly in the hind limbs of dogs. Tremors, unstable stance or difficulty walking (ataxia), vomiting and depression have also been seen in macadamia nut toxicity. The exact principle or mechanism is not yet fully understood, but in most cases pets return to normal within a few days.

1. Steven R. Hansen, DVM, MS, DABVT, Macadamia nut toxicosis in dogs “Toxicology Brief”, ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, Copyright 2002, Veterinary Medicine Publishing Group 1717 S. Philo Road, Suite 36, Urbana, IL 61802 
2. Hansen, S.R. et al.: Weakness, tremors, and depression associated with macadamia nuts in dogs. Vet. Hum. Toxicol. 42 (1):18-21; 2000.


THEY MAY BE SWEET, BUT THEY'RE NOT DOG TREATS
Grapes and raisins can lead to life-threatening kidney failure in some dogs and possibly in cats. Not all dogs develop acute kidney failure after exposure, but it is not a test you want to perform. So, the best solution at this time is not to allow your pet to ingest grapes or raisins. The exact mechanism of toxicity is not understood, but acute renal failure (kidney) is common with even relatively small quantities of ingested grapes or raisins. Vomiting may be one of the first signs noted within a few hours of exposure. Other signs including depression or lethargy, diarrhea, increased drinking (Polydipsia), and abdominal pain may develop within several hours to days. As with all toxicities, the sooner a veterinarian can begin decontamination and supportive treatment, the better the prognosis for your pet. A wait-and-see approach may lead to life-threatening kidney failure and a grave prognosis for your pet.

1. Katrina McKnight, BS, CVT Grape and Raisin Toxicity In Dogs Veterinary Technician February 2005 Toxicology Brief 135 ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center Urbana, Illinois
2. Means C: Health, The wrath of grapes. ASPCA Animal Watch. Available at http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/grapes.pdf?docID=189; updated 2002.
3. Mazzaferro EM: Case report: Acute renal failure associated with raisin or grape ingestion in 4 dogs. J Vet Emerg Crit Care 14(3):203–212, 2004.
4. Gwaltney-Brant S, Holding JK, Donaldson CW, et al: Renal failure associated with ingestion of grapes or raisins in dogs. JAVMA 218:1555–1556, 2001.


BAD FOR YOUR BREATH AND YOUR PET
Onions (Allium) and related plants including garlic, scallions, shallots, and leeks contain compounds that damage red blood cells which leads to their destruction by the body (hemolysis). Red blood cells are the oxygen-carrying cells in blood. This onion-related loss of red blood cells is known as Heinz Body Anemia and can be severe enough to be life threatening. Like many toxicities, onion toxicity is dose dependent, i.e. the more that is ingested, the more severe the toxic effect. It doesn’t matter if they are raw, cooked, or in powdered seasonings.

Typical effects of onion toxicity include:
  • Decreased or lack of appetite (anorexia)
  • Depression
  • Weakness
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Pale or yellow (icterus) gums, lips, whites of the eyes, or inside of ear
  • Increased breathing rate or respiration.
If promptly and properly treated, many cats and dogs will make a good recovery. But again, prompt medical attention is important.
​
Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 248, p280 Denise M. Simmons, TOXICOLOGY BRIEF Onion Breath 424 Veterinary Technician August 2001

HOLD THE GUACAMOLE
Avocados (Persea americana) contain a compound known as Persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs and cats, and potentially fatal respiratory and heart toxicity in birds and rodents. All parts of the plant contain the toxic compound Persin in various amounts, and pets should be protected from ingestion of any part of the plant.

Peterson, Michael E. , Talcott, Patricia A. SMALL ANIMAL TOXICOLOGY, Saunders 2001 p 305
​
If you know or suspect your pet has ingested a harmful or toxic substance of any kind, or if your pet is showing signs of illness, talk to a veterinarian immediately. Don’t waste precious time waiting to see if your pet recovers. Some toxicities may appear to improve but may worsen later, and lead to serious complications. Contact your veterinarian as soon as you know or suspect a problem to give your pet a better chance for recovery. Your veterinarian will be able to determine whether or not your pet needs to be seen immediately, or if home treatment or monitoring is appropriate. You may be asked by your veterinarian to contact animal poison control to secure an initial case number. The contact numbers are listed below. Please make sure your veterinarian specifies which service to call. And remember: prevention is the key!
ASPCA NATIONAL ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-888-426-4435
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the ASPCA. There is a $50.00 fee for the initial call.
​
PET POISON HELPLINE 1-800-213-6680 
This is a national 24-hour service provided by the Pet Poison Control Center. There is a $35.00 fee for the initial call.

Visible Problems with Invisible Fences

9/30/2014

 
By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.
 
Frequently my clients ask me about invisible fence systems. My advice to them is to consider several factors before spending money on this type of fencing (all brands, including Invisible Fence®). The main goal of any fence – physical or invisible – is to keep your four-legged family members safe inside your property. What pet owners often don’t realize is how vulnerable their pets can be in an invisibly fenced space. You should never leave your pets unattended in this type of fencing.

Manufacturers and installers of invisible fence systems warn owners that the fence doesn’t prevent other animals from entering your property and into the fenced area. There are several potential threats that could result in serious injury or fatality. These dangers include:
  • Roaming dogs are able to make contact with your pet (dog or cat). I have treated several dogs for bite wounds because they were attacked while inside invisibly fenced yards. Remember, too, that people are also at risk of injury if they try to break up a dog fight.
  • Predators, such as coyotes, and scavenging raccoons, skunks, and opossums, can enter an invisibly fenced yard. An encounter with a wild animal poses the potential risk for Rabies exposure or attack.
  • People have direct access to your pet. This creates a potential bite hazard, particularly for children who come in contact with your dog or cat. A pet can easily be stolen with such a system, especially if left unsupervised.

Beyond the risk of intruders, invisible fencing has other inherent shortcomings that can risk your pet’s safety. Some drawbacks are due to owner carelessness, while others occur even when the system is used properly. Following are some common scenarios that could put your pet – or others – in harms way.
  • Backup battery supplies must be monitored. Some electronic fence systems come with a backup battery supply in case of a power failure but these need to be maintained. Battery powered collars may indicate when a battery is low. However, danger arises when the pet owner forgets that the battery is low and results in a pet wandering off the property.  
  • The invisible system is only effective when the collar is worn; but sometimes it slips off. I’ve been contacted by people who have found dogs without their fence collars, wandering far from home. 
  • Some dogs get so excited about chasing an object that they run right through the fence system – despite the painful shock. Once their pursuit has ended, your pet will avoid coming back onto your property for fear of being shocked again.
  • Drivers may also be at risk when they observe a dog running in your yard toward the street. Thinking that the dog is headed out of the yard and into the roadway, they might react by slamming on the brakes. Although the dog stops right at the edge of the invisible fence, the driver just narrowly avoids an accident (or not) with the car behind them.
  • Collars used for invisible fence systems can cause neck wounds from the metal prongs (electrodes) rubbing against your pet’s skin. These electrodes must make contact with the skin to deliver an electric shock when your pet goes beyond the boundaries. The electrodes come in different shapes, with some being pointed rather than rounded, but both shapes can cause irritation. I have seen horrible neck wounds made by rounded prongs, even when the collar was tightened properly.
  • Another concern with collars and the metal electrodes in them is the pressure they put on the trachea (“wind pipe”). Smaller dog breeds are especially prone to tracheal collapse, which can be exacerbated by use of the collar, or potentially initiate the problem. For these reasons, I advise you to not leave these collars on your pets continuously, but rather to put them on only when your pet is going into the invisibly fenced area.

Like many of you, I consider my cats and dogs as part of my family. I have zapped myself with these invisible fencing collars to see what the jolt feels like. I realize most dogs and cats will learn what the warning tone means as they approach the limits of their boundaries once they’ve been shocked a few times and have been properly trained to use the system. However, I’ve concluded that this method is neither a process nor a stimulus that I’m comfortable using with my four-legged family members.  I believe there’s a better, safer way to secure your pets outside – a physical fence. Good fences make more than good neighbors. They keep your animal family members safe inside your property and predators and strangers out.

As described, many of the problems with invisible fence systems result from owner error, lack of good judgment, or misuse, but the inherent drawbacks are equally as problematic. I urge you to carefully consider the options before your purchase. If you do elect an invisible fence system, remember to watch your pet while outside. Regularly check the equipment for proper operation and your pet’s neck for signs of skin irritation from the collar.

Best wishes and keep them happy, healthy, and safe!

Do not leave your pets in the car!!

6/24/2014

 
By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.

​It’s amazing we still need to keep telling people to not leave their pets and children in a hot car. Yet, after yesterdays visit to the drug store, it’s obvious we still do. I pulled in to the parking space and got out and in the next car is a Jack (Parson’s) Russell Terrier sitting in the front seat of a car with the windows cracked about ½ inch. The dog was panting away and agitated. The car was facing into the sun and you could see the heat radiating off the car. So I asked the cashier in the drug store to make an announcement. No Go. His boss would not let him, “the disruption of customers is against store policy.”  With that information I found the shoppers on my own and had to request that one of them return to the vehicle and attend to the pup and remain with air conditioning running. They did so with great consternation and disbelief in my concern. Every year we hear about children and pets suffering from and dying of heat stroke from being left in cars. Every year it’s in the news, and yet every year it keeps happening. 
​Canines and felines do not expel heat efficiently in hot environments. ​Their main mode of heat transfer is panting and they can transfer some heat from their foot pads, nose, and ears, but they do not sweat or have the large surface area like our exposed sweating skin, to transfer heat. If the interior temperature of the vehicle is close to that of their body temperature (99 Fahrenheit -102.5 Fahrenheit) then they will not be able to cool off and can suffer from heat stroke very quickly. 

The second issue is the physics of heat collection in the car. The infrared radiation (IR) that passes through the glass into the car is trapped and far greater than the IR energy escaping the car. The car continues to heat up. Even if it’s relatively comfortable outside let’s say 75 Fahrenheit, and the windows are cracked open, on a clear day, the car can heat up to 100 degrees (F) in less than 15 minutes and can cause heat stroke and death in pets! Short faced breads like Bull Dogs, Boston Terriers, Pugs, etc, are at a greater risk of heat stroke. 

SO, what to do:
  1. DO NOT LEAVE THEM IN THE CAR!
  2. Leave them at home in cool environment and with plenty of water.
  3. Go through the drive-thru if available.
  4. If you have to take a pet with you, have someone go with you and stay in the car with the air conditioning running.
  5. Go before or shortly after sun rise or after sunset.

If you come across a pet or child left alone in a vehicle on a warm, sunny day, tell the store manager to make announcement, quickly find the owner and non-confrontationally explain that their pet is in danger of heat stroke. If you are not able to find the owner or the owner does not respond to the situation then, you may have to call the police in order to save a life! 

If your companion animal is suffering from heat stroke:
  1. Get them out of the vehicle or location and into the shade.
  2. Water them down with a hose or bottled water. Get their ears, chest, arm pits, belly, and groin wet. It should not be ice cold as this can lead to shock and can over cool them. Water soaked towels work as well.
  3. Keep their mouth wet (with a little water if conscious), and their nose and mouth clear.
  4. Get them to the veterinary hospital as soon as possible for further treatment and assessment. It is important to have them seen immediately even if they seem back to normal.  
Please, Please, Please, tell everyone you know with companion animals to never leave them in a warm car unattended! 
​

Best wishes; 
Eric R. Hurwit, DVM

Hacking up Hair Balls

6/23/2014

 

Helping Your Feline Avoid the Hair Ball Woes

By Eric Hurwit D.V.M. 

A recent visitor to GalacticPet.com had a great question about a very common problem in felines. K.S. inquired about how to treat her cat for hair balls — an excessive amount of hair swallowed by a cat, and then regurgitated. 

Q: “Hi, I’m looking for a hair ball remedy for my nine-year-old cat. She gets sick sporadically, from every four to six days, then she isn’t sick at all. 
A: The best single remedy for hair ball is grooming with a flea comb and brush. Quickly brushing your feline once a day or so eliminates the cause of hair ball, plus it helps your feline in several other important ways: 
  • Brushing removes the hair that the cat would ingest when grooming itself, which greatly reduces the chances of building up a hair ball.
  • Brushing the cat’s hair coat makes it very glossy, as combing helps to remove dander and spreads oils through the coat. A hypothesis exists, suggesting that cats secrete an inactive form of vitamin D from the skin, which is then activated by sunlight. Cats then groom themselves and ingest the active form of vitamin D. If this hypothesis is correct, grooming your cat will help them nutritionally as well.
  • Brushing helps reduce the chances of hair mats forming in the hair coat, particularly problematic in medium- and long-haired felines.
  • For many cats — though certainly not all — grooming is a calming, social bonding activity between owner and pet.
  • Brushing reduces allergens including dander and salivary proteins. Brushing removes excess hair and dander, thus reducing allergens that play a significant role in human allergies to felines.

There are many hair ball remedies available on the market, but generally I don’t recommend them. Most products just hide the cause and don’t treat the problem. Many products contain mineral oil; this can lead to digestive upset and vomiting, and potentially hinder the absorption/uptake of nutrients in the digestive track. I also advise feline owners to avoid foods labeled as “Hair Ball Formula,” and only rarely recommend the temporary use of Laxitone (mineral oil based) in small quantities when medically indicated. For example, hair ball can occasionally lead to serious medical complications when it becomes too large for the feline to expel through vomiting. In this case, a hard ball, called a trichobezoar, blocks the GI track and need to be removed surgically.

​What if your feline’s vomiting isn’t hair ball related? Unless you actually see hair regurgitated there could be another medical condition causing your cat to vomit, such as dietary intolerance, parasitism, or a systemic medical condition. Your first course of action should be to visit your veterinarian so your feline can have thorough exam in order to diagnose the problem. Don’t delay! Your feline’s health may depend on quick treatment.
 
Clearly, the best remedy for hair ball is to prevent it before it causes your feline companion any problem. Good grooming habits promote good health and provide opportunity for bonding exchange. Many of my clients report successful outcomes with this method. My personal experience with my own eight cats is more evidence that brushing is the answer to controlling hair ball without medicinal remedies or special diets. 

​Searching for the Perfect Veterinarian Part Two: Primary Vet or Clinic

8/20/2010

 
By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.

This is the second of a multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on basic questions and concerns to address when searching for a primary veterinarian. You can read Part One here.

O.K., so you’ve read “Searching for the Perfect Veterinarian - Part One” and you’ve lined up an emergency vet and have some idea of how to finance an emergency visit. So now let’s focus on finding your primary veterinarian or clinic.

Having the right veterinarian is critically important for maintaining the health of your four-legged, feathered, or scaly family member. Your veterinarian will be a source of comprehensive veterinary medical information and guidance, which will be valuable to you and your family.

As a result of your initial search for an emergency veterinary practice, you probably developed a list of facilities available in your area. If not, use our website, the phone book, or talk with family and friends, and ask them whom they would recommend. Often they have valuable information about their past experiences with local veterinarians.

Once you have a list of potential veterinary facilities, call them and collect some information over the phone. This initial phone contact is an opportunity to gather important information about the practice and to get a sense of how receptive they are to your inquiries. How they treat you on the phone is an indication of how they treat their patients. Note the following:
  • Pleasantness of receptionist - are you greeted pleasantly, given thorough answers, or are you rushed through your questions?
  • Hold time - if this is going to be your primary veterinary practice, you want prompt service. An unreasonably long hold time on the phone is unacceptable, especially in the event of an emergency. Be certain the practice has an emergency number or automatic extension to  handle your call quickly. 
  • Practice knowledge - the receptionist should be able to answer basic questions about the practice. Here are some questions you should ask, and that the receptionist should easily answer:
  • What are their hours of operation (days & hours)?
  • What are their emergency hours (if applicable)?
  • If they do not have after-hours emergency services, whom do they refer patients to?
  • How many doctors are there on staff and what are their hours?
  • Are there board certified specialists on staff? If yes, what specialties do they offer? Some specialties to inquire about include:
    • Anesthesiology
    • Behavior
    • Emergency medicine/Critical care
    • Exotics
    •  Internal Medicine
    • Oncology
    • Radiology
    • Surgery
  • Are the specialists full time or part time?
  • Are patients kept overnight? If so, who monitors them in the hospital overnight?
    • Doctor
    • Technician
    • Other
    • No patient monitoring over night. 
  • Does Hospital/Clinic have an:
    • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with Oxygen
    • Isolation ward (separate ward for contagious patients)
  • What are exam costs for:
    • Emergency
    • Acute
    • Basic Health
    • Brief Recheck/suture removal
  • How much time does the doctor allow for a basic annual exam (10, 20 minutes, or more)? Note: speed does not equal competence!
  • What are basic vaccine costs (for comparison purposes only)?
    • Rabies
    • Distemper
  • What other services does the practice offer?
    • Boarding
    • Grooming
    • Day care
    • Physical therapy
    • Alternative medicine
    • Training
    • Other
  • Does the practice accept Care Credit?
  • Which pet insurance does the practice accept?
  • What are the payment options?
    • Visa/MasterCard
    • Discover
    • American Express
    • Personal check
    • Debit card
  • Does the practice require payment before services are rendered? (Caution: some practices require you to pay or make a deposit for services, including emergencies, before your companion will be treated!)
  • Does the practice have a web site?
  • Can you refill medications through their web site?

As you collect this information you will quickly assess what each veterinary practice has to offer. Hopefully at the end of this process you will make an educated decision about which practices meet your criteria. You’ll be ready to take the next step and visit the facility for a closer look and to meet the staff. Stay focused on the most important factor, which is to find a competent, caring, and honest veterinarian who communicates effectively with you — and a doctor who also knows when they need to refer a patient for more advanced care.

​Searching for the Perfect Veterinarian Part One: Emergency Vet

8/1/2010

 

Tips to aid in your quest

By Eric Hurwit, D.V.M.

Following is the first of an multi-part series on finding the perfect veterinarian. In this article, we’ll focus on the need to have an accessible veterinarian for emergency situations.
Why the search?
Maybe you have moved to a new town, or have gotten your first pet -- or maybe you were unhappy with your last veterinarian and are trying to find a new one. Whatever the reason for your search, having the right veterinarian is critically important for the health of your new family member. It is an investment in a source of veterinary medical information and guidance for yourself and family.

This search is a task requiring diligence and patience, and depending on your location, you may have quite a selection of veterinary clinicians, clinics, and hospitals to choose from. If you take your time investigating and asking the right questions, you are likely to find the right match for you and your furry family member. Remember, you have options as a consumer and can always take your business elsewhere if you’re displeased with your current veterinary care.

While there is no way to be one hundred percent certain of your choice of veterinarian, and no one veterinarian, clinic, or hospital is going to be perfect in every way, it’s possible to find a truly competent veterinarian and facility that meets your standards and matches your personality.

The “Golden Hour”
Imagine this scenario: You have come home after work, or you’re outside working on the yard on a Saturday afternoon and you come inside to find your companion (the furry one) collapsed, or unresponsive, or suffering from a major physical trauma. You’re in a panic, confused and scrambling for the phone book to call a veterinarian. In a true emergency you may have what is called the “Golden Hour,” though usually far less, to get your pet immediate medical attention.

This scenario is one of the most unfortunate and critical situations. Unless your current veterinarian is the closest one to you and is open twenty four hours a day, you should do some research before you face an emergency:
  • First, locate the veterinary clinic or hospital that is the closest and or has the shortest driving time. They do not have to become your regular veterinarian. You’re just looking for who can provide the necessary care in the shortest time.
  • Once you have found one or more locations, call them to ask if they provide emergency care and/or if they are equipped to stabilize a patient in the event of an emergency.
  • Know their hours of service.
  • Become familiar with the driving route by either driving to the hospital and or mapping out the route.
  • Consider setting up an account ahead of time to save time in the event of an emergency. This is a particularly good idea if your pet is being treated for a current medical condition.

If your closest veterinarian does not provide twenty-four hour service, you should also know the phone number, location, and driving route to the closest twenty-four hour or overnight veterinary emergency hospital. Once your pet has been stabilized, you can always transport them to your regular veterinarian. Note that some overnight emergency hospitals are only open overnight and do not provide services during the day. They will require that your pet is picked up for transfer to a full-service hospital or taken home in the morning.

On the road
Being prepared is equally important when you are away from home. If you plan to travel with your pet, take a copy of your pet’s current medical record with you as well as a photo of your pet in case of an emergency. Take the time before the trip to make sure you know the locations and contact information for veterinary hospitals at your destination and at locations along the way if you are driving and plan to stay overnight along the way. 

Financing an emergency
Being prepared for an emergency also involves being prepared financially in order to afford the cost of emergency medical care and possibly the cost of extended hospital care. Ways to finance medical care include: 
  • Care Credit, a credit service that allows you to cover the cost of medical care by splitting up the cost into monthly payments. There are no finance charges as long as payments are made on time. You can apply for Care Credit online at www.carecredit.com/vetmed/endorsements.html or call (800) 677-0718. You can access Care Credit from our website GalacticPet.Com. Select Pet Insurance, Care Credit, then click “visit this business.”
  • Pet insurance can provide for needed financial assistance in the event of an emergency. Please visit our site and select the Pet Insurance category for the listings for Pet Insurance providers.
  • A savings account may also help in the event of an emergency. Setting aside a little money each week can help to cover your pet’s medical expenses.

In the event of a true emergency, being well prepared can save precious time and help the chances of your companion’s survival. Please take the time and effort to be well prepared. Both you and your companion will be grateful you did!
© 2017 Less Stress for Your Pet, Eric Hurwit, DVM
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