1-800-PetMeds RX/468x60.gif

Thursday, August 15, 2013

Ethanol Toxcity

TODAY'S PET TIP
Ethanol Toxicity

Ethanol is a major component of alcoholic beverages and is also included in fermented products including bread dough.

Signs of toxicity such as staggering, drooling, vomiting and lethargy occur when an excessive amount is ingested. In extreme cases, ethanol toxicity can result in death.

Treatment is usually successful and most pets fully recover.

Due to the potential toxicity and associated illness, ethanol ingestion is not recommended in pets but, it if occurs, prompt veterinary care is encouraged.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Hair Mats in Dogs

TODAY'S PET TIP
Hair Mats in Dogs


Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat.

Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat.

Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors. Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair.
Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful. For severely matted pets, it is easier and safer to see a groomer for professional help.

Monday, August 12, 2013

Seizures in Dogs

TODAY'S PET TIP
Seizures in Dogs

A seizure or convulsion is a sudden excessive firing of nerves in the brain. It results in a series of involuntary contractions of the voluntary muscles, abnormal sensations, abnormal behaviors, or some combination of these events. A seizure can last from seconds to minutes.

Seizures can occur for a variety of reasons including:

Low blood glucose (sugar)
Liver disease (called "hepatic encephalopathy")
Inflammatory or infectious diseases that affect the nervous system
Poisons or toxins
Brain tumor
Head trauma
Blood vessel disorders that affect circulation to the brain
Congenital problems
Always call or see your veterinarian if you witness your dog having a seizure.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Hair Mats in Dogs

TODAY'S PET TIP
Hair Mats in Dogs

Removing hair mats is fraught with potential complications. Many mats are firmly attached to the skin, so you must be extremely careful not to cut the skin as you cut off the mat.

Many small mats can be removed with a thorough brushing. If mats remain, try to make the mat smaller by brushing the hair near the mat.

Once you are sure that the mat can only be removed by cutting the hair, then go for the scissors. Clippers are the safest and best way to remove matted hair.
Unfortunately, most people do not own clippers and must make do with scissors. Be very careful. For severely matted pets, it is easier and safer to see a groomer for professional help.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

Onion Toxicity In Dogs!

TODAY'S PET TIP
Onion Toxicity

Does your dog sit in the kitchen while you cook, nibbling away as you chop onions with wild abandon?
Next time be careful not to let stray onions make it past your dog's lips. Dogs and cats lack the enzyme necessary to properly digest onions and this could result in gas, diarrhea, or severe gastrointestinal distress.
If large amounts of onion are ingested or onions are a daily part of your dog's diet, the red blood cells may become fragile and break apart.
Severe anemias and even death can occur if the dog ingests lots of onions and receives no treatment.

The most common source of onions for cats is in human baby food. Some baby foods have onion powder added for taste.
When consistently fed baby food with added onion powder, signs of toxicity can develop