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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.
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