As you're getting your car ready for the winter, PLEASE remember that
antifreeze is very tasty but deadly to our pets. Be sure to clean up any
spills well and properly dispose of old antifreeze that has been drained
from your cars' radiator - DO NOT leave antifreeze in a bucket that your
pet might have access to. As little as 1 oz. of antifreeze may be fatal to
a 15# dog or 1/3 oz. for an average size cat. Symptoms of antifreeze
toxicity include incoordination, vomiting, rapid breathing, and rapid heart
rate.
CANINE KIDNEY FAILURE LINKED TO RAISINS AND GRAPES
The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center is investigating a connection
between fatal kidney failure in dogs following digestion of raisins or
grapes. A recent review of the center's computerized database over the
past two years showed 10 dogs with evidence of developing kidney
dysfunction after ingesting large amounts of raisins or grapes. Vomiting,
anorexia, diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain were reported in these
patients. After aggressive treatment, which included IV fluids and
medications, half of the dogs recovered while the others died or had to be
euthanized. Because the exact role of grapes and raisins in these cases is
still unclear, the APCC is working on a collaboration study with Colorado
State University's College of Veterinary Medicine.
When asked if any amount of raisins or grapes would be safe for a dog to
consume, Dr. Jill Richardson said, "I don't know if there is a safe amount,
but until we can find out, I wouldn't recommend giving dogs any amount of
raisins or grapes."
The ASPCA has a great website worth looking over and bookmarking (I did)
....you never know when you might need it as a reference . They also
provide a number to call in case you believe that your pet has been
poisoned and needs help.
A poll released last month by ABCNews/Beliefnet shows that 43% of Americans
believe that pets go to heaven (40% do not, while 17% were unsure). This
heavenly statistic supports evidence author Scott Smith collected for his
book, "The Soul of Your Pet: Evidence for the Survival of Animals after
Death." Smith claims, "Both believers and skeptics seem unaware that human
encounters with ghosts of deceased pets are commonplace. It is far more
than a matter of personal opinion because these experiences occur in
circumstances that make them hard to dismiss as hallucinations." Among the
125 reports in the book is that of a respected veterinarian who treated an
ill horse and then advised the owners to separate it from the apparently
healthy white horse in the same corral. The owners could see no white
horse, but that one of that precise description at the corral had died a
few months before.
Hmmmmm...maybe so, or maybe that vet had a few too many before that farm call.
(grapes, I mean :) vp
PET LOSS SUPPORT HOTLINES
As pet owners, the doctors and staff here at Priest Lake understand the
deep grief that accompanies the loss of a pet. We are always willing to
help if you ever feel the need to talk to someone during a difficult
time. In addition, I have compiled some valuable professional pet grief
hotlines that are free of charge (except for normal long distance charges):
Cornell Pet Grief Counseling: 607-253-3932
Ohio State University College of Vet Med.: 614-292-1823
UI College of Vet Med.: 217-244-2273 (CARE)
TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR OLDER PET
* Put safety gates across stairways so arthritic pets don't try to climb
up or down stairs where their stiff and painful joints could cause a fall
and serious injury.
* Wipe up spills around water bowls so your pet won't slip and fall (esp
true on vinyl and hardwood flooring).
* Feed a senior diet (unless your pet is on a prescription diet) so that
your pet gets the right nutrition for his or her age, without overeating.
* Elevate food and water if your pet has trouble bending to eat and drink.
* Buy an egg crate foam pad or mattress to use under your pet's regular
bedding. These are great for older dogs with arthritis.
* Make sure to put on a sweater before venturing out into the cold (Spunky
and Marty won't go outside for their walk unless we put them on
first! Heck no , they aren't spoiled!).
* Try massage therapy for older dogs with hip arthritis. Dr. McCollum is
very keen on and knowledgeable about massage therapy in pets - I am sure
that he would give you some pointers if you are interested.
THE FATHER OF GERIATRIC PET CARE
The father of geriatric pet care is Richard T. Goldston, an internal
medicine veterinarian in Florida who co-wrote the top textbook on older
dogs and cats. He recommends that senior pets (7 and older) receive a good
senior checkup yearly - a blood chemistry profile, complete blood count,
and thyroid test. If these are normal, he follows up in a week with a
chest/abdominal x-ray and a urinalysis. "If these are normal, great. But
in 25% , we find something wrong. And this is before it's externally
obvious, so we can start treating it early. We may not be able to cure it,
but we can control it and slow down its progression considerably."
TAKING YOUR PET FOR A RIDE?
Make sure they buckle up! According to the American Pet Products
Manufacturers Association website, in a 30 mile-an-hour car wreck, a
60-pound animal will be thrown with a force of 1,200 pounds. With this
fact in mind, APPMA has started a campaign called "Be Sure to Secure" to
educate pet owners about the necessity of putting seatbelts on traveling
pets. Though it would seem easiest to simply put a human seatbelt on your
pet, it isn't a good idea. They aren't made to fit an animal's body so
they can't really protect them. Instead, pet owners should buy restraint
devices specifically made for animals. Amber Bryant
