Cats and dogs don’t metabolize all drugs like we do – and thus they can get into some serious trouble.  It’s always a smart thing to keep your medications well out of reach and to have any poison control numbers (the Pet Poison hot line is (800) 213-6680, ASPA poison hot line is (888) 426-4435), vet and emergency vet information on hand in case of any emergency.

The list below gives a description of what medications can be commonly found in some households, their symptoms and even what some of the alternative names for those medications can be.  If you’re unsure what a medication is – always check the label for the main ingredients to see what the base ingredient is or call your vet should it be a medication from your pharmacy.

NSAIDS (also known as non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, NSAID, NSAIDs, ibuprofen, naproxen, carprofen, deracoxib, meloxicam, etogesic, diclofenac) are probably one of the most common in everyone’s household.   They can cause serious issues in even the smallest doses – for dogs, stomach upset and intestinal ulcers, for cats – kidney damage. Symptoms can include vomiting, diarrhea, bloody vomitus, black-tarry stool, inappetance, lethargy, overt urination or thirst, general malaise, abdominal pain, and seizures or death.

Acetometaphin also more commonly known as Tylenol (also paracetamol and APAP), in cats, will cause red blood cell damage, and interfere with their ability to transoport oxygen.  Cats are especially sensitive.  In dogs, it can cause damage to the liver at higher doses and red blood cell damage as well.  Symptoms can include lethargy, swelling of the face/paws, difficulty breathing, brown/blue gums, vomiting, no appetite, black-tarry stool, jaundice.

Baclofen (brand names Kemstro, Lioresal, and Gablofen) is a muscle relaxant that can impair the central nervous systems of cats and dogs. Symptoms can include significant depression, disorientation, vocalization, seizures and coma, which can lead to death.

ADHD Medications (such as Concerta, Adderall, and Ritalin) used to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in people act as stimulants in pets and can dangerously elevate heart rates, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as cause seizures.

Amphetamines such as the ones listed above (ADHD) can come in a variety of names. ADD medication, ADHD medication, methylphenidate, ecstasy, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine, amphetamine, Adderall, D-amphetamine, Dexedrine, methamphetamine, Desoxyn, lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse. All of these are dangerous and can cause the following symptoms; agitation, aggression, panting, sedation, elevated heart rate, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and seizures.

Antidepressants (such as SSRIs, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Cymbalta, Effexor, Prozac, Reconcile, fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine, sertraline, Celexa, Lexapro, Paxil, Zoloft, selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors, SNRIs, duloxetine, nefazodone, Serzone, venlafaxine) can cause vomiting and lethargy and certain types can lead to serotonin syndrome – this syndrome can include agitation, elevated body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure, disorientation, vocalization, tremors and seizures.

Fluorouracil is used topically to treat minor skin cancers and solar keratitis in humans. It is rapidly fatal to dogs, causing severe vomiting, seizures and cardiac arrest even in the smallest of amounts.  Symptoms can include seizures, vomiting (with and without blood), tremors, diarrhea (with and without blood), ataxia (uncoordinated movement), and depression.

Isoniazid (also known as INH) is especially toxic for dogs.  This is generally used as the first line of defense against TB (tuberculosis).  They don’t metabolize the medication as well as other species and so it can cause a very speedy onset of severe seizures that may result in death.

Pseudoephedrine is a decongestant in many cold and sinus products, and acts like a stimulant if ingested by pets.  Symptoms can include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, changes in behavior (agitation, restlessness), increased heart rate, muscle tremors and seizures.

Anti-Diabetics (such as glipizide and glyburide) cause a major drop in blood sugar levels of pets that have injested it. Symptoms can include disorientation, lack of coordination and seizures.

Vitamin D in even the smallest amounts, (like calcipotriene and calcitriol) can cause life-threatening spikes in blood calcium levels in pets. Symptoms can include vomiting, loss of appetite, increased urination and thirst due to kidney failure.  These signs often don’t occur for more than 24 hours after ingestion.

Ace-Inhibitors ( medication such as cardiac medication, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, enalapril, captopril, lisinopril, ramipril, imidapril, benazepril, Lotensin, Capoten, Vasotec, Prinivel, Zestril)  Symptoms can include hypotension (low blood pressure), dizziness, and weakness.

Sleep Medications (such as Lunesta, Ambien, zolpidem, eszopiclone, zaleplon, Sonata.)  In both dogs and cats symptoms can include severe sedation, severe agitation, hyperactivity, aggression, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, walking drunk, tremors, hyperthermia, and respiratory or cardiovascular depression. In cats, some forms of benzodiazepines can cause liver failure when ingested.

It’s a smart idea to always keep the number of your local vet, the closest emergency clinic, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center ((888) 426-4435 open 24 hours) where you know you can find it in an emergency. And, if you think your pet has consumed something they shouldn’t, call for emergency help at once.  Most places will at least talk to you or have a triage tech on hand to see if you really need to go in or not.

Raisin and grapes – These can potentially make your dog ill, in more severe cases these can cause renal failure in dogs.  It doesn’t take much – but in most cases that are reported, the dog has eaten more then 9oz to 2lbs of raisins or grapes.  Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lethargy.

Macadamia nuts and Walnuts along with most other nuts have a high phosphorus content.  This is said to lead to possible cases of bladder stones.  Symptoms are usually weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia.  They can also show signs of distress by panting, being unable to rise or showing pain when their limbs are moved due to swelling. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Mushroom toxicity can occur in dogs and it can be fatal if certain mushrooms are eaten.  Be aware when your pooch is outside, especially if they like to eat things off of the ground.

The amanita phalloides (also known as death cap) is the most common severely toxic species of mushroom in the US but other amanita species are toxic as well. Symptoms can include; abdominal pain, drooling, liver damage, kidney damage, vomiting diarrhea, convulsions, coma, death.

Onions and Garlic contain the toxic ingredient thiosulphate. Garlic is less toxic then onions, but still bears a warning as it can still cause issues.  Pets (not just dogs) with onion toxicity will develop haemolytic anaemia, this is where the red blood cells burst while circulating in the body. Symptoms can include labored breathing, liver damage, vomiting, diarrhea, discolored urine.

The poisoning from onions will actually occur a few days after the onion has been eaten. Onion includes all types including dehydrated onions, raw onions, cooked onions and table scraps containing cooked onions and/or garlic.

Fat Trimmings can actually be harmful, but not toxic, to your pet. An overabundance can cause pancreatitis.  A condition in which is an inflammation of the pancreas – this usually has no obvious symptoms but can be damaging.  Dogs eating cat food (which is too high in protein and fat for them) can develop this as well.

Chocolate We all know and hear about this one – but what is it that actually does it? Theobromine, a compound that is a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic.  It’s usually not until the pet has eaten a lot of this that they show signs of distress, or for several hours.  But for those that have eaten it, time is of the essence – within 24 hours chocolate can be fatal.  Cocoa powder, and cooking chocolate are the most toxic forms – they contain 10 times the  amount of theobromine then milk chocolate.  So even the smallest amount can be dangerous.  Dark chocolate and semi-sweet chocolate are next in line, with milk chocolate being the least dangerous.  Chocolate also contains methylxanthines which is explained below.

Coffee and 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. Symptoms can include; vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death.

Milk and Dairy can, believe it or not be bad for both dogs and cats.  Not all of them have the enzymes necessary to break down the lactose from most forms of dairy.  This can, like in humans, cause stomach upset and diarrhea.  There are lactaid free products out there for both dogs and cats that can be used in their stead.

Alcohol – 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.

Avocado All parts of the avocado contain persin, a fungicidal toxin.  Symptoms can include vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.  For birds and rodents symptoms can include congestion, labored breathing and accumulation of fluid around the heart.  Large amounts can be fatal.

Yeast Dough (un-risen) can be harmful to your pet as well as it can cause painful and often uncomfortable gas within the pets intestines.  This can also lead, depending on the amount eaten due to the dough rising with the gas that accumulates, to rupture the stomach or intestines.  In addition, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning.
Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most, which can lead to liver failure. Initial signs of this can include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination which can lead to seizures or unusual leaning to the side.

Fruit seeds and pits mainly  apples, apricots, cherries, peaches, persimmons, and the flowering hydrangea plant have trace amounts of cyanide. Cyanide prevents the blood from carrying oxygen throughout the body.  If your pet swallows a few seeds, the body will take care of itself – it’s the larger amounts that can do some serious damage.  Cyanide isn’t released from the sead unless the cover of the seed is broken – so most of the time, it may just pass through your pets body and leave no ill effects.  For the case of pits, in most cases the larger ones, these can become lodged in the intestines and causing a few things included blockage, necrosis and fast sepsis.

Potatoes and Tomatoes the leaves and stems of these plant/food can be toxic if not fatal.  They both contain solanine (a member of the nightshade family) which can effects the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and heart heart.

Rhubarb the leaves of this plant/food can be toxic as well as fatal due to Oxalic Acid.  Symptoms may include; weakness, burning in the mouth, labored breathing, abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions, coma and even death.

Baking Powder, Baking Soda Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. Baking powder combines baking soda with an acid of some kind, usually cream of tartar, sodium aluminum sulphate or calcium acid phosphate, or a combination of the three.  Eating a large amount of this can cause your pet to have electrolyte changes, muscle spasms and congestive heart failure.

Nutmeg though high levels of nutmeg can result in death, this spice shouldn’t be within reach of your pet. Symptoms include seizures, tremors, central nervous system problems, and death.

It’s not all rays of sunshine integrating a new dog into the household.  However we can make it easier by following a few simple rules.

Crate training is a simple and effective way to teach your puppy or dog that they have a safe haven within your home. This is a place they can go to at any time to that is theirs and theirs alone.  Above all a dog’s crate should represent a place of peace, quiet, and security.  Not all puppies or dogs in the beginning will like it. In fact – most will fight you on it if you don’t give them positive and proper motivation for them to want to be in there.  After all this means that they’re not with you – and not being with you sucks!

Tips on how to crate train your dog:

• Feed them in their crate.  Doing so lets them know that not only is this a quiet spot where they can eat undisturbed, it’s also associated with food which is a positive motivator.

• Give them toys that will entertain them.  Things such as kongs with frozen peanut butter, brain toys with kibble that they have to roll about to get the food from – these will keep them busy so they won’t even notice that you’ve now walked away and are no longer there. Consider using a unique toy that the dog will only get when they are in their crate.

• Do not give in to them crying.  I know…it’s hard.  It really really is.  But the moment that you give in, a light bulb in that doggie brain will come on and say “Cool! I’ve trained the human to let me out!”  Letting a dog out when they cry gives them the reward they want the most.  You!  Of course, make sure that they don’t need to go potty (especially for younger dogs). Giving the dog some outside potty time before placing them in the crate will help you determine if it’s just them wanting out, or if it’s something more urgent.

• Leave the crate door open during the day so they can come and go as they please.  Don’t shut the door every time they go inside – let them explore on their own time when you’re home and able to supervise.

• Toss treats into the crate and say a cue word or phrase.  The cue phrase for my dogs is “Time for bed!” – they know immediately to go into the crate to get a treat and then it’s time for sleep.

• If your dog isn’t treat focused (and isn’t easily over stimulated by excited praise) praise them like the sun will never shine again.

• Respect their space – you wouldn’t like someone to intrude on your resting time when you’re laying down.  Give them the same courtesy so that they continue to see their crate as a secure space that’s only for them.

• Build up their confidence inside the crate by leaving them alone for about 5 minutes and returning with low-key, calm praise and/or treats.  When the dog is fine with this, stretch it out to ten minutes, twenty minutes, an hour…and so on.  Especially if they seem anxious – this is to teach them that they can be alone, and you will be back.

• Watch out for any routine behaviors before leaving the house such as picking up your keys, your wallet, or your purse. These cues may cause them to become distressed and associate crating with your absence. This is where distraction by using a toy and slowly increasing their time alone in the crate can help make it an enjoyable experience.

Most importantly – remember to make it fun!  If it’s not fun, positive or wonderful to be in the crate, who can honestly blame them for not wanting to be there?

Leaving the AC on and the car running isn’t always an option either – if you’re gone for a few minutes sure (I’m talking about 5, but do you really think you’ll only be gone that long?).  However if you know you’re going to be gone for longer then five minutes or so, just don’t bring the dog.  The cars engine can overheat while running idle thus causing the compressor to shut down the AC and blow hot air from the engine in order to cool things off (for the engine’s sake, not yours).

Remember that dogs don’t sweat like us – the only options they have to cool themselves down is to pant and to sweat through their paws.   They can very quickly collapse from breathing in too much hot air and suffer brain damage, die from heatstroke, or suffer damage to internal organs.

I love to have my dogs with me just as much as anyone else does – but if it’s too warm for me, it’s way to warm for them.

Here are a few links below to help with beating the heat with your furry friend;

List of states that DO have laws against leaving dogs in cars – why they don’t all have these, I don’t know.  But keep in mind that even if your state doesn’t have that law, doesn’t mean you can’t be fined, or taken to court over animal cruelty charges.

Tips to beat the heat with your furry buddy.

A post describing the symptoms of heatstroke and overheating, as well as how to help your furry friend when and if this ever happens.

Keys Manufacturing Company, Inc. of Paris, IL is recalling Pig Ears for Pet Treats because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. Salmonella can affect animals and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products. People handling dry pet food and/or treats can become infected with Salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the chews or any surfaces exposed to these products.

Please follow this link for more information.

For every client that you refer to us, should that refferal do business with us – we’d like to give you three free visits off of your next service!  Just let your friends and family know how much you love us, make sure to tell them to mention your name when they call, and we’ll happily repay your kindness not only in those three free visits, but in the wonderful service that we already provide to you and your pets!

Remember, peace of mind doesn’t have a price!  But your word of mouth is priceless to us!

The parrot that came into our lives was a Bronze Winged Pionus.  He’s half the size of what I had ever expected to get, and not nearly as brightly colored or mild-mannered.  But his attitude fills the house – and we love it.

He came to us from someone who had rescued him from a neglectful home.  Apparently the lady had married, had four children, and the bird fell to the wayside.  The children weren’t  taught proper manners when dealing with a bird – and thus when he came to me he had a ton of baggage.

He bit, he lunged, he screamed, and most of all – he didn’t trust anyone.

At first – I took it personally when this small bird whom I wanted so badly to love and have that love reciprocated, bit me.  I cried – not only from the pain of the bite (let me tell you despite being small, it hurts!), but because being a human my thought process was “He hates me!”.  In truth now – I know that it wasn’t that he hated me, I had given him no room or reason to trust me, and since I wasn’t listening to him, he said “Alright, you’re not listening – so here’s the consequence!”.

It wasn’t until I learned, both from paying attention to his signals and lots of reading, filtering of advice, time and patience -  that giving him the power of choice, is indeed a very powerful tool.

For example – in the beginning, I would go over to his cage, hold out my hand and ask “Would you like to come with me?”.  At first, this was met with an immediate lunge to bite me.  Slowly that lessened to fluffing of feathers (And if I didn’t listen, then the bite), then to turning around and giving me the butt.  Now when I ask if he’d like to come with me, he steps onto my hand and rides along.  All because I gave HIM the choice and didn’t force him.  He learned that I wasn’t as stupid as he thought I was, and was actually listening to him when he said to back off.

I’m no expert on parrots – but watching our Pionus, Nigel, grow from being an aggressive biter to the sweet and affectionate bird he is today has truly taught me to be more patient and pay more attention to those signals that not only parrots, but all animals give.

It’s taken nearly a year to get him to fly across the room to me willingly, to sit on my shoulder while I do things around the house, to nuzzle my cheek or talk to me sweetly.  But it was so worth it.

Just remember – just because they can’t speak english, doesn’t mean they’re not talking to you.  And this doesn’t apply to just parrots!