Where’s your bagel? Look no further than the furry breakfast bandit hiding under the table. Dogs will stop at nothing to savor the delicacies of people food. But many “table scraps” are not safe for pets. In fact, in 2007 alone, 130,000 calls to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center involved poisoning from common human foods and household items. Most dog people know about the dangers of chocolate poisoning, but what about other foods? Petplan vets line up the top toxic table foods to keep out of paw’s reach.
Raisin’ Hell. So sweet and delicious, it’s a shame we can’t share grapes and raisins with our furry friends. But even a small amount can cause kidney failure and even death for some dogs. In fact, just recently a Brittany Spaniel covered under Petplan racked up a $1,600 vet bill after devouring an entire canister of raisins. Thanks to excellent vet care, she’s back in action. Read her story here. http://www.petinsurancereview.com/petplanUS.asp
Not Nuts about Nuts. Many varieties of nuts can have a devastating effect on a dog’s nervous system. Walnuts and macadamia nuts especially are highly toxic to dogs, causing a range of symptoms from vomiting to paralysis to death.
Hold the Onions. Dogs generally aren’t big fans of onions, but if they just so happen to be on top of a delicious hamburger, they’ll likely make an exception. Unfortunately, repeated ingestion of onions can wreck havoc on a dog’s red blood cells causing anemia, and difficulty breathing.
Skip the Gauc. Avocados contain persin, a component that’s safe for people but often very dangerous to dogs. Ingestion of avocados in any form can cause heart, lung and/or tissue damage in dogs.
Candy Culprits. Many candy and gum products contain Xylitol, a common sweetener (often found in diet products) that can cause a major drop in a dog’s blood sugar. Dogs can experience seizures, loss of coordination and even long-term liver damage after eating certain candies and chewing gum products.
The Buzz on Caffeine. Caffeine is a definite no no for dogs. Not only will it them make restless and anxious, but can cause heart palpitations and damage to their central nervous systems.
Fortunately, most people foods won’t hurt your dog. But since certain ingredients are problematic (not to mention high in calories), it’s best not to sneak treats to your dog directly from the table. In the meantime, remember not to leave your meals unattended and to keep telephone numbers for your regular veterinarian, the nearest 24-hour vet and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center number (888) 426-4435 close at hand. This way, if your dog does manage to nab a whole box of brownies from your kitchen table, help is as close as your phone.
Being cute and furry is a big job, but somebody’s got to do it. Fortunately, your pet’s a pro. And the perks aren’t bad either: fresh daily meal service, flexible napping hours, and of course, the love and doting attention of the boss (that’s you). It’s hard to imagine too many pets cracking under the pressure of this gig. And with no mortgage to pay, or schedule to keep, what could possibly stress out your cat or dog? It all comes down to people. Somehow, without even meaning to, humans can manage to press our pets’ panic buttons. In fact, a recent study from the University of Florida showed that pets pick up on more human behavior than we previously understood. Of course, just because your pet is stressed, it doesn’t mean that they’re picking up vibes from you; anxiety can exhibit in our pets for a number of reasons including separation anxiety, noise aversion (thunderstorms, loud traffic), even things like new pets in the neighborhood!
So how do you know if your pets are stressed? The good news is, your cats and dogs aren’t reading the evening stock reports or worrying about layoffs at the office. They watch you, and respond to your tone, body language and general disposition. If you’re stressed, your pet may be too. Here’s what to watch for:
Destructive Tendencies. Your cat sharpens her claws on your bedspread. Your dog dines on your leather handbag. This is how they relax?
I Am Dog, Hear Me Bark. Stressed-out pooches can become what we might term whiney! The “stress” vocalizations are most often monotonous and persistent whining, barking or even howling.
Saliva Shoelaces. Anxiety can cause an increase in drooling and salivation so extra ropes of goopy saliva around the muzzle or puddles of thick saliva around the house can be an indication.
All Shook Up. Just like us, your pets may shake and tremble when they’re stressed or nervous.
New Bathroom Habits. Your pet usually makes it to the yard or litter box, but suddenly he’s leaving presents in new, unusual and generally undesirable places.
Keep Your Hands To Yourself. Your generally docile dog or cat may snap, growl or otherwise lose his temper when he’s under pressure. Approach with caution.
Hide and Go Seek. Your pet passes up his favorite spot on the sofa to cower under the bed or behind the drapes.
A Touch Of OCD. Your dog licks the same spot on his leg or your cat obsessively grooms her belly until the fur falls out. Frightening? Positively hair-raising.
What’s a pet parent to do? Your first stop is your veterinarian’s office to rule out medical conditions that may contribute to your pet’s new behaviors. For example, cats with urinary tract infections might pee on the floor. Or, dogs with unmanaged pain might growl or snap. It’s incredibly important to rule out underlying medical reasons, usually accomplished with a full physical exam and usually blood, urine and/or stool tests.
If your vet determines that your pet is stressed, they may recommend behavioral training alone or in combination with anti-anxiety medication. Some Petplan vets also suggest “pheromonatherapy” pet products that release pheromones to calm and soothe a worried pet. Try Feliway for cats and DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) for dogs.
Life’s stressful sometimes, even for pets. By working with your vet, you can help keep yours happy on the job for years to come.
While it may look like there are coffee grounds in your cat’s ears, there isn’t (after all, what would coffee grounds be doing in your cat’s ears!?). Those little black crumbs are the work of the mighty mite. Ear mites! These parasites are an extremely common problem in our feline population and, left untreated, the itching and irritation caused by ear mites can severely damage your cat’s eardrums and hearing. Fortunately, a trip to your vet can stop mites in their tracks. But first you need to know the signs of the offending organism when you see them.
Ear mites are microscopic parasites that look like tiny ticks and take up residence in your cat’s ear canals. And, though mites don’t pierce the skin or suck on blood like fleas or ticks, they do cause serious itching. So infected cats often paw at their ears and shake their heads a lot to try to get some relief. Eventually, the ear canals will start to bleed producing small crumbs of dried blood that look like coffee grounds. Check your cat’s ears from time to time. If you notice these little black crumbs, a strange odor or even an extra build-up of ear wax, make sure to bring your cat to her veterinarian.
Here’s the good news. Treatment for these critters is available and very effective. The bad news? Ear mites are highly contagious and, though they don’t transfer to humans, any other cats and dogs in the household will likely need treatment for ear mites too.
Fortunately, your vet will know just what to do. But you can help too by not cleaning or treating your cat’s ears prior to her exam; looking at the discharge is one of the most useful diagnostic steps for your vet. Even though ear mites are common, it is possible to confuse them with other feline ear infections. Your vet will conduct a thorough exam of your cat’s ears and may take a swab of discharge to confirm the diagnosis before treating your kitty with a topical insecticide. Most modern medication requires only one treatment but with severe infections, or in cases of re-infection, more than one application may be necessary.
Once you get your kitty back home, it’s only a matter of time before all the itching is gone. And those sensitive little ears can get back to their top job -- listening for the sound of your voice (while you open the treat jar, of course).
Lucky for your pets, you’re ready for anything. As their personal “Pet First-Aider you make it your responsibility to keep a handy pet first aid kit well-stocked and ready to go.
At Petplan pet insurance we recommend a simple, easy-to-carry kit, complete with the most useful items for most pet emergencies.
Your Basic Pet First Kit Includes:
· Gauze
· Nonstick bandages
· Towels, or strips of clean cloth
· Adhesive tape
· Milk of magnesia
· Activated charcoal
· Hydrogen peroxide
· Digital thermometer
· Medicine dropper
You can even find ready-made kits at pet stores. Just make sure to personalize yours with your pets’ vaccination and medical history, and contact numbers for her vet and emergency after-hours vet clinic.
When you take the time to prepare in advance, you’ll be ready for the pet accidents and injuries you never saw coming. The American Red Cross can help. Many local Red Cross chapters offer pet first aid classes. Just type in your zip code on www.redcross.org to find class listings for your local chapter. Or, stop by the Red Cross store to pick up their comprehensive dog and care first aid guides complete with DVD demonstrations.
http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=95
http://www.redcrossstore.org/Shopper/Product.aspx?UniqueItemId=160
It’s so strange. Your dog whines and cries when you take him outside to get the mail in winter but when he’s actually in pain, he doesn’t make a sound. Many pet parents are stunned to learn that their pets suffer from chronic pain. Where was the whimpering, the limping, the obvious signs of physical distress?
The truth is that pets and people behave very differently when they’re in pain. Thanks to the International Association of Veterinary Pain Management (IAVPM), it’s easy to learn the signs of pain in companion animals. With your careful attention and your vet’s expertise, you can help your pet live pain-free.
The IAVPM recommends watching your pet for these signs of pain:
Posture. Is your pet’s posture changing all of a sudden? If he starts arching his back, drooping his head or tucking in his abdomen more than usual, he many be compensating for the pain.
Temperament. Everybody has bad days, but if your sweet dog starts acting aggressively, avoiding social interaction or even hiding from people and other dogs, suspect pain of some kind. Similarly, if you notice your cat that usually spend time with the family suddenly passing the day under the bed or in a closet; another indictaor of pain or discomfort.
Vocalization. Although much more rare than other signs, some pets will actually cry out when they’re in pain. If your cat or dog voices a complaint, don’t wait. Take your pet to the vet.
Movement. Sometimes moving as little as possible helps pets manage their pain. So if you notice your cat or dog sitting or lying down most of the day, take note.
Appetite. When chow-hounds and cats suddenly beg off at dinner-time, you know something’s wrong. Decreased or no appetite is a strong signal to get to the vet.
Grooming. Your kitty usually takes pride in her immaculate coat. But you’ve noticed she’s not as clean and well-groomed as usual. She could be restricting her movement to avoid triggering the pain.
Nobody knows your cat or dog like you do. So you’ll likely be the first one to notice when the pain’s got him down. But with your love and attention, you can help stop pain in its tracks. Ask your vet for help and, together, you’ll get your pet feeling like his old self again.
Gazing into your pet’s eyes -- it’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. As a pet parent, it’s one of your top priorities. After all, regular home eye exams are the first step in keeping your pet’s eyes healthy. And there’s no better way to bond with your pet. So take the time to look closely at your pet’s beautiful eyes to pick up on signs of infection or injury. Here’s what to look for:
Perfect Pupils. Some pets’ left and right eyes have slightly different sized pupils. But if you notice one pupil changing in size, it may be an indication of infection, trauma or neurological disease that needs your vet’s attention.
Bright Eyes. Look closely at the tear production and color of your pet’s eye. Some tear production is normal. However, if your pet’s eyes tear profusely, it could be a sign of a disease process like an allergic reaction or even a foreign body in the eye that could damage the cornea. Excessive redness of the eyelid or eye itself can also tip off your vet to conjunctivitis, allergies or other conditions of the eyes that can often be treated with prescription eye medications.
Clear Views. One of the most obvious changes you might see in your pet’s eye is a change to their lenses. Like humans, pets are prone to diseases like cataracts and glaucoma and a change in the clarity of eye is often the primary sign of these diseases. If you notice graying of any part of the eye underneath the surface (or “cornea”), have your pet seen by their veterinarian.
Smooth Surfaces. Even a slight scratch to your pet’s eye can be extremely painful. Often, your vet will need to stain the eye to see any cuts or areas of ulceration so if your pet’s eye seems sore (rubbing at the eye or squinting can be signs of this), seek veterinary care immediately to prevent further damage. Don’t worry about the bills. Just stay current on your Petplan pet insurance, and all veterinary costs for injuries are covered in full.
So go ahead, gaze away. It’s not only a healthy habit, but the highlight of your pet’s day.
It’s so unfair. Your dog can roll in dirt and still her fur looks fabulous. What’s her secret? A healthy scalp, of course. Naturally shiny fur is the hallmark of a thriving pup. Now your doggie diva can get that fresh-from-the-groomer look every day. Just read on for the healthy coat tips every pup parent should know.
Good Fur Day Foods. A gorgeous coat starts with a balanced diet. So choose the highest-quality food you can afford with no grains, corn or added fillers. Read the food’s ingredient label to ensure a daily balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. And for that extra shiny coat (and a flavor boost to boot), mix in a splash of fish oil when you serve up a scoop. Your dog will thank you for it.
Shampoo Schedules. The natural oils from your dog’s skin keep her coat glossy, so it’s best not to rinse them away with too-frequent baths. Your vet can help you set the right shampooing schedule for her breed. When you do wash your dog, just make sure to use a mild pup-safe shampoo to avoid itchy skin under all that fur.
Brisk Brushing. Brushing is excellent way to bond with your dog. So take the time every few day to brush away dandruff and massage her scalp. The American Kennel Club recommends brushing all the way down to the skin to stimulate circulation and relax the lucky pup.
Go for the Glow. The benefits of fresh air and exercise shine through in your dog’s coat. Keep her active and well-hydrated, and before long, she’ll have that cover dog fur every dog desires.
Pop Quiz: When was the last time you brushed your pet’s teeth?
Yes…actually brushed them, with a pet toothbrush and toothpaste (poultry or fish flavor, anyone?). If the answer is “uh…never,” you’re right in line with most pet people in the US. But your pet’s teeth need your attention. According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats get periodontal disease by age three. At Petplan we see all the dental care claims that come in that could have been avoided with a few simple measures. And worse, this totally preventable disease can take two to five years off your pet’s life. So the time has come to brush up on your pet’s dental health. Here are just a few things to you can do to prevent dental disease in cats and dogs.
Brush daily. It can reduce tartar formation by as much as 95%.*
Dry it, you’ll like it. Try switching out your dog’s wet food for dry kibble. Dry food doesn’t adhere to teeth and promote bacterial growth as quickly.
Plaque Off! For pets who resist brushing, consider applying plaque prevention products for extra help. http://www.amazon.com/OraVet-Treatments-x-2-5-mL/dp/B000M5P8D2
It’s worth a shot. Help protect your pet from some types of bacteria that cause peridontal disease and tooth loss. Ask your vet about whether or not your pet would benefit from the Pfizer Porphyromonas vaccine.
Go with a Pro. Just like us, pets’ teeth are healthier and their smiles are brighter after having their teeth professional cleaned. If your vet thinks your pet’s teeth need to be cleaned, make sure to schedule the appointment. It’s a positive step for his long-term health (not to mention his breath).
*According to Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine
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