Common Substances Toxic to Dogs

Whether purposeful (giving your dog table food) or accidental, the ingestion of many common substances can result in poisoning in dogs. The following substances are often reported and known to be toxic and here's why!

1. Chocolate

-Chocolate can cause erosions in the gastrointestinal tract resulting in bloody vomit and/or diarrhea. Darker chocolates are the most dangerous.

2. Onions

-Onions can cause red blood cells to become fragile and burst, resulting in anemia.

3. Xylitol

- Xylitol is a sweetener found in sugarless chewing gum, candy, and some medications. It can cause a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure.

4. Grapes/Raisins

-Grapes and Raisins are known for causing kidney damage.

5. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

-NSAIDs are found in products such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve. These drugs are poorly metabolized by dogs and ingestion can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and kidney failure.

6. Over-the-Counter cough, cold, and allergy medications

-Particularly toxic are those that contain acetaminophen (Tylenol) or decongestants such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine.

7. Mouse/Rat Poisons

-Mouse and Rat Poisons can cause bleeding, brain swelling, and death.

8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications

-Amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, heart problems, and death.

For a complete list, see ASPCA's List of Poisonous Substances.

If ingestion of a toxin occurs, notify your veterinarian or emergency room facility immediately. Do not give anything by mouth unless instructed to by a veterinarian.

You may also call the 24-hour Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.
 The cost is $35 a call.

Cats and House Plants

We all want to have a bit of green in our house and what better

 way than house plants? However, house plants and felines are not 

always the best of friends. Some house plants can make your cat 

sick or even be fatal. Here are a few house plants to avoid matching 

with your cat and why! 

~Peace Lilies ~Philodendron ~Pothos ~Aloe Plant

 ~Azalea ~Peonies ~Tulips

 Some of these plants contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals and

 can cause oral and gastrointestinal irritation, foaming at the mouth,

 and inflammation when ingested. Lilies can cause kidney failure 

in cats when ingested and thus are potentially fatal. 

 For a full list of plants toxic for cats, visit:

ASCPA's List of Toxic Plants for Cats 

How to Breed your Dog Responsibly

 

We all know the benefits of spaying/neutering, so we wanted to offer tips on how to breed responsibly if you choose to do so!

~Ask yourself why you want to breed. Is it a hobby or for monetary reasons? Financial gain rarely occurs.

~All wellness/preventative care for both parents should be current. 

~Appropriate genetic testing for both parents should be performed.

~Educate yourself first: Females should not be bred until their second cycle. In some larger breeds, females should be 2 years or older. Males should be at least 1 year of age. Know when to breed and how to monitor labor.

~Establish a relationship with a veterinarian that 
provides Caesarean surgery.

~Make sure you have an ample monetary fund set 
aside for expected and unexpected expenses necessary to be successful.

~Spay/Neuter parents when they are no longer used for breeding.  

*Note: Florida State Law requires a valid health 
certificate from your vet for any puppy sold.

 More info from ASPCA here: Responsible Breeding 

Spaying and Neutering

 

Are you thinking that there's no need to spay or neuter 

your dog because a pregnancy is not possible? The real 

threats, all of which are caused by hormones in 

non-neutered and non-spayed animals, are: 

PYOMETRAS (pus-filled uterus), BREAST CANCER, 

PROSTATE CANCER, or ANAL CANCERS. 

~These are all common, serious, and expensive 

diseases that can be prevented by routine spay/neuter 

surgeries. Spaying and neutering your pet may also 

help to prevent or eliminate unwanted behaviors which 

include: inappropriate urination, aggression/fighting, 

roaming (and dancing, singing, going to bars, eating 

icecream, etc.). 

Arthritis in Pets

 You can help slow/prevent arthritis in your pet by 

maintaining an ideal weight and encouraging regular 

low impact exercise such as walking or swimming. 

~What about a dog that might already have arthritis?

Does your older dog seem "stiff" upon rising, reluctant 

to go on walks, or just less active? He or she may be 

silently suffering from arthritis. Yearly exams and 

arthritis pain medication can help bring back that 

"spring in his/her step". 

**Tylenol, Aspirin, NSAIDs like Aleve and many other 

over the counter medicines are potentially deadly if 

given to pets. Never give drugs to your pet without 

consulting your veterinarian first.

Introducing Pets

We have some tips from the Oregonian and Monique Balas on what 

to do if your pet does not like your new partner! It can create 

tension that affects your relationship with your partner and pet.

 1. Introduce a dog to a new person on neutral turf, such as a dog 

park. If the dog growls, lunges, or barks, stop the introduction as 

aggression and anxiety may be caused by fear.  

  2. Never force the interaction; it's best to allow the animal to 

approach on its own terms.

 3. Always let the pet decide when it is ready to approach a new 

person. Pet "Fido" on the chin/chest which is less threatening 

than a pat on the head. You can also introduce a partner by 

leaving his/her shirt at your home, giving your pet a chance to 

sniff him/her first. 

 4. Allow your partner to give your pet treats and food and play 

its favorite games. The majority of the feeding should be done by 

the person who wants to strengthen the relationship with that 

animal. Keep the pet's routine the same and involve your partner.   

 *Additionally: PATIENCE is key! Most dogs tend to come around 

after 2-3 interactions with a new person.