Valentine Candy Safety It's that time of year again to show loved ones how much we care with flowers, jewelry, and that heart shaped box of candies. Just keep in mind that not all the things we enjoy are good for our pets to try and enjoy as well. If that heart shaped box is left where a furry friend can get to it, you can end up with a serious problem on your hands. Most people know that chocolate is bad for our pets, but not many know the reason why. All chocolate products contain substances called methylxanthines. This substance is found in cocoa seeds to make chocolate, in the fruit of a plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts sometimes used to make an extract for sodas. When ingested by pets it can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures, and even death. Most commonly these reactions start similar to something resembling "caffeine jitters". The darker the chocolate the more methylxanthines it has and the more dangerous it is for your pet. White chocolate has the lowest level, while baking chocolate has the highest level. Another ingredient that can cause serious harm to a pet and is lesser known is xylitol. Xylitol is used as a sweetener in products such as gum, candy, baked goods, and toothpaste. If eaten by a dog or cat, it can cause an insulin release that could lead to hypoglycemia and liver failure. The initial signs of a problem include vomiting, lethargy, and loss of coordination. This can progress to recumbency (lying down/unable to stand) and seizures. Within a few days, elevated liver enzymes and liver failure become more apparent. So be sure to keep those sweets out of reach. If your pet manages to eat products containing chocolate or xylitol call us or an emergency clinic immediately. Article: Dental Health February is National Pet Dental Health Month and there is no better time to discuss your pet's dental health than now. Did you know that dogs and cats can start showing signs of dental disease as early as 3 years old? This includes bad breath, tooth loss, painful or bleeding gums, drooling, and the presence of tartar. Dental health is an important indicator of overall wellness. Your pet's mouth is where nutrition starts and even a minor problem can cause discomfort and health problems. Keeping your pet healthy from top to bottom is important in providing a long and happy life. It's easy to keep your best friend smiling by taking just a few minutes out of the day to brush, rinse, or give them a chew. Daily brushing with pet approved toothpaste and a toothbrush is the best method of ensuring good dental health. Pet approved toothpaste is safe to swallow and can be found at most stores that sell pet supplies. For those pets that are known to be difficult, using a rinse is a great way to provide effective plaque control and help freshen your pet's breath without brushing. We recommend using C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse or C.E.T. Aquadent. Giving your dog a treat such as a dental chew or real bone helps remove plaque and can prevent it from building up as well. We carry C.E.T. HEXtra chews and offer a variety of tasty bones in our Pet Deli. Doing the above actions will help prevent plaque and gingivitis. Most pets will still need dental cleaning under anesthesia, but maintaining your pet's dental hygiene should prolong the time between cleanings. Please talk to our staff about recommendations for your pet's specific needs.