PET TALES
Newsletter from Countryside Veterinary Service
October 2007
Cats and dogs aren’t little people.
There are many things which are fine for us but harmful to them. There are many human foods that can harm dogs. Chocolate, caffeine, onions, garlic, nutmeg, grapes, raisins, avocadoes, and macadamia nuts are all potentially harmful if you’re a dog. A newer artificial sweetener called Xylitol is especially harmful. Found in gum, candy, sugar-free frosting, and diabetic baked goods, xylitol can cause hypoglycemia, seizures, and liver failure if eaten by a dog.
Onions and garlic are particularly toxic if you are a cat. These vegetables can cause a life threatening red blood cell deformity even when eaten in small amounts. Be wary with human foods that may be flavored with onion, such as gravy or soup mix. Caffeine, chocolate, grapes and raisins can harm cats as well as dogs. Tomatoes, especially the tomato plant, can be harmful as well. Milk, although not toxic, is not good for cats either. Most cats are lactose intolerant, and will experience gas, bloating, and diarrhea if given milk.
You should never give any human medication to an animal without first consulting the vet. Even those that are safe, like Benadryl, have different doses for different species. NSAIDs such as aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), and ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) are highly toxic to cats. While dogs can tolerate aspirin in most cases, acetaminophen and ibuprofen should not be given.
Pet Proof Your Home!
Most people know to child-proof their home when expecting a baby. When getting a new puppy or kitten, remember to pet-proof your home as well. Bread twist ties, paper clips, rubber bands, and string are fun to play with if you are a cat, but can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. Plastic wrap and balloons can cause choking in both dogs and cats. Curiosity really can kill a cat. It’s not unusual for a kitten to jump into the washer, dryer, or refrigerator unnoticed. Disinfectants that contain phenols (such as Lysol) are toxic to cats and should not be used to clean litter boxes or bedding.
It’s amazing what a dog will swallow. Balls, toys, socks, nylons, and towels are common items that can cause an obstruction. Batteries can cause serious harm if bitten or swallowed. Pennies minted after 1980 contain zinc, and if swallowed, can cause fatal poisoning if the zinc is exposed. Sticks can be swallowed and pierce the intestines, or they may become lodged at the roof of the mouth. The garbage is full of interesting and dangerous objects, so make sure your dog doesn’t have access to the trash, indoors and out. Make sure electrical cords are inaccessible to avoid the danger of electrocution.
What to Watch Outside
-Rat/mouse poison: can kill dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Dead rodents can contain enough poison to kill a cat or dog if eaten.
-Pesticides: can cause seizures and death after ingestion or topical exposure.
-De-icing salts: read labels to find a “pet-safe” formula. Some can cause chemical burns to feet and may be toxic if licked.
-Lattice/fencing/railings: make sure your pet can’t get stuck or strangled in the open spaces.
-Gasoline and oil: harmful if swallowed.
-Antifreeze: has an attractive smell and taste, but a few licks can be fatal. Keep out of reach of pets and children at all times
-Swimming pools/hot tubs: keep covered and restrict access to prevent accidental drowning
Holiday Hazards:
-Thanksgiving:
The small bones of a turkey splinter easily when chewed, and the pieces can cause severe damage if swallowed. Feeding your dog a high-fat meal (like turkey skin or gravy) can lead to a painful and potentially fatal condition called pancreatitis.
-Christmas:
Many holiday plants are poisonous, including mistletoe, holly, and lilies. Stagnant water in a tree stand could cause stomach upset if your pet drinks it. Angel hair, tinsel, and styrofoam could all cause choking or intestinal obstruction if eaten. Christmas chocolates should be kept out of reach of pets.
-New Year’s:
Balloons and confetti both are potential choking hazards. Alcohol is toxic to cats and dogs. Never give alcoholic beverages to your pets.
DID YOU KNOW….
When opossums are playing opossum, they are not "playing." They actually pass out from sheer terror.