Top Pet Health Issues

The holiday season is upon us and if you are like most pet owners, you include your pet in the season's festivities.  But be forwarned,  many seemingly harmless items can be hazardess to your pet's health.  Read on to find out what you need to keep out of Fluffy's reach.

Bones: Thanksgiving is over but holiday eating is not.  Don't be tempted to toss your dog or cat your leftovers.  Not only can bones become lodged in your pet's throat, but they can also break and puncture their stomach or intenstine.

Pine:  Christmas trees pose a triple wammy to pets.  Not only can pine needles puncture your pet's stomach, but your cat can seriously injure itself if it decides to get a better view of the room and climb up the trunk of the tree when it's not securely fastened.  In addition, make sure not to add anything  to your tree's water, as pets often use the bowl as their personal drinking fountain.

Ornaments:  Glass ornaments and sharp hooks can create serious problems if injested or stepped on.  Ouch!  Make sure to hang them high enough on the tree to be out of reach for your cat or dog.

String:  Tinsel and ribbon look great on the tree but can be a nightmare to take out of a curious pet's tummy.  Tinsel is also sharp and can tear the soft lining of the esophagus.

Cords:  That beautiful light show doesn't appear on its own.  Somewhere it's connected to a wall...by a cord...that can easily be chewed on by your pet.  Be careful!

Candles:  With a quick swat of a paw or flick of a tail, your festive gingerbread candle could turn into a house fire.  Never leave a burning candle unattended, even if you don't own pets.

Plants:  Contrary to popualr belief, poinsettias are more likely to cause stomach upset than organ failure.  However, holly and mistletoe are extremely poisonous, so make sure to hang them out of your pet's reach.

People:  With all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, it's easy for your pets to get stressed, especially with the frequent coming and going of friends and family.  Make sure your animals have a quiet place to relax and escape to if the party gets a little too hot for them to handle.  Also make sure not to leave your front door open, as they can escape.

Imagine: You are out for a walk with your dog and you come upon a rattlesnake.  Would you know what to do?  What if your pampered pooch decides to do some yard investigating when you are away and ends up with life-threatening bite?  With warm weather still upon us, rattlesnakes remain a threat.  They are present inland and along the coast, and can live in rural and developed areas.  FACE offers advice on what to do if your pet is bitten, and how to avoid the situation in the first place.

There are 30 species of rattlesnake in the world, with four residing in San Diego County.  They are most active between March and October, when the weather is warmest.  Rattlesnakes consume a diet of birds and small mammals.  Bites to humans and pets most often occur when the snake is startled or frightened. 

How can you help prevent a bite?  FACE offers the following steps:

1) Keep your dog on a leash.  Dogs are curious and may find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.  Keeping them close will minimize the risk of encountering a snake.

2) Clean your yard.  Tall grash, leaves, toys, tools--they all make perfect hiding places for snakes.

3) Keep your distance.  If you notice a rattlesnake, back away slowly.  They can accurately strike up to one-third their body length.

If your pet is bitten, keep them calm and immediately seek veterinary care.  Try to keep the bite below heart level and remove your pet's collar if bitten on the neck.  Do NOT apply a tournaquet or attempt to suck out the venom.  This will do more harm then good.  If possible, try to remember the size, shape and color of the offending snake.

Symptoms of a rattlesnake bite include:

*Swelling               

*Bleeding          

*Low blood pressure           

*Dead tissue around the wound Shock               

*Weakness

*Intense pain      

*Shortness of breath

*Renal failure

Not all rattlesnake bites contain venom, but those that do can be deadly.  It may be difficult to see where and if your pet in bitten.  Treat all rattlesnake bites as a life-threatening emergency and go directly to a vet that carries anti-venom.  It is also important to keep the number of the nearest emergency vet handy in case the bite occurs outside your vet's normal operating hours.

If you are a fan of entertainment news, you may have heard about Jessica Simpson's Maltipoo, Daisy, who was recently snatched by a coyote in front of Simpson and others.  This summer, FACE helped save the life of Kitty, who was attacked by a coyote in her owner's backyard at dusk.  Will the attacks continue to climb?  And how can you protect your dog, cat or rabbit?

It may seem unusual to spot a coyote in broad daylight or in a housing tract, but it is happening more and more.  Coyotes have peacefully co-existed with humans for hundreds of years.  But recent residential and commercial developments have uprooted coyotes from their natural habitat.  As humans encroach on native land, the land's predators have no choice but to adapt to their new surroundings.  Recent fires have also damaged their natural food supply.  Because of this, coyotes take food any way they can.  Unfortunately, the result is often the loss of someone's beloved family pet.

But there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of your furry friend becoming food.

1) Know your surroundings.  Is there open space near your home?  Have neighbors heard or seen coyotes?  Is your yard protected?  Coyotes can dig holes, jump 14 feet and run up to 40 miles an hour. 

2) Keep your pets close.  When walking your dog, keep them on a short leash and do not be afraid to pick them up if you see a coyote.  Coyotes will also hunt prey in front of humans, so there is no guarantee that your presence means safety.  FACE also recommends keeping cats indoors. 

3) Do not feed them.  Perhaps you think that feeding them will alleviate hunger, thereby eliminating the desire to munch on your cat.  Wrong!  Feeding wildlife will only make them associate humans with food, and will eliminate their healthy fear of humans.  For our safety and theirs, keep a distance.  Also, bring in your pet's food and water at night and make sure your garbage is sealed.

4) All animals are at risk.  You may think coyotes are no match for your Rottweiler, but think again.  Odds are, a coyote will not see your large dog as prey, but if desperate, will take a chance.  Even if the situation is not deadly, you dog can be severely injured.  In fall and winter, coyotes hunt in packs, which makes the situation more dangerous.

5) Be prepared.  If you ever find yourself face to face with a large predator, make yourself look bigger.  Hold your arms over your head, make loud noises.  It is also wise to carry a flashlight and pepper spray when walking.

Above all, educate yourself.  The more you know about coyotes, their habits and their place in nature, the better you and your pets will be.

A backyard barbeque can be the perfect way to start your family’s Fourth of July celebration. Watching fireworks erupt over the night sky can be the perfect way to end it. But should your pets take part in all the festivities? The ASPCA’s Poison Control Center weighs in on how you can keep Fido and Fifi safe this Independence Day.

• Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where pets can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison pets. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your pets' reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.
• Keep your pets on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your pets severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.
• Do not put glow jewelry on your pets, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestions, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.
• Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestions can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in pets.
• Never use fireworks around pets! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious pets, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.
• Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for pets, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

When disaster strikes, will you be ready? Fires, floods and other natural disasters can happen at a moments notice, and it’s important to plan ahead to ensure you and your pets reach safety. The Humane Society of the United States has compiled a list of what to do before, during and after an emergency, including what to pack in a pet first aid kit.

Find a Safe Place Ahead of Time

Because evacuation shelters generally don't accept pets (except for service animals), you must plan ahead to make certain your family and pets will have a safe place to stay. Don't wait until disaster strikes to do your research.

• Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area to check policies on accepting pets. Ask about any restrictions on number, size and species. Inquire if the "no pet" policies would be waived in an emergency. Make a list of animal-friendly places and keep it handy. Call ahead for a reservation as soon as you think you might have to leave your home.
• Check with friends, relatives or others outside your immediate area. Ask if they would be able to shelter you and your animals or just your animals, if necessary. If you have more than one pet, you may need to house them at separate locations.
• Make a list of boarding facilities and veterinary offices that might be able to shelter animals in emergencies; include 24-hour telephone numbers.
• Ask your local animal shelter if it provides foster care or shelter for pets in an emergency. This should be your last resort, as shelters have limited resources and are likely to be stretched to their limits during an emergency.

In Case You're Not Home

An evacuation order may come, or a disaster may strike, when you're at work or out of the house.

• Make arrangements well in advance for a trusted neighbor to take your pets and meet you at a specified location. Be sure the person is comfortable with your pets and your pets are familiar with him/her, knows where your animals are likely to be, knows where your disaster supplies are kept and has a key to your home.
• If you use a pet-sitting service, it may be able to help, but discuss the possibility well in advance.

When You Evacuate, Take Your Pets With You

The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets is to take them with you when you evacuate. Animals left behind in a disaster can easily be injured, lost or killed. Animals left inside your home can escape through storm-damaged areas, such as broken windows. Animals turned loose to fend for themselves are likely to become victims of exposure, starvation, predators, contaminated food or water, or accidents. Leaving dogs tied or chained outside in a disaster is a death sentence.

• If you leave, even if you think you may only be gone for a few hours, take your animals. When you leave, you have no way of knowing how long you'll be kept out of the area, and you may not be able to go back for your pets.
• Leave early—don't wait for a mandatory evacuation order. An unnecessary trip is far better than waiting too long to leave safely with your pets. If you wait to be evacuated by emergency officials, you may be told to leave your pets behind.

Disaster Supply Checklist for Pets

Every member of your family should know what he or she needs to take when you evacuate. You also need to prepare supplies for your pet. Stock up on non-perishables well ahead of time, and have everything ready to go at a moment's notice. Keep everything accessible, stored in sturdy containers (duffel bags, covered trash containers, etc.) that can be carried easily.

If you reside in an area prone to certain seasonal disasters, such as flooding or hurricanes that might require evacuation, create a kit to keep in your car.

• Food and water for at least five days for each pet, bowls and a manual can opener if you are packing canned pet food.
• Medications and medical records stored in a waterproof container and a first aid kit. A pet first aid book is also good to include.
• Cat litter box, litter, garbage bags to collect all pets' waste, and litter scoop.
• Sturdy leashes, harnesses, and carriers to transport pets safely and to ensure that your pets can't escape. Carriers should be large enough for the animal to stand comfortably, turn around and lie down. Your pet may have to stay in the carrier for hours at a time while you are away from home. Be sure to have a secure cage with no loose objects inside it to accommodate smaller pets. These may require blankets or towels for bedding and warmth, and other special items.
• Current photos and descriptions of your pets to help others identify them in case you and your pets become separated and to prove that they are yours.
• Pet beds and toys, if you can easily take them, to reduce stress.
• Information about your pets' feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems, and the name and number of your veterinarian in case you have to board your pets or place them in foster care.

Other useful items include newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, grooming items and household bleach.

Don’t Forget ID

Your pet should be wearing up-to-date identification at all times. This includes adding your current cell phone number to your pet's tag. It may also be a good idea to include the phone number of a friend or relative outside your immediate area—if your pet is lost, you'll want to provide a number on the tag that will be answered even if you're out of your home.

If You Don't Evacuate, Shelter in Place

If your family and pets must wait out a storm or other disaster at home, identify a safe area of your home where you can all stay together. Be sure to close your windows and doors, stay inside, and follow the instructions from your local emergency management office.

• Bring your pets indoors as soon as local authorities say there is an imminent problem. Keep pets under your direct control; if you have to evacuate, you will not have to spend time trying to find them. Keep dogs on leashes and cats in carriers, and make sure they are wearing identification.
• If you have a room you can designate as a "safe room," put your emergency supplies in that room in advance, including your pet's crate and supplies. Have any medications and a supply of pet food and water inside watertight containers, along with your other emergency supplies. If there is an open fireplace, vent, pet door, or similar opening in the house, close it off with plastic sheeting and strong tape.
• Listen to the radio periodically, and don't come out until you know it's safe. After the Storm Planning and preparation will help you survive the disaster, but your home may be a very different place afterward, whether you have taken shelter at home or elsewhere.
• Don't allow your pets to roam loose. Familiar landmarks and smells might be gone, and your pet will probably be disoriented. Pets can easily get lost in such situations.
• While you assess the damage, keep dogs on leashes and keep cats in carriers inside the house. If your house is damaged, they could escape and become lost.
• Be patient with your pets after a disaster. Try to get them back into their normal routines as soon as possible, and be ready for behavioral problems that may result from the stress of the situation. If behavioral problems persist, or if your pet seems to be having any health problems, talk to your veterinarian.

Did you know that one flea can give birth to 500 larvae in less than 14 days?  The tiny insects feed on the blood of your precious pooches and finicky felines and can cause itching and swelling at the bite site.  But how do you banish those nasty buggers without harming your dog or cat?  Read on to find out what so-called protective products can be dangerous.  

Poisonous pet products

Can flea and tick collars harm your health and your pet's? The answer is yes, according to a new report by the Natural Resources Defense Council. "Poison on Pets II" found that some collars release invisible toxic residues on pets' fur that can get onto people when they touch their dogs or cats. Unsafe levels of those chemicals can remain on pet fur for two weeks after a collar is placed on an animal.

The NRDC tested dog and cat fur for propoxurand tetrachlorvinphos (TCVP) after placing widely available flea and tick collars on the animals. Collars made by Hartz, Zodiac, and Bio Spot were used in the study, but any products containing propoxur or TCVP can pose serious health risks.

Both pesticides can damage the brain and nervous system, disrupt hormones, and cause cancer. These chemicals can cause a variety of poisoning symptoms from nausea and vomiting to seizures and respiratory paralysis. In large doses they can poison and even kill cats and dogs.

Children are particularly vulnerable because their bodies are still developing and they tend to put their hands in their mouths after playing with pets so they're more likely to ingest pesticide residues than adults. According to the report, pesticides in this class of chemicals have been linked to delays in motor development, ADHD, and Parkinson's Disease

Propoxur levels were so high in some collars that they pose a cancer risk in children that is up to 1,000 times higher than the EPA's acceptable levels, and up to 500 times higher for adults, the report say. Wal-Mart is working with suppliers to eliminate propoxur from the products it sells.

Luckily, you don't need toxic chemicals to banish fleas and ticks. Here are some healthier alternatives:

Try non-chemical methods first

• Give your pet regular baths with a simple pet shampoo that's free of pesticides.
• Use a flea comb in between baths. If you're short on time, focus on the areas where ticks like to hide: Between the toes, around the ears, and at the base of the tail. Check out this video for tips on combing your pet.
• Wash your pet's bedding in hot water on the same day that you bathe the animal.
• Vacuum regularly to eliminate any fleas and hidden eggs.

Choose the least toxic products.

• Avoid products that list propoxur, tetrachlorvinphos, or amitraz as active ingredients.
• Instead, look for ingredients that are considered both safer and effective such as, Lufenuron (Program), Nitenpyram (Capstar), Methoprene (Nylar), or Pyriproxyfen (Biolar). Search this product guide to find out if the products you're already using contain potentially harmful pesticides and to find safer options.
• Pills are considered the healthiest method for dealing with fleas and ticks, according to the report, since they usually contain the least toxic chemicals, and don't leave residues on your pet or in your home. Look for products with Lufenuron or Nitenpyram or talk to your vet about getting a prescription for Spinosad.
• Don't assume "natural" is always best. Essential oils, for example, are not always the safest option. Penny royal, tea tree, lavender, cinnamon, and eucalyptus oils are all very toxic to pets, according to the NRDC. Cedarwood, lemongrass, peppermint, rosemary, and thyme oils are better choices.

Want to do more? It would be far easier for consumers if hazardous chemicals weren't in the products lining store shelves in the first place. Sign a petition requesting that the EPA ban toxic pesticides from pet products.

Summer is a great time for relaxation, and no creatures are  better equipped to teach us that than our beloved canine  friends.  It’s not called the dog days of summer for nothing!   However, the  hot weather can be hazardous to your pet’s health.  Read on for tips about keeping your pampered pet safe this season.

Hot Weather Tips

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

• A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn't on year-round preventive medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.
• Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle—hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.
• Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.
• The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.
• Street smarts: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
• A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.
• Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.
• Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.
• Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length—never down to the skin, please, which robs Rover of protection from the sun—helps prevent overheating. Cats should be brushed often.
• Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.
• Having a backyard barbecue? Always keep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets' reach.
• Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump.
• Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature.

Water Safety

For a lot of families, summertime means swimming time. If your pooch will be joining you on your adventures, be it lakeside, oceanside or poolside, please read our following tips:

• Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool.
• Not all dogs are good swimmers, so if water sports are a big part of your family, please introduce your pets to water gradually.
• Make sure all pets wear flotation devices on boats.
• Try not to let your dog drink pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals that could cause GI upset.

Information courtesy of the ASPCA

When staring at a half eaten plate of spaghetti, it may seem like a good idea to let your pet finish it off.  After all, we shouldn’t let that meatball go to waste, right?  Not so fast says the ASPCA.  They warn that table scraps could be lethal, due to ingredients that are perfectly harmless to humans, but may be poisonous to pets.  Click here for their list of foods that should not be fed to your four-legged friend.

Chocolate, Coffee, Caffeine

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate. White chocolate has the lowest level of methylxanthines, while baking chocolate contains the highest.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death.

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it’s good for your pet.  Herbs and plants can be a wonderful addition to your pet’s diet, but they can also be toxic.  Veterinarian Karen Halligan shares her wisdom on the subject here.

Although they aren’t recognized as drugs, herbal and natural remedies are used for a drug-like effect. Therefore, they can potentially cause the same adverse reactions that prescription drugs can cause, including allergic reactions and interference with other prescription and/or herbal medications. Just because the label says “natural” or “herbal” doesn’t mean it’s safe to give to your cat or dog. Keep in mind that some extremely dangerous substances are natural. For instance, cyanide and arsenic are natural compounds that are certainly lethal. If cats chew on white willow bark, they essentially get aspirin in its natural form, which can be toxic.

You need to be cautious when using herbs if your dog or cat is on prescription medication such as steroids, cardiac drugs, diuretics, central nervous system drugs, hormones, antibiotics, diabetic drugs, chemotherapy agents, bronchodilators, or aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication. Pets with kidney, heart, autoimmune, liver, or thyroid disease can have serious short-term or long-term reactions to herbs. Herbs that may cause interactions with certain drugs include aloe, garlic, ginger, ginseng, ginkgo, St. John’s wort, and many Chinese herbal combinations.

Common herbs that are potentially dangerous for use in animals include:

• Pennyroyal oil
• White willow bark
• Garlic
• Tea tree (melaleuca) oil
• Comfrey
• Ma huang (ephedra)
• Coltsfoot
• Borage
• Hops
• Oil of wintergreen
• Citrus oil
• Several species of eupatorium

Here’s a summary of tips to help you make the right decisions about giving supplements to your pet.

• Talk with your veterinarian before adding anything to your pet’s diet. Your vet can guide you and give you an objective opinion on the effectiveness, safety, and toxicity potential of the supplements.
• Read labels and avoid products that make outrageous claims. Chances are, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of product labels that make wild claims to cure disease.
• Always give recommended doses.
• Don’t forget to tell your vet about any supplement you’re adding to your pet’s diet, especially if your pet is being treated for a medical condition.
• Always choose a reputable company, check out the manufacturer’s reputation, and look for quality ingredients.
• Call the manufacturer and ask questions.
• Avoid high levels of supplementation of any single nutrient unless prescribed by your vet.
• Be cautious of terms like “natural,” “holistic,” “wholesome,” and “organic.”
• Be sure to check with your vet about discontinuing all natural remedies two weeks prior to surgery.
• Cats tend to be much more sensitive than dogs and should never be given supplements without the advice of a vet.